​Oct 31, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Aidan Chiles (0) breaks away from Oregon Ducks linebacker Nasir Wyatt (31) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. © Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesNorthwestern faces a tough challenge against perennial powerhouse Ohio State this Saturday, and it will do so without a key piece.On Wednesday, reports said quarterback Aidan Chiles was ruled out with a lingering upper-body injury.And fans expressed dismay at the development:With Chiles out, backup Nicco Marchiol is in line to start yet again. He completed 75% of his 32 attempts for 181 yards and a touchdown to Joseph Himon II in a 10-24 loss to Iowa last Saturday.Northwestern HC David Braun unfazed by Wildcats’ streak of futility in Columbus ahead of Ohio State clashWhat makes Northwestern’s task even more daunting, besides the loss of Aidan Chiles, is that the Wildcats haven’t won at Ohio Stadium since 1971. However, head coach David Braun sees it as motivation.During his presser on Monday, he said:“Don’t fall into the trap of looking at Ohio State’s record and thinking that some would view it as a so-called upset. Like, objectively, the way that (Buckeyes HC Ryan) Day runs that program, the way they coach those guys, the talent that they have… there’s this acknowledgment of who they are.But then it’s being objective on what this needs to look like in our preparation and our plan to go into Columbus and expect to bring a win back.”Kickoff for the Northwestern-Ohio State game is at 11 a.m. CT.ALSO READ:“The Heisman Trophy Winner of 2026 Is Jeremiah Smith”: Urban Meyer Makes Bold Prediction Despite Ohio State’s Struggles“Going To Take Some Big Swings”: Insider Reports Florida State Eyeing Two Main Candidates Over and Above Jimbo Fisher as Mike Norvell’s ReplacementCollege Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!