In the biggest game of the weekend, the #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Wisconsin to take on the #18 ranked Badgers. Last Week, Ohio State jumped to the top spot of the polls with a blowout win over Indiana coupled with Alabama losing to South Carolina. The Buckeyes are used to being the hunted since they have won or tied the previous five Big Ten Titles. The Buckeyes will need this experience as they travel to the “Madhouse in Madison” for a nationally televised night game.
The Buckeyes have reached this point of the season undefeated led by a big play offense and a stingy defense. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor (who is among the leading contenders for the Heisman Trophy) beats opponents by throwing deep balls to Dane Sanzenbacher and DeVier Posey or with his legs. The Ohio State running game also features the underrated tandem of Daniel “Boom” Herron and Brandon Saine. Defensively, the Buckeyes swarm to the ball led by linebackers Brian Rolle and Ross Homan. If the Buckeyes have any weakness on defense, it is that Ohio State lacks a strong pass rush and that other than Cameron Heywood, the defensive line lacks playmakers.
The Badgers have long been defined by their rushing attack. Running Back John Clay is arguably the best in the Big Ten Conference and he has a capable backup in James White. Scott Tolzien is an underrated Quarterback who (unlike recent Wisconsin teams) has a multitude of options to throw to. Lance Kendricks follows in the footstep of Travis Beckum and Garrett Graham as quality Badger Tight Ends. Wisconsin also has capable receivers in David Gilreath, Nick Toon and Issac Anderson to go along with their star Tight End. On defense, the Badgers have a no-name group who has gotten the job done for the most part this year. Hard hitting safety Jay Valai and J.J. Watt are the most talented players on that side of the ball.
This is a career defining game for Wisconsin Head Coach Bret Bielema. Bielema (since taking over for Barry Alvarez) has maintained the Badgers as a contender in the Big Ten Conference. He took the league by storm in 2006 by going 12-1 in his first campaign in Madison. However, he lost to Michigan and didn’t play Ohio State that season. Since then, he has gotten close to joining the conference’s elite but could never break in. His signature wins in Conference play have been over a four loss Penn State team in 2006 and a four loss Michigan team in 2007. A win Saturday night would finally give Bielema a signature victory.
Wisconsin will be energized by it's crowd and will keep the game close or even take a lead sometime in the second half. Expect Pryor to make a big play late in the game (like his game winning touchdown run in 2008 at Wisconsin) and for Ohio State to win. As much as this looks like it could be an interesting upset pick due to the circumstances and the hype surrounding this game, Ohio State has far superior athletes compared to Wisconsin. In fact the Michigan, Penn State and Iowa seem to get better athletes than the Badgers. Even though recruiting rankings don't win football games, Bret Bielema's coaching is not good enough to lead his underdog squad over the Buckeyes.
Prediction: Ohio State 27-17
Wisconsin will be energized by it's crowd and will keep the game close or even take a lead sometime in the second half. Expect Pryor to make a big play late in the game (like his game winning touchdown run in 2008 at Wisconsin) and for Ohio State to win. As much as this looks like it could be an interesting upset pick due to the circumstances and the hype surrounding this game, Ohio State has far superior athletes compared to Wisconsin. In fact the Michigan, Penn State and Iowa seem to get better athletes than the Badgers. Even though recruiting rankings don't win football games, Bret Bielema's coaching is not good enough to lead his underdog squad over the Buckeyes.
Prediction: Ohio State 27-17
