Know the Opposition: Wisconsin

Dave and Drew Thurman (11:40 am)

Mascot: Badgers

Stadium: Camp Randall (80,321)

Coach: Bret Bielema (3rd year at Wisconsin, 24-6 record)

2007 Record: 9-4 (Lost Outback Bowl 21-17 to Tennessee)

2008 Record: 3-1

Base Offense: Power I Formation

Base Defense: 4-3

Lettermen: Returning 48, Lost 24

Returning Starters: Offense - 8, Defense - 9, Specialists - 0 

Returning Stars: RB P.J. Hill, TE Travis Beckum, FS Shane Carter

Notable Alumni:

Alan Ameche - NFL Hall of Fame Fullback
Ron Dayne - Heisman Trophy Winner
Frank Lloyd Wright - Architect
Steve Miller - Musician
Joan Cusack - Actress
Charles Lindbergh - Aviator (Pictured Below)
Andy Katz - ESPN Columnist
Michael Mann - Film Director

Date/Time: October 4th, 8 PM (Eastern) 7 PM (Central)

Televison Info: ABC

Overview:

On offense the Badgers are very predictable. They love dominating with a big power rushing attack, which features huge offensive linemen and a down hill runner. This year is no different with the starting offensive line averaging 319 pounds per player, which is bigger than some NFL lines. Behind that line the Buckeyes are sure to see more than one power runner, actually they will see two in P.J. Hill (449 yards, 4 TD) and John Clay (191 yards, 4 TD). Just when the defense is ready to stuff the Badgers up the middle though, Wisconsin offers a speed option in Zach Brown (174 yards, 2 TD). So the Buckeyes primary objective is to slow down the rushing attack that Wisconsin offers.

With all that said, the Badgers passing attack is a lot less intimidating. Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge starts at quarterback for Wisconsin. His statistics are average at best with 752 yards passing and four touchdowns compared to three interceptions. In his defense, star tight end Travis Beckum has been injured much of the year. The third team All-American in 2007 could help both Evridge's touchdowns and completion rating for the rest of 2008.  The wideout are somewhat pedestrian, with not one receiver having more than 11 receptions this season. However both David Gilreath (139 yards, 1 TD) and ex-Tarblooder Kyle Jefferson (117 yards, 0 TD) have breakaway speed. In fact, the leading receiver thus far is tight end Garrett Graham with 154 yards and three touchdowns. So needless to say, the Buckeyes goal is to make Wisconsin beat them through the air.  

On defense, the Badgers return a very experienced unit. The strength of the defense seems to be in the secondary which features Shane Carter, who had seven interceptions in 2007 and already has two this season. Even though teams have not rushed for a great deal of yardage against the Badgers this year, their front seven does not appear to be overly intimidating. The defensive line is pretty small in comparison, and averages just 258.5 pounds per player. The linebackers aren't much bigger averaging 225 pounds per player, and depend much more on quickness than brute strength. Beanie Wells gashed them a year ago in Columbus with 169 yards and three touchdowns, and if healthy we should expect much of the same.

Prediction:

The big story in this game will be how freshman Terrelle Pryor will handle the pressure and atmosphere in Camp Randall Stadium. This is his first road test as a starter, and the brutal Badger fans will not make it easy on him. Camp Randall is always a tough place to go in and win, especially at night with a raucos crowd.

On offense expect the Buckeyes to try to establish the run first. Ohio State had 37 rushes compared to 22 passes a week ago against Minnesota, and Tressel would surely like to do much of the same this week. With that said, the Badgers will try to put eight men in the box, and make Pryor beat them through the air. With a talented secondary we should anticipate at least one mistake from the freshman quarterback. So Beanie's health is essential in this game because he the only runner that the Buckeyes have that can break though the eight in the box and take it to the house. The wild card is obviously Pryor's running ability as the Badger's have not seen a quarterback with his speed and agility yet this season. If he can keep mistakes to a minimum, break a couple of runs and hit a few big pass plays, you have to like the Buckeyes chances.

On defense there is no mystery to the Buckeyes strategy. In fact it will look very similar to the Badgers approach, with stacking the box. The key will be slowing down Hill, Clay, and Brown forcing Evridge to beat them through the air. However if the linebackers commit soley to the run, Evridge will find tight end Travis Beckum for the big play. This is a huge game for the defensive front seven, who need to be physical and cut down on missed tackles. If you can force the Badgers into throwing on long or predictable downs, you can have a field day getting to the quarterback. Last year Ohio State had 10 sacks against a very run-oriented offensive line, and Michigan exploited the same thing last week with four sacks. If the Buckeyes neutralize the run and force a couple of turnovers, they should have a great opportunity for the victory.

So overall, I think Beanie will run the ball this week 20-25 times, but don't count out Herron's impact off the bench. Like stated earlier Pryor makes a turnover in this game, yet he makes up for it with his feet and a couple of big touchdowns through the air. This will be a big day for Hartline, who has gone under the radar thus far in 2008. On the other side of the ball, expect some success for Wisconsin on the ground. In the second half though this success will be neutralized because of the need to throw the ball in a close game. When this happens look for sacks and turnovers from the Buckeye defense. This will be nail bitter, and a game that comes down the performances in the fourth quarter. Final score...

Drew has it: Ohio State 23 Wisconsin 17

Dave has it: Ohio State 24 Wisconsin 20