Ohio State-Wisconsin Week Six Preview

With 1:08 on the clock Terrelle Pryor scored the game winning touchdown for the Buckeyes on an option keeper at Camp Randall stadium, silencing the fans and emerging as a leader of the Ohio State offense. Much has changed from then as both teams have new personnel, and big shoes to fill. 

The Ohio State offense is still trying to find its identity as they are 7th in the Big 10 in total yards (1,846). Terrelle Pryor, however, has finally regained his confidence after a disappointing performance in the close loss to USC.

He's shown his electrifying 4.33 speed, ability to throw strikes down field, and great pocket presence. Last year there were times when he held the ball for too long when the pocket collapsed on him. Over the last three games he's remembered that the he is one of the fastest QB's in the country. As the pressure is coming and/or no receivers are open, Pryor has ran away from defenders for first downs instead of taking the sack. 

During the first two games, it seemed as if Pryor forgot about his running ability and attempted to be strictly a pocket passer. But now we look at the stat sheet and see that he's leading the team in rushing yards, and throwing the ball with accuracy.

Speaking of rushing, Ohio State looked pretty good with Brandon Saine carrying the load in his first start last Saturday, rushing for a career high 113 yards. He contributed immensely during his freshman year, before injuries kept him off the field for a lot of his sophomore season.

Sharing snaps with Daniel "Boom" Herron, he showed his explosive ability, but hadn't had enough touches to "prove" himself. And after Herron suffered with an injury of his own, Saine took advantage of his absence. It'll be interesting to see who starts when both are healthy.

The Badgers are looking for their first 6-0 start since 2004, and the fans in Columbus aren't going to make it a simple task. A new quarterback (Scott Tolzien) is under center for the Badgers, and he has been quite impressive in the passing game thus far. The Junior out of Rolling Meadows, Illinois has thrown for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns, completing 65.6 percent of his passes. He's second in the conference in passing efficiency and has shown poise and patience in the pocket. He will have to step up and play a good game Saturday in order for the Badgers to win this ball game. This will be the toughest defense he's faced in his career.

Another spark on the Wisconsin offense is sophomore tailback John Clay who leads the Big 10 with 112 carries and 582 rushing yards (116.4 yards per game.) He has an excellent blend of size and speed that can wear out opposing teams, especially late in the game. If he keep's putting up these numbers he will have close to 1,400 rushing yards on the year.

Things will get harder, however, as he will be playing a defense that has allowed an average of 37.7 rushing yards over the last three games. The Buckeye defensive line is big, full of depth and experience, and is considered one of the best in the nation.

In being 5-0 to start the season, Wisconsin has the second best offense—in terms of yards—in the Big 10. Yet the Badgers struggled against Northern Illinois, Fresno State, Michigan State and Minnesota, winning those four games by a combined total of 22 points (5.5 per game.) How will they fair against the Buckeye defense who is playing better than any defense in the Big 10? Who knows? Here's the defensive comparison.

DEFENSE:

The Buckeye defense has allowed it's opponent to score an average of 11.8 points per game with a tougher schedule than Wisconsin who has allowed 24.6 points a game. Ohio State has outscored their opponents 147 to 59 winning by an average of 17.6 points per game, while Wisconsin has outscored their opponents 175 to 123 winning by an average of 10.4 points per game. The Buckeyes have allowed 252.6 yards per game (1,263 total) and Wisconsin has allowed 269.4 yards per game (1,347 total). Just a few fun facts.

CONCLUSION:

It'll be an interesting matchup, and the question remains: Who will win out of Ohio State's defense and Wisconsin's offense? And on the flip side, how will Wisconsin's defense contain Terrelle Pryor and the Ohio State rushing attack? My prediction is that Ohio State will beat Wisconsin by more than 14 at home, not allowing them to score more than 20 points.

God bless and GO BUCKS!!!