I believe we 'can' win because these are 18-23 y/o kids/men; they are not pros (although some are pro ready; most on OSU's sideline, unfortunately). They can (and will) make mistakes on the field; they aren't pros, who also make mistakes. How many, idk. Maybe OSU makes a lot more than NU.
We have a DC who has proven to field a very good Defense on numerous occasion in his career. If Our guys play outta their mind on D, we know Diaco can game-plan a winning defensive strategy as DC. He did it (with unbelievable talent, mind you) at ND. Will NU play virtually mistake free defense + Will Diaco's scheme work vs. OSU's offensive gameplan? again, idk.
We have a number of WRs that have proven to be able to make big plays, one way or another; and we have seen Tanner Lee be able to deliver the ball to them when given adequate time (although we have also seen him make mistakes, both, under duress & relatively unhurried). Can Tanner Lee is 'pro style' QB; can he deliver a 'pro-level' performance, and can the WRs replace their drops w/ even more big plays?
Can the O-line put together just one period of 60 minutes in which they perform like an elite level line?
Most of these scenarios are unlikely... but they 'can' happen.
OSU 'can' also cover their spread; and the game 'can' get ugly.
but i'll stick w/ my original prediction; NU is within two possessions heading into the 4th, but OSU pulls away.