Records
Ohio State (7-0), Wisconsin (6-1)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Saturday, October 26
Game Time: Noon ET
Network: FOX
Venue: Ohio Stadium – Capacity – 104,944
All-Time Series: Ohio State leads 59-18-5
Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 27-21 in 2017 (Big Ten Championship Game)
The 2019 Ohio State season has been a series of passing tests. Get past a deceptively good Cincinnati team – check. Go into Lincoln at night against a much improved Nebraska team (so the media said) – check. Face a top rated Michigan State defense – check. Get out of Evanston on a quirky Friday night trap game – check.
Ohio State has taken everything the schedule makers have given and have won impressively without any hiccups. Now the Bucks get ready to face the next test. They prepare for a Wisconsin team, who had looked much improved from last year and pushed their ranking all the way up to No. 6 before stubbing their toe in Illinois last Saturday.
An undefeated Badger team would’ve been preferred, however Ohio State will still have its work cut out. Bucky has a top rated defense, along with probably the best offensive line and running back combination in the nation. And now they’re mad and most likely refocused.
Like it or not, this game may have just got a whole lot tougher for the Buckeyes.
Next … The game plan
Ohio State game plan for victory
This will certainly be the toughest challenge for the Buckeyes to date. I know, I know – the Badgers just lost to Illinois… Illi-freaking-nois! How good can Wisky be if they can’t get past the Illini? It was a massive upset to be certain, but my guess is this loss was more of a “bad day” than it was an indicator of the overall identity of the 2019 Wisconsin football team.
Anyone can have an off day, but you can guarantee Ohio State is going to get the Badgers’ best shot this Saturday at noon.
Let’s start on the defensive side of the ball. Everyone knows Wisconsin’s bread and butter is off tackle with Jonathan Taylor. To those who say “Same ‘ol predictable Wisconsin” I say, “Why change what works?” Wisconsin knows who they are and who they aren’t. The Badgers aren’t getting the four and five star recruits like Ohio State, Alabama, and Clemson. So they recruit to their strengths and work to perfect what they’re good at… and that’s running the ball.
The Ohio State defense must be disciplined this week. If anyone is out of position, not covering their assignments, Jonathon Taylor can and will make a greatly improved defense look fraudulent.
The DBs can’t get caught cheating in on Taylor as Wisconsin QB Jack Coan has been more than serviceable completing 76% of his passes with only 2 interceptions.
Offensively, Ohio State will need to bring its A game. The Badger D has pitched four shutouts thus far in the season. Wisconsin’s linebacking trio of Chris Orr, Zack Baun, and Jack Sanborn have a combined 18 sacks and they like to get after opposing quarterbacks.
Ohio State has had outstanding offensive live play and will need to continue this week. Justin Fields has mastered running the Ryan Day offense and has proved to be elusive under pressure. JK Dobbins and Master Teague are both home runs waiting to happen.
If you’re Ohio State, don’t stray from what’s been working, unlike Wisconsin who inexplicably went away from Taylor late in the game against Illinois. Stay with the script and the Bucks should come out on top.
Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 1 p.m. ET.
Next … The key players for Ohio State
Two Key Players For Ohio State
Jonah Jackson Left Guard. You may remember Jackson was a grad transfer from Rutgers in the offseason. Many, myself included, thought “Does Ohio State need a transfer from Rutgers?” Turns out, the answer was yes. Jackson has been anchoring a line that is opening holes you could drive a truck through for the RBs. Jackson shared offensive player of the game honors with Justin Fields this past week for his efforts against Northwestern. He’ll need to be just as special on Saturday.
Malik Harrison, Linebacker. Harrison is an athletic freak and will need to be this week as well in order to help keep all-world running back Jonathan Taylor in check. Harrison has great speed from sideline-to-sideline and isn’t afraid to stuff the middle. The outside linebacker led the team in tackles last week against the Wildcats. He might need to do the same in this one.
Next … How it’ll all do down
The prediction
The Buckeyes didn’t get caught looking ahead and that’s a good sign. This team is as focused as I can remember an Ohio State team being… every game, every quarter, every minute.
I believe Ohio State will remain focused this week, but I also believe Wisconsin will be ready for a battle. The Badgers know after a loss last week, they have zero room for error.
Ohio State will keep the Wisconsin defense guessing and will be able to score. However, Jonathan Taylor and excellent offensive line play will keep the Badgers within striking distance.
The Buckeyes will eventually stack the box to stop the run, forcing an inexperienced Jack Coan to beat them through the air. This was the Illini game plan and it worked to perfection.
With the lack of a consistent deep threat, the OSU DBs will be more than capable of containing the Wisconsin passing attack. Ultimately, the game will be closer than we’ve come to expect in the Ryan Day era, but the Buckeyes make a statement and come out on top.
Final Score
Ohio State 30, Wisconsin 17
Line
Ohio State -14.5
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