FIELDS OF BATTLE
BUCKEYES QB GOES UP AGAINST STOUT BADGERS DEFENSE
Keys for Wisconsin
Stay motivated: Much of the anticipation surrounding this showdown diminished after Wisconsin’s staggering 24-23 loss to unranked Illinois last week, but the Badgers remain a legitimate threat. Their College Football Playoff hopes have been moved to the back burner, at least, but a Big Ten West title is still within reach, so they have plenty to fight for. Beating Ohio State would thrust Wisconsin back into the national conversation. Sustain early success: Wisconsin squandered a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter against the Fighting Illini, in large part because of two turnovers. The
Badgers can’t afford to falter like that against Ohio State.
Keys for Ohio State
Start strong: It’s difficult to find flaws in the Buckeyes’ blistering offense, but slow starts stick out the most. In the six games since a 28-point first quarter in the season-opener against Florida Atlantic, Ohio State has scored only 45 points in the opening quarter; it’s the second quarter (158 points, an average of 26.3 per game) where OSU takes command.
Slow Taylor: Jonathan Taylor, the nation’s thirdleading rusher with 957 yards and 15 TDs, anchors a Wisconsin offense predicated on the run game. Finding a way to hamper his playmaking ability will be key for the Buckeyes, who have allowed 24 plays of 10-plus rushing yards.
Prediction
Ohio State 35, Wisconsin
21: This looks to be a game in which teams will follow their usual formula. Taylor will pace the Badgers’ ball-control offense and keep it close. But once Justin Fields gets OSU’s high-powered offense going, the Buckeyes likely will pull away. Wisconsin’s defense may fluster Fields at times, but the slew of weapons at his disposal should inevitably wear down the Badgers.