Bucky and the Badgers come to town Saturday
Dave Thurman (5:44 pm)
Ohio State, fresh off of a bye following a win that may have saved their season, prepares to host Wisconsin, whose hopes of reaching the National Championship Game came crashing down last weekend in East Lansing. This is a big game that will be played in prime time, and provides the Buckeyes a chance to salvage a "lost" season and reclaim some national swagger. Two teams that love to play old-fashioned smash-mouth football will take center stage in Columbus, and while it may not have the glamour some would have thought six months ago, it is still a big stage and a game that will have major implications in the newly formatted Big Ten Conference.
The most interesting facet of the game may be the irony. A few months ago Ohio State figured to have a huge advantage at quarterback with Terrelle Pryor at the helm, returning for his senior season. Wisconsin, on the other hand, had a large void at signal caller, as Scott Tolzien used up his eligibility. Who would have guessed, then, that the Badgers would have a senior at the helm in Russell Wilson, while OSU would turn to a freshman in Braxton Miller? The Scarlet and Gray hoped to have a Heisman candidate lining up behind center and instead that distinction belongs to Wisconsin.
The other thing I find to be ironic is that Ohio State can make their season with a victory, but not many expect them to win, whereas Wisconsin has to win or watch what they thought would be a special season go down in flames. The shoe is on the other foot from previous years, which is kind of fun if you are a Buckeye fan.
When Wisconsin has the ball:
The Badgers roll into town with one of the fiercest offensive units in the country, averaging 512 yards and over 47 points per game. True, some of their competition hasn't been strong, but last weekend they scored 31 points against a very stout Michigan State defense, albeit in a losing effort. As usual, UW runs the ball with great success, featuring two excellent backs behind their usual behemoth line. Monte Ball is the power back, and has run for 768 yards and an eye-popping 17 touchdowns. James White is more of a scatback, who relies on making cuts, and has another 458 yards. Defenses also need to beware of Russell Wilson, who averages 6.6 yards per carry when he decides to tuck it and run. Ohio State, which has struggled at times against the run, will have their hands full stopping the Badger running attack.
Ohio State, fresh off of a bye following a win that may have saved their season, prepares to host Wisconsin, whose hopes of reaching the National Championship Game came crashing down last weekend in East Lansing. This is a big game that will be played in prime time, and provides the Buckeyes a chance to salvage a "lost" season and reclaim some national swagger. Two teams that love to play old-fashioned smash-mouth football will take center stage in Columbus, and while it may not have the glamour some would have thought six months ago, it is still a big stage and a game that will have major implications in the newly formatted Big Ten Conference.
The most interesting facet of the game may be the irony. A few months ago Ohio State figured to have a huge advantage at quarterback with Terrelle Pryor at the helm, returning for his senior season. Wisconsin, on the other hand, had a large void at signal caller, as Scott Tolzien used up his eligibility. Who would have guessed, then, that the Badgers would have a senior at the helm in Russell Wilson, while OSU would turn to a freshman in Braxton Miller? The Scarlet and Gray hoped to have a Heisman candidate lining up behind center and instead that distinction belongs to Wisconsin.
The other thing I find to be ironic is that Ohio State can make their season with a victory, but not many expect them to win, whereas Wisconsin has to win or watch what they thought would be a special season go down in flames. The shoe is on the other foot from previous years, which is kind of fun if you are a Buckeye fan.
When Wisconsin has the ball:
The Badgers roll into town with one of the fiercest offensive units in the country, averaging 512 yards and over 47 points per game. True, some of their competition hasn't been strong, but last weekend they scored 31 points against a very stout Michigan State defense, albeit in a losing effort. As usual, UW runs the ball with great success, featuring two excellent backs behind their usual behemoth line. Monte Ball is the power back, and has run for 768 yards and an eye-popping 17 touchdowns. James White is more of a scatback, who relies on making cuts, and has another 458 yards. Defenses also need to beware of Russell Wilson, who averages 6.6 yards per carry when he decides to tuck it and run. Ohio State, which has struggled at times against the run, will have their hands full stopping the Badger running attack.
However, what makes Wisky special this year is the passing game, as Wilson has completed 73% of his throws, tossing 17 touchdowns, and only 3 picks. Believe it or not, the Badgers average more yards through the air (259.6) then they do on the ground (252.1). Always known for great tight ends, this year's squad boasts two fabulous wide receivers in Nick Toon (27, 505, 6) and Jared Abbrederis (30, 482, 2). This would have been a good team without Wilson, but when he transferred in from NC State, it made Wisconsin a dynamic offense and a great team.
The one piece of good news for Ohio State is that they have done a good job handling power teams who run up the middle. If they can limit Wisconsin's success running the ball, and make them more one dimensional, it will give them a chance at victory, but it will be hard to slow down this juggernaut offense.
When Ohio State has the ball:
Run, run and run some more. That's what OSU hopes to do. Not only is that what this team does best, it will also keep Wisconsin's offense off the field, which is vital. How well the Bucks can control the tempo, and rush the football, will determine whether or not they can stay in this game. The good news is that this is a rested team, with a big, talented line, and a stable of backs, plus a quarterback who can run. The bad news is that the one team to have success against the Badgers (Michigan State), did most of their damage through the air. Clearly, this is a game when Devier Posey could have had a big impact for the Buckeyes, and without him, and featuring a young quarterback, the odds are stacked against Ohio State's offense.
Look for the young Bucks to feature lots of Boom Herron, who looked good against Illinois, and mix in some quarterback sprints and draws. They would love to use the same type game plan that succeeded at Illinois, with a little more pass mixed in. It would be great to use Herron, Hall, and Boren out of the backfield, and throw a handful of passes to tight end Jake Stoneburner, but nobody is holding their breath. While a couple of long passes to Philly Brown would soften the Badgers' defense, I think it is imperative to throw more short and intermediate routes, and not depend on the bomb. Although this is a good Wisconsin defense (286.7 ypg and 13.6 ppg), their secondary is pretty average in my opinion, and Miller should have some success throwing the ball, if he has time and can stay poised.
Players to watch when the Badger defense is on the field are Ohio native Chris Borland, who leads the team with 71 tackles (10 for loss) from his middle linebacker position, and Mike Taylor, an outside backer who has chipped in 64 stops. The best pass rusher is end Louis Nzegwu who has five sacks. As a team they have only forced 10 turnovers which is fairly pedestrian but it hasn't mattered since their offense has only given the ball to the opponent five times.
It is imperative that Ohio State rushes for at least 200 yards, takes care of the ball, and throws well enough to keep the Badgers honest (100-150 yards through the air). While that is possible, it won't be easy.
Dave's Wildcards:
As was the case two weeks ago at Champaign, I think there are some intangibles that favor the Buckeyes:
-Atmosphere: A year ago OSU went into Madison at night and was behind the eight ball before they knew what hit them. This time it is an 8 PM kickoff from Columbus on a night when Eddie George will be honored and it will be loud and crazy in Ohio Stadium. This has become a big time rivalry, and fans will let the Badgers know how they feel about them. If Ohio State can punch Wisconsin in the mouth early and grab a lead it may cause a sense of panic.
-Effect of Last Saturday: While Wisconsin was involved in a physical game at East Lansing, the Buckeyes were resting and licking their wounds. This should be a fresh Ohio State team, which is great at this point in the season. Boom Herron has very fresh legs for obvious reasons, but Carlos Hyde ran the ball very little at Illinois and should be fresh as well (would love to to see him get more carries this week as he is a homerun threat).
-Kicking game: Both teams have good punters and return men, but UW has struggled at kicker this season, while Drew Basil is developing in confidence. In a close game this could make a difference.
Score Prediction:
Dave: Wisconsin 27, Ohio State 24 (Heart says pick OSU, head says UW)
Drew: Ohio State 31, Wisconsin 28
The one piece of good news for Ohio State is that they have done a good job handling power teams who run up the middle. If they can limit Wisconsin's success running the ball, and make them more one dimensional, it will give them a chance at victory, but it will be hard to slow down this juggernaut offense.
When Ohio State has the ball:
Run, run and run some more. That's what OSU hopes to do. Not only is that what this team does best, it will also keep Wisconsin's offense off the field, which is vital. How well the Bucks can control the tempo, and rush the football, will determine whether or not they can stay in this game. The good news is that this is a rested team, with a big, talented line, and a stable of backs, plus a quarterback who can run. The bad news is that the one team to have success against the Badgers (Michigan State), did most of their damage through the air. Clearly, this is a game when Devier Posey could have had a big impact for the Buckeyes, and without him, and featuring a young quarterback, the odds are stacked against Ohio State's offense.
Look for the young Bucks to feature lots of Boom Herron, who looked good against Illinois, and mix in some quarterback sprints and draws. They would love to use the same type game plan that succeeded at Illinois, with a little more pass mixed in. It would be great to use Herron, Hall, and Boren out of the backfield, and throw a handful of passes to tight end Jake Stoneburner, but nobody is holding their breath. While a couple of long passes to Philly Brown would soften the Badgers' defense, I think it is imperative to throw more short and intermediate routes, and not depend on the bomb. Although this is a good Wisconsin defense (286.7 ypg and 13.6 ppg), their secondary is pretty average in my opinion, and Miller should have some success throwing the ball, if he has time and can stay poised.
Players to watch when the Badger defense is on the field are Ohio native Chris Borland, who leads the team with 71 tackles (10 for loss) from his middle linebacker position, and Mike Taylor, an outside backer who has chipped in 64 stops. The best pass rusher is end Louis Nzegwu who has five sacks. As a team they have only forced 10 turnovers which is fairly pedestrian but it hasn't mattered since their offense has only given the ball to the opponent five times.
It is imperative that Ohio State rushes for at least 200 yards, takes care of the ball, and throws well enough to keep the Badgers honest (100-150 yards through the air). While that is possible, it won't be easy.
Dave's Wildcards:
As was the case two weeks ago at Champaign, I think there are some intangibles that favor the Buckeyes:
-Atmosphere: A year ago OSU went into Madison at night and was behind the eight ball before they knew what hit them. This time it is an 8 PM kickoff from Columbus on a night when Eddie George will be honored and it will be loud and crazy in Ohio Stadium. This has become a big time rivalry, and fans will let the Badgers know how they feel about them. If Ohio State can punch Wisconsin in the mouth early and grab a lead it may cause a sense of panic.
-Effect of Last Saturday: While Wisconsin was involved in a physical game at East Lansing, the Buckeyes were resting and licking their wounds. This should be a fresh Ohio State team, which is great at this point in the season. Boom Herron has very fresh legs for obvious reasons, but Carlos Hyde ran the ball very little at Illinois and should be fresh as well (would love to to see him get more carries this week as he is a homerun threat).
-Kicking game: Both teams have good punters and return men, but UW has struggled at kicker this season, while Drew Basil is developing in confidence. In a close game this could make a difference.
Score Prediction:
Dave: Wisconsin 27, Ohio State 24 (Heart says pick OSU, head says UW)
Drew: Ohio State 31, Wisconsin 28
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