Wisconsin Football Report Card: Grading the Win over Ohio State
Program-changing. That's how huge Wisconsin football's win over No. 1 Ohio State is.
Bret Bielema finally has a signature win, the Badgers recorded their first victory over a top-ranked team since 1981 and the team is back in the Big Ten race.
In front of an overcapacity crowd, a student section that actually made it to the game on time and a national television audience, Wisconsin played its best game by far on Saturday night, derailing the Buckeyes' national title dreams.
So, after maybe the program's biggest win in a decade, it should come as no surprise that Wisconsin earned some high grades on Saturday.
Here they are.
Offense
1 of 4
Grade: A-
After relatively underachieving the first half of the year, Wisconsin's offense finally woke up against one of the best defenses in the nation.
No, their statistics weren't extraordinary. But they got it done.
Although he did toss an interception, Scott Tolzien was incredibly efficient, throwing for 152 yards on 13-of-16 passing. Nick Toon had his best game of the year by far, catching six passes for 72 yards.
However, as usual, the Badgers running game was the key. Between John Clay and James White, Wisconsin rushed for 184 yards on Saturday, with Clay going for 104 yards and two touchdowns. Although White didn't have a huge game, his 12-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter solidified the victory and sent Camp Randall into a frenzy.
Not a huge statistical game by any means, but the Badgers made it count.
Defense
2 of 4
Grade: A
Stopping Terrelle Pryor and company was priority No. 1 going into Saturday. Not surprisingly, that was the main reason Wisconsin pulled off the upset.
Although the Badgers did have some trouble stopping the run, allowing 155 yards, Wisconsin's "D" stepped up big-time.
Pryor was held to just 56 yards rushing and was only 14-of-28, throwing for 156 yards and an interception.
After scoring 38 points the previous week against Indiana, Ohio State looked virtually unstoppable on offense going into Saturday's game. Not anymore.
If the Badgers can play this well on defense the rest of the year, Wisconsin could realistically be thinking Rose Bowl.
Special Teams
3 of 4
Grade: A
Undoubtedly the weakest aspect of the team going into Saturday, Wisconsin's special teams looked like anything but that against the Buckeyes.
In fact, they actually played a huge role in the win. On the very first play of the game, David Gilreath finally stepped up after doing relatively little the first six games of the year, going 97 yards virtually untouched to give the Badgers the early lead.
On the other side of the ball, Wisconsin allowed 24.5 yards per kickoff return after allowing a return touchdown in last year's game. Not great, but certainly an improvement over last year.
In the kicking game, Phillip Welch continued his strong season, making his only field goal (a 41-yarder) and improving to 8-for-10 on the year.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Final Marks
4 of 4
Grade: A
A consistent offense, a stifling defense, an electric special teams unit. Wisconsin needed to play close to perfect to beat Ohio State on Saturday. They did.
Not only does this win give Bret Bielema a win to signify his career in Madison, it gets the Badgers back into the Big Ten title race after their early stumble against Michigan State.
Simply put, this is a win Wisconsin fans will remember for the rest of their lives, and it couldn't have come at a more crucial point in the season.
Fans don't just rush Camp Randall without good reason.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
