Big Ten Championship Game 2014: TV Info, Prediction for Ohio State vs. Wisconsin
Ohio State and Wisconsin secured berths in the Big Ten Championship game after a couple of hard-earned victories on Saturday.
The Badgers rode running back Melvin Gordon to a victory over Minnesota, with the Heisman hopeful shining in yet another brilliant performance. Unfortunately, Ohio State's win came at a big cost.
Electrifying Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett suffered a devastating ankle fracture against Michigan and will miss the remainder of the season, according to Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports:
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The loss is significant, but Ohio State has a very well-rounded team and went on to defeat the Wolverines 42-28. Expect a compelling Big Ten title game despite the quarterback's absence.
As we impatiently await the return of these teams to the gridiron, let's take a look at the game's essential viewing information, followed by a preview and prediction for this monumental Big Ten clash.
Viewing Information
When: Saturday, December 6
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana
Time: 8:17 p.m. ET
Channel: Fox
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
Preview and Prediction
The Buckeyes are known for their potent offense, which features a dual-threat quarterback capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs. Though Barrett won't be playing in this contest, Ohio State still has that element in Cardale Jones.
The sophomore shined when he received playing time against Illinois earlier this season. Taking full advantage of his opportunity, Jones completed five of his nine passing attempts for 82 yards and two touchdowns, adding seven carries for 47 yards.
According to Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod, head coach Urban Meyer sure seems to have faith in the quarterback:
Jones will be accompanied in the backfield by running back Ezekiel Elliott, who carried 17 times for 121 yards and two touchdowns against Michigan. Elliott has been extremely efficient this season, eclipsing the 100-yard mark each time he received at least 20 carries. He'll need to have a phenomenal game against a Badgers defense that has been fantastic against the run all season long.
Wisconsin has a completely different philosophy to Ohio State. While the Buckeyes are more of a high-octane squad, the Badgers run a ground-and-pound scheme that features Gordon, one of the season's top Heisman candidates.
According to College Football 24/7, Gordon's 151 yards on Saturday propelled him to fourth on college football's all-time rushing list:
Gordon is well over 2,000 yards on the season heading into the Big Ten title game. He's recorded at least 120 rushing yards and a touchdown in all but one game this season. The highlight of his year was a 408-yard, four-touchdown performance against Nebraska, which set a new FBS single-game record—though that was broken by Samaje Perine one week later.
No matter for Gordon, though. He has plenty of other records to his name, via theScore:
Wisconsin is stout in all areas on the defensive side of the ball. Heading into Saturday, the Badgers were ranked fourth in the nation against the run, third against the pass, fourth in scoring defense and second in total defense. That's about as good as it gets.
Ohio State is certainly a very talented team. However, Jones' inexperience will hurt the Buckeyes against a ferocious opposing defense on such a big stage. Wisconsin has the ability to keep the quarterback out of rhythm by sustaining long drives and then applying pressure on defense.
Jones would need to replicate what Barrett has done all season to give Ohio State a chance against a tough Badgers team, and that's highly unlikely.
Prediction: Wisconsin 27, Ohio State 23
All team statistics and rankings courtesy of NCAA.com and current as of November 29.
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