Why Terrelle Pryor and the Ohio State Offense Will Take Off Vs. Badgers

Ever since Ohio State took its perch as No. 1 in both human polls last Sunday afternoon, almost everyone under the sun has been looking for a reason that the Buckeyes won't remain undefeated when they travel to Madison to face the University of Wisconsin Badgers Saturday night. 

They first look at the recent history Ohio State has had at No. 1, losing its last three contests after having attained the top spot. 

If that's not enough, they will point to the fact that it has almost been impossible to beat Wisconsin in Camp Randall Stadium, where the Badgers have won 13 of their last 14 games. 

If one is to believe what the mainstream media say, the odds are seemingly stacked against Ohio State. When all the smoke clears, however, and triple zeroes are displayed across the Camp Randall Stadium Saturday night, the scoreboard will be a humble homage to what has steadily been building as Terrelle Pryor's coming-of-age party in the Ohio State offense during the 2010 season.

The biggest knock against Terrelle Pryor this season is that he has not really played any quality competition. When he has (i.e., the game against the Miami Hurricanes), his performance has been marginal at best. 

It's true that Ohio State has played a favorable schedule to date, playing five games at home, two of which were against the worst defenses in college football. 

But to say that Miami is the only quality team Ohio State has beaten this season overlooks the fact that Illinois manhandled a Penn State team that was a preseason top three Big Ten team.  Ohio State not only beat that same Illinois team on the road, but Pryor was able to effectively manage that game despite sitting out a good portion of the third quarter with a mild injury.

Additionally, while Indiana may have one of the weaker defenses in the nation, it should be pointed out that Pryor gained the majority of his 330 yards passing in the first half against the Hoosiers, sitting out the majority of the second half so head coach Jim Tressel could get backups Joe Bauserman and Kenny Guiton playing time.

The second reason Pryor should excel tonight at Wisconsin is that not only has he one of the more underrated receiving corps in the nation at his disposal, but he's got the best unit in the Big Ten.  Last week Pryor threw a good number of passes to Dane Sanzenbacher, and he is sure to be the focal point of the Wisconsin defense this week. 

But the Badgers cannot forget about DeVier Posey, who might be the fastest receiver in the Big Ten, nor can they overlook returning tight end Jake Stoneburner, who is certain to be targeted on several occasions, especially in the red zone.  And that says nothing about tailback Brandon Saine, whose best value to the Buckeyes might be as a flanker.

Finally, the biggest reason Terrelle Pryor will have a huge game against the Badgers is his growing poise, from week to week, standing in the pocket.  Last week was a perfect example, as Pryor stood back and threw time and time again with confidence.  Sure, it was against Indiana, but the Pryor everyone saw last week was a far cry from the indecisive, timid sophomore who committed three turnovers against a mediocre Purdue team last season. 

With every touchdown Pryor throws, he gains a little more confidence. Since he's thrown 15 TDs already this season, it's safe to say that Terrelle has a knack for finding the end zone. Sure, Wisconsin will put up a fight, but in the end Pryor's calm under pressure will rule the day.

These days it seems to be trendy to pick the No. 1 team to get upset, especially when that team is Ohio State. The Buckeyes should and will be on alert against the Wisconsin Badgers, who are looking for their first upset of a No. 1-ranked team in almost 30 years. 

At the end of the day, however, while the final score may end up being close, Terrelle Pryor and the Ohio State offense will make sure the Buckeyes retain their No. 1 ranking.