The Wisconsin Badgers lost.
That’s the danger of looking ahead in the schedule. They failed to take care of business against unranked Illinois, who frankly shouldn’t be on the same field as the Badgers.
Wisconsin allowed 24 points after two-straight shutouts, one of which was against Michigan State.
That said, Saturday’s matchup at Ohio Stadium between Wisconsin and Ohio State this Saturday will no longer be the long-awaited, high-profile matchup of the Big Ten’s clear two best teams.
Penn State will officially jump Wisconsin in the pre-Week 9 rankings, putting the pressure on it to stay undefeated until the Nittany Lions roar into Ohio Stadium a few weeks later.
Ultimately, many won’t view Wisconsin the same after this loss.
For Ohio State, it shouldn’t matter. Wisconsin’s loss changes little for the Buckeyes, and it’ll still be crucial that they come away with a victory.
While some don’t find much value in Saturday’s game given the two teams may meet again with the Big Ten title on the line, the Buckeyes need to put their foot down and continue to show they are one of the best teams in the country.
While Ohio State has been absolutely dominant this season, securing it’s FIFTH forty-point victory against Northwestern, the Buckeyes still have their doubters as the toughest part of their schedule is on the horizon.
Wisconsin is still one of the toughest teams on their schedule. Although it lost, the Badgers still held the Fighting Illini to under 350 yards, while themselves notching over 400.
As Ohio State knows, it’s difficult to bring the A game for mid-October matchups. However, it’ll be getting the best version of Wisconsin, a team with the country’s best defense and a potential first-round running back.
One loss doesn’t change any of that, and it certainly won’t change the fact that Ohio State needs to put on a show Saturday.
