Ohio State vs. Wisconsin Preview
Ohio State Buckeyes 4-3 vs. (#14) Wisconsin Badgers 6-1
October 29, 2011
8:00 pm - ABC
Ohio Stadium
Columbus, Ohio
The Drama: Wisconsin Stunner
Wisconsin watched as their National Championship vanished last Saturday as Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins threw a Hail Mary pass on the final play to upset the Badgers. Wisconsin now faces a rested Ohio State squad that hopefully has used the off week to tweak the many offensive shortcomings. The Buckeyes have been dreadful when it comes to the passing attack but have found a running game with the return of Boom Herron. The Buckeyes are going to have to bring their best game of the season if they hope to win this one.
The Buckeyes will win because: Perfect Storm
In Ohio Stadium under the lights should count for something but the Badgers will be plenty cranky come Saturday night. For the Buckeyes to win they will have to show us something we have not seen this yet this year; effective offensive passing attack. The Buckeyes can run. The Buckeyes can play defense. But if the Buckeyes can’t pass the ball they are dead in the water.
The Buckeyes will lose because: Offensive Power
Which Buckeye offense will show up; the offense that took it to Nebraska for 2 ½ quarters or the offense that completed only one pass against Illinois? My guess is that since Jim Bollman is still on staff the anemic offense that Buckeye fans have seen for most of this season will still be there. Boom Herron’s debut two weeks ago was a nice shot in the arm but Wisconsin will just stack the box and dare Braxton Miller to throw the ball. That recipe should be enough to put the Buckeyes down.
The Spartan spotlight is on: RB Montee Ball
With 768 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, Montee Ball is the man to stop.
“Cooler” Stat of the game (macho stats for the water cooler): 115
According to ESPN, Ohio State is ranked 115th in the nation in passing yards. I believe there are 120 D1-A football schools in the FBS sooo..WE’RE NOT LAST!
The Bottom line: Hangover or Ticked off?
It’s not unusual for a football team to follow up a tough loss with a sloppy performance. Teams are just as likely to come out embarrassed and take the following week’s opponent out to the woodshed. Hopefully for the Buckeyes we get a whiny crybaby Wisconsin but I’m not putting a lot of faith into it. Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson is the real deal and if the Bucks can’t stop the run game, Wisconsin is going to have a field day.
Prediction: Bucky 34 – Brutus 10
2000-2011 Buckeye50.com, All Rights Reserved
By 'Pia' Pete Quint
TBDBITL 1992-96
Buckeye50.com
