Know the Opposition: Wisconsin

Mascot: Badgers
Stadium: Camp Randall Stadium (80,321)
2009 Record: 10-3 (Defeated Miami, Fl 20-14 in Champs Sports Bowl)
2010 Record: 5-1
Head Coach:  Bret Bielema (fifth year at UW, 43-15)
Lettermen Returning: 46 (20 lost)
Returning Starters: Offense - 10; Defense - 6; Specialists - 2
Base Offense: Multiple (usually two tight ends)
Base Defense: 4-3
Returning Stars: RB John Clay (pictured), TE Lance Kendricks & DE J.J. Watt

Notable Alumni:

Steve Miller - Musician (Steve Miller Band)
Charles Lindbergh - Aviator
Elroy Hirsch - Pro Football Hall of Famer
Frank Lloyd Wright - Architect
John Wilce - Former Buckeye football coach (in College Football Hall of Fame)
Greta Van Susteren - Television broadcaster
Bud Selig - MLB commissioner
Mike Webster - NFL Hall of Famer
Jane Kaczmarek - Actress (Malcolm in the Middle)

Cheerleading Scouting Report:

Wisconsin Preview:

The Buckeyes take to the road Saturday heading north to Madison to take on the No. 18 Wisconsin Badgers at one of the toughest venues in the country.  In what promises to be an old-fashioned Big Ten slugfest, Ohio State puts their new No. 1 ranking on the line in a night game that will surely be watched from coast to coast. 

If facing the No. 1 ranked team in America isn't enough motivation for the Badgers, there is the growing hatred of the Buckeyes by Bret Bielema.  Two years ago Ohio State "stole" a game at Madison on a 12-play 80-yard drive engineered by freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who scored the winning points himself with 1:08 left on the clock. 

Then last year, the Buckeyes downed Wisconsin 31-13 despite being outgained 364-168.  To say the least, it has all left a sour taste in the mouth of the Badgers head coach who would love to get some revenge.

Wisconsin's offense is built around the running game, as usual, but that doesn't mean that they are one dimensional.  Senior quarterback Scott Tolzien has developed a solid pocket presence and is having a nice season, connecting on 69.7 percent of his passes for 1201 yards, with seven TD's and two INT's. 

A year ago he was victimized by 11 interceptions and took 21 sacks, but thus far in 2010 he has thrown only two picks and been sacked but five times.  Tolzien is basically no threat to run, but has kept plays alive with his legs this season and it will be a challenge for the Buckeyes to get to him.

The receiving corps won't blow anyone away, although there is decent depth at wideout.  Junior Nick Toon put up nice numbers in '09 but has battled injuries this year and his stats reflect it (11 catches for 134 yards).  Still he is a big target who must be accounted for. 

Senior Isaac Anderson is solid but unspectacular (12 catches, 117 yards) and his numbers aren't up to 2009 standards either. 

However, off the bench, freshman Jarred Abbrederis has picked up the slack with 15 catches, 172 yards and one TD.  Additional depth comes from speedsters David Gilreath and Kyle Jefferson, both of whom have started in the past.

Tight end is much more than a glorified lineman at Wisconsin, and once again this year they have a good one, plus excellent depth. 

Senior Lance Kendicks leads the team with 25 catches, 391 yards and three TDs and runs well for a big guy.  Freshman Jacob Pedersen has chipped in with five receptions, two of which have been touchdowns.  Ohio State has struggled with good tight ends in the past, and certainly knows they are facing one of the nation's best this week.

The Badgers bread and butter is always running the ball, and once again this year they feature a big, powerful back in John Clay (6'1" 248 pounds).  So far he has rushed for 692 yards (6.0 ypc) and has found the end zone nine times.

Serving as an excellent change of pace, speedy freshman James White runs it about 10 times a game and has 485 yards at 7.7 yards per carry, and eight touchdowns.  If Wisconsin needs to go deeper, there is big sophomore Montee Ball who has run for 200 yards.  This is a deep, talented group who will test the Ohio State front seven. 

Every Badger team features a big line, usually with lots of local boys raised on Wisconsin dairy products, and this one is no exception.  Averaging 320 pounds apiece, the O-line is anchored by senior Gabe Carimi at left tackle, and he will likely make some All-America teams. 

Guard John Moffitt is also excellent, with 35 starts under his belt, and is a returning 1st Team Big Ten selection.  Right tackle Josh Ogelsby has battled injuries this season, but has been ably replaced by Ricky Wagner. 

It is hard to find many weaknesses here, and the reason Wisconsin runs effectively is due to their stout line which presents the Silver Bullets with their most demanding test yet.

UW's defense hasn't been quite as impressive as their offense, but is still good, surrendering 308 yards and 19 points per game.  The strength of this unit may well be the D-line, which is young but talented. 

Leading the way is J.J. Watt, a huge defensive end (6'6" 292), who has 30 tackles including 8.5 for loss.  Overall, the line isn't quite as good at getting to the quarterback as last year when they featured O'Brien Schoefield, but they have been solid and all four starters have at least 18 tackles. 

At linebacker, Wisconsin was dealt a blow when Chris Borland sustained a shoulder injury that knocked him out for the season.  Senior middle linebacker Culmer St. Jean leads the team with 33 tackles, but OLB Blake Sorensen is close behind with 30. 

The other starter is Mike Taylor, who is quick and pretty good in pass coverage.  None of these guys stand out but they are a solid unit. 

I am not completely sold on the Badger secondary which once again features hard-hitting safety Jay Valai who seems like he has been at Wisconsin for six years. 

The other safety is Aaron Henry who has 23 tackles, and the corners are manned by Niles Brinkley and Antonio Fenelus. 

Once again this isn't a group that jumps off the page at you, and they are giving up 200 yards a game through the air along with 10 touchdowns, while picking off only four passes.  Still, they are hard hitters who play phyical Wisconsin-style football.

On special teams, kicker Philip Welch has nailed 7-9 field goals with a long of 49, and Brad Nortman averages 42.2 per punt, so they are sound, if not spectacular.

Jarred Abbrederis and Aaron Henry do a pretty good job on punt returns (9.7 avg.), but James White and David Gilreath have yet to enjoy much success on kick returns, averaging less than 19 yards per return between them.  Hopefully the improved Buckeye coverage units can keep them in check.

Game Outlook

Wisconsin wants this game bad and will come out playing inspired, physical football.  Offensively don't look for any surprises, as they will run their talented backs behind a big, veteran line.  It will be up to Ohio State to stop them. 

Without doubt the Silver Bullets will be tested, as this defense seems built more to stop the spread than a smash mouth attack. The D-line play is crucial, and while the Buckeyes aren't as deep as in the past, their starting four should hold up well.  

Ross Homan is built for these kinds of games and should be fine, but one wonders if Brian Rolle's lack of size will be a factor.  Without doubt this is the game where Andrew Sweat needs to step up and show what he is made of.  He and strong safety Orhian Johnson will be put to the test and need to have their best games to date. 

I like the fact that Jermale Hines and Devon Torrence are both physical players in the secondary as that trait is vital in a game like this.  If the Buckeyes can slow down the run like they did last year it will make Wisconsin an average offense. 

Tolzien is a nice player, but he is not one to carry a team on his back.  So, look for Ohio State to put a lot of players in the box and try and stuff the Badger running game, making them more one dimensional.  If that happens, there will be a chance to pick off some passes, as was the case in '09.

The Buckeyes hope to establish a diversified attack, balancing the run and pass game equally.  It would be nice to see Herron and company come out and play well early, which would really open up passing lanes for Pryor.  I do not, however, expect that to happen. 

To move the ball consistently, OSU will need Terrelle Pryor to throw the ball, spreading it around to his talented backs and receivers (to say nothing of Jake Stoneburner who should be back in action), as well as using his legs to convert key third downs.  If Pryor is unable to run succesfully, showing lingering effects from the quad injury, it could be a long day for the Buckeyes. 

I do believe that Jordan Hall will be a wildcard in this game, and may do some damage running and catching the ball off the bench.  Overall, I think Ohio State has just enough success to win this game, but cannot resort to Tresselball.  Both Arizona State and Michigan State had success throwing the ball against the Badgers, and the Bucks need to open it up in order to get the "W". 

Needless to say, turnovers and special teams are critical.  Last year they were the key to the game, and while it is doubtful they will have as much influence this time around, the Buckeyes cannot afford to make mistakes on the road. 

It will be a loud, rude, racuous crowd, and OSU needs to play smart football in order to get out of town with a victory.  This one may well go down to the wire like two years ago, but in the end I believe a close-knit Buckeye team gets the job done.

Father vs. Son Predicition Battle:

Dave: OSU 27-20
Drew: OSU 24-21