It is game day folks! Today, we will see our undefeated Buckeyes square off against a 2-1 Wisconsin team in a “Black Out” game.
Badger Challenges
Wisconsin with QB Graham Mertz and RB Brealon Allen will go into the game as the impact players on offense. Mertz has been inconsistent in his play. Without an established or “go-to” WR/TE on their roster look for Allen to test the Buckeyes on the ground.
The defense will surely be tested and this is a welcomed challenge for this team who struggled against a dual-threat QB. They were torched by one man and even gave up a few splash plays. Will they be up for a challenge with Mertz leaning on his bruiser back?
The Badgers will also filed another formidable defense that has accumulated 7 sacks, 7 interceptions and 1 forced fumble/fumble recovery through three contests. Their main focus is to prevent balance and limit CJ Stroud to check-downs and stop the run.
The game in the trenches is what will determine the winner. This is the best Offensive Line the Buckeyes have had and I’d imagine they’re going to try and dominate in such an electric environment.
Can they dominate against a conference foe, in prime time? Or will they start slow like they did against Norte Dame and then dominate in the second half? Will the rumored injuries or actual injuries play a part in a Badger upset?
Offensive Injury Bug Woes
The injury bug has taken a few playmakers, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. We saw JSN fall to injury for about a week and last week he was overshadowed by the stellar play of MHJ, Egbuka and Fleming.
There was also another notable player to go down in star RB Henderson. He limped off but his injury remains a mystery in the upcoming contest with Wisconsin. With only two scholarship RB’s on the roster without Henderson, can they adapt and overcome?
Will The Streak Continue?
Out of 84 contests, Ohio State has defeated Wisconsin 61 times. There have been 18 defeats and 5 ties. The Buckeyes have also won 8 straight.
This matchup will pit Ryan Day’s high flying offense against Jim Leonhard’s stingy defense. Which one will win out in the end?
This is what makes this matchup intriguing. The in-game chess match between a dynamic offense and a pesky defense. These two teams play every two years or so, but when they collide it’s an old school Big Ten game for sure.
The Buckeyes’ last defeat came in 2010 at Madison. Will this be the year Coach Chryst and Coach Leonhard pull of the upset and in Columbus?
The game will be one to watch especially in a Black Out environment. We will see if the Buckeyes come in prepared to play with their hairs on fire. Or if it’s another flashy game where they come out flat and unmotivated.
Prime Time Recruiting Destination
What better atmosphere to reload than this one in the Shoe?! Black Out condition with a lot of committed and uncommitted talent will food the stadium. Ohio State will look to these recruits as they face them in prime time.
Sure, it would be great to sign everyone but not everyone is destined to don the Scarlet and Gray, but those who Are right for the program will. And those who aren’t won’t. Let’s not get tied up on the semantics, but let’s hope the Buckeye come to play and dominate to sway them in our favor.
Game Predictions:
Final Score: 38-20
The Wisconsin D is disruptive in the beginning stages but a poised CJ Stroud finds a way to beat the Leonhard defense.
Impact Players:
- Henderson (if healthy)/Williams/Hayden: If Henderson cannot go, look for these two to feast and batter the defensive front seven in his absence.
- Stover: He has been getting at least three catches per game. Look for him to finally get a TD.
- Hall/Williams/Sawyer/Tuimoloau: Disruption in the trenches. I think a big game from at least one of these four is likely. My bet is on Hall.
- Eichenberg: He will lead the team in tackles and make key stops.
- Burke: Has been beat a lot lately, but he will build positive momentum during the game.
#GoBucks
