Despite a sub par first half of the year, the Buckeyes find themselves in a position to turn their season around. Saturday night is their prime chance to do it.
The Buckeyes take on Wisconsin in a Saturday night showdown that may go a long way in determining the Leaders division winner.
Wisconsin enters the game fresh off a surprising loss to Michigan State. During the game, the Badgers showed they have flaws as even their Heisman hopeful Russell Wilson made mistakes. They will enter this game with a renewed focus, eager to prove they are still the Big Ten’s best team.
Meanwhile, the Buckeyes will have in Wisconsin their toughest challenge of the season.
Ohio State’s defense will go against the most balanced offense they will face this season. There’s no question Wisconsin’s specialty is running opponents over. Moreover, Wilson adds another dimension the Badgers have not possessed in some time, a running quarterback. Factor this with a good receiving core and the Silver Bullets will have their hands full.
The only chance the Buckeyes have to slow down the Badgers will be to stuff the run early and blitz Wilson every chance they have. Russell showed that he still has a tendency to rush judgment when he has defenders in his face. The onus this week will be on Ohio State’s defensive line. They wreaked havoc against Illinois and they will need another stellar performance this week to keep Ohio State in the game.
Offensively, the Buckeyes will need to employ a balanced game plan.
It’s obvious Ohio State wants to win the time of position battle. For one, it keeps Wisconsin’s offense at bay and two; it means the Buckeyes’ offense is having success. They’ll want to come out and punch Wisconsin in the mouth from their first snap. If they can generate a ground game early, it will make it easier to open up some passing lanes.
Yes, I said pass. The Buckeyes cannot complete one pass this week and have a chance at winning. It’s important they get their tight ends involved early. Wisconsin’s defense in the middle of the field is less than stellar, so it’s important the Buckeyes attack it often. If they can complete some play action and seam passes down the middle, it will provide Braxton Miller some confidence and keep Ohio State in the game.
The players and coaches know the stakes are huge this weekend. Ohio State has the perfect opportunity to put themselves back into the Big Ten title race. A win over Wisconsin would not only do that, it would provide them a boost that could carry them through the rest of their remaining games.
This isn’t the same Wisconsin team from a year ago. Their offense might be better but their defense and special teams are not. This means Ohio State has a chance. If the Buckeyes execute flawlessly in all three areas of the game they may do just enough to knock off the Badgers.
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