Know the Opposition: Wisconsin

Dave and Drew Thurman (11:19 am)

Mascot: Badgers
Stadium: Camp Randall Stadium (80,321)
2008 Record: 7-6 (Lost to Florida State 42-13 in Champs Sports Bowl)
2009 Record: 5-0 (#25 in USA Today coaches poll)
Head Coach: Bret Bielema (4th year at Wisconsin, 33-11)
Letterman Returning: 42 (18 Lost)
Returning Starters: Offense - 6, Defense - 5, Specialists - 2
Base Defense: 4-3
Base Offense: Power I (often with 2 TE's)
Returning Stars: TB John Clay, DE O'Brian Schofield

Notable Alumni:

Elroy Hirsch - Hall of Fame NFL Player
Ron Dayne - Heisman Trophy Winning RB
Curly Lambeau - Hall of fame NFL player and coach, co-founder of Packers
Frank Lloyd Wright - Architect
Tom Wopat - Luke on Dukes of Hazzard
Charles Lindbergh - Aviator
William S. Harley - Founder of Harley-Davidson

Wisconsin Overview:

Bielema was on hot seat coming into 2009, and his Badgers have answered the call with a 5-0 record. They have been challenged though, and outside of the Wofford game every game has been tight. In fact while they are averaging 35 points a game, their opponents are averaging 24.6 points a game. Pretty small window of margin for a undefeated team.

What has been very surprising about the Badgers is the play the are getting from the quarterback position. Starter Scott Tolzien, who had all of eight pass attempts a year ago, is now leading the Big Ten in pass efficiency (154.7 rating). So far on the season he has racked up 1043 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions. The game where he looked the most impressive was two weeks ago against Michigan State. His 243 yards along with four touchdowns started to catch the attention of those around the Big Ten. Obviously Wisconsin is always a run oriented offense, but not being one dimensional as they were last year with Dustin Sherer (1389 yards, 6 TD, 5 INT), makes them a very scary team.

Tolzien has several targets he favors in the passing game, none more than tight end Garrett Graham (268 yards, 4 TD). He was the leading pass catcher a season ago, and already has the most receptions in 2009 for the Badgers. Also be prepared to hear the names of wideouts Nick Toon (269 yards, 2 TD) and Isaac Anderson (255 yards, 1 TD). Toon will present problems as physical possession receiver, while Anderson on the other hand is a burner (21.3 YPR).  

As always the Badgers are having no problems running the ball in 2009, and are averaging 217 yards per game. The main man is sophomore John Clay, who at 6-2 247 pounds, is both big and physical. On the season he has 582 yards (5.2 avg) along with seven touchdowns. He seems to be getting stronger each week for Wisconsin. Other guys the Buckeyes will see in the backfield include Zach Brown (211 yards, 3 TD) and Curt Phillips (126 yards, 0 TD).

Wisky's defense has given up a lot of points and yards, but has lived on turnovers so far this season (especially interceptions). A lot of this is because Wisconsin has done a great job at getting after the quarterback (2.8 sacks per game). One of the best at this for the Badgers is senior O'Brien Schofield. He not only has 26 tackles, but also has 11 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. The back seven has been pretty unimpressive thus far if you have watched Wisconsin, but someone has to make tackles. For them it is linebackers Mike Taylor (35 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 INT) and Jaevery McFadden (32 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack). Also in typical Wisconsin fashion, the safties Jay Valai (23 tackles) and Chris Maragos (26 tackles, 2 TFL) play a big part in coming up to stop the run.

Buckeyes fans also need to note talented punt/kick returner David Gilreath. He has been bottled up on punt returns and has just been average on kick returns (22.1 avg.), but with his speed and play making ability, he is a threat to take one to the house at any moment.

Game Outlook:    

When Wisconsin has the ball the big worry has to be the ground and pound with John Clay. With maybe the best Buckeye defensive tackle missing (Dexter Larimore) and a undersized MLB in Brian Rolle, it will be interesting to see how the Buckeyes try to stuff things up the middle. Clay ate the Gophers up a week ago with 184 yards and three touchdowns, but he is running into one of the best defensive teams in the country (83.4 rushing yards per game). What will even help his cause more is if Tolzien completes a high percentage of passes against the Buckeyes. So the strategy should obviously be to get a lot of pressure of him, and make the Badgers one dimensional. The only road experience the young quarterback has was last week at Minnesota, and he had maybe his worst performance of the year. So adding pressure is going to be vital in a hostile environment.

When Ohio State has the ball, the key will be protecting Pryor from a  potent pass rush. With Mike Adams starting at LT and a whole host of players with the flu, this will not be the easiest task. If Pryor has time, it is hard to believe that Wisky's defense has enough to slow down his dual threat ability. Not only that, but time for Pryor also diminishes the chances of turnovers, which have kept Bielema and company alive. Boom and Zoom will also play an important role in the game. So far in Big Ten play the Badger defense has performed better against the run, but if the Buckeyes get going on the ground it will only slow down over-pursuing defensive ends.

Overall, everyone knows this is going to be a very physical game. The Badgers are a real threat, especially considering the injuries and sickness going through the Buckeye camp. If the Buckeyes get off to the quick start at home and use the the crowd to their advantage though, it will go a long way. Not only will that put the heat on Tolzien, but having the lead only means the Badgers can run the ball less. Honestly, it is hard to believe that Tolzien has enough experience to come into Ohio Stadium to pull off the upset. Don't get us wrong, 5-0 is impressive for the young quarterback, but this is really the first test of the season for him and his teammates!

Father vs. Son Prediction Battle:

Dave: OSU 31-23
Drew: OSU 27-14