Ohio State was a middle of the pack team in the Big Ten during the 1948 season.  Northwestern, on the other hand, was near the top. The Buckeyes had to travel to Dyche Stadium on October 30, 1948, to face a Top Ten Northwestern squad in front of 47,000 purple rooters. Tied 7-7 at halftime, Northwestern's Johnny Miller put the game away with touchdowns in each of the two final quarters to lead the Wildcats to a 21-7 victory. This may have been Bob Voigts' best Northwestern team as their only two losses were to National Champion Michigan and second ranked Notre Dame. They traveled to Pasadena and defeated No. 5 California, 20-7, in the Rose Bowl to finish the season 7-2 and ranked seventh in the country.

Program is in condition.