Ohio State vs Wisconsin Preview

The big question in this game is whether Wisconsin has any kind of hangover from that loss in East Lansing. That was a devastating way to lose a game, so will they be able to get over it and show up for this game?


Ohio St. Offense vs Wisconsin Defense


Wisconsin is much better equipped to stop the run than Illinois was, so Ohio State will not be able to throw the ball 4 times and stay in this game. Michigan State showed the blueprint to beat this team. They beat them with the passing game. Wisconsin's defensive backs are not great and they miss tackles. Unfortunately for Ohio State, they don't have a senior pocket passing QB or any great receivers like Michigan State does. The key for Ohio State is to play like they did in the first 3 quarters against Nebraska. In that game, they kept Nebraska's defense off balance by throwing screens, designed QB runs, and quick passes. Wisconsin will blitz all night long and will have 8-9 guys in the box. Ohio State will have to be able to throw the ball to have any shot of moving the ball.

Advantage: Wisconsin Defense

Wisconsin Offense vs Ohio St. Defense


Ohio State will need to do much better at stopping the run than they did against Wisconsin last year. Last year, in Madison, Wisconsin lined up and manhandled the front 7 all night. Ohio State is better equipped to handle that this year because their defensive line and linebackers are bigger and the defensive line is deeper. Michigan State showed that Russell Wilson will make mistakes if you get pressure on him. The problem for Ohio State is that they have had trouble getting to the QB all year. Ohio State has been more willing this year to put their corners in man to man coverage than they have in years past, where they played almost all zone. That leads me to believe that Ohio State will load the box to stop the run, and put their corners out on islands vs the Wisconsin Wide Receivers.

Advantage: Ohio State

Advantages


QB: Wisconsin
RB: Even
WR: Wisconsin
TE: Even
OL: Even
DL: Ohio State
LB: Even
DB: Ohio State
Special Teams: Ohio State
Coaching: Wisconsin


Prediction: Both offenses will start out successful, but the defenses will settle in after the first couple of series, which will lead to a slugfest all night. The two keys to the game for Ohio State are whether Ohio State's defense can stay fresh through the 4th quarter, and whether Ohio State's offense can put together any semblance of a passing game. I suspect the Ohio State defense will keep it close, but I don't think the offense will be able to put up enough points to pull it out.  I see it as Wisconsin: 27  Ohio State: 17