Intriguing Game– NCAA Football, Week Four
Wisconsin Badgers at (3) Ohio State Buckeyes
Wisconsin: In that crazy Week 2, they were one of the ranked teams that got upset. In this sport, you can not lower your guard and that’s exactly what they did. However, they were able to bounce back and get a blowout win against the New Mexico State Aggies. The offense was efficient putting up 595 yards up of total offense. Whenever I think of Wisconsin Badgers football, 3 things come to mind. The first is the stingy defense. They always have one of the best units not just in the Big Ten, but in all of the nation. It’s a group that plays downhill together and they want to make you one dimensional. Also, they’re one of the best when it comes to stopping the run. The next is a strong offensive line. Football is a game won in the trenches and they bully their opponents by dominating the line of scrimmage. Lastly, they still believe in pounding the rock. The Badgers love running the football and they don’t shy away from it. The goal is to slow the game down and run the football down your throat. It also helps when they have a nice tandem of backs in Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi. In a game where most teams don’t have that team identity, Paul Chryst always makes sure those three things I listed are the forefront of his teams. On Saturday night, they will begin conference play in Columbus.
Ohio State: After the opening win against Notre Dame, I was unimpressed with them. The Irish gave them all they could handle and I’m being honest, they win that game by more than the 10 points they did if they executed more consistently. Since then, they’ve been strong and handling their business on the field. This is still the best offense in College Football without question. What makes them so special is how they’re able to strike at anytime no matter where they have the football. One possession and it’s either down the field or they’re scoring a touchdown. Even with Jaxson Smith-Njigba dealing with the injury bug, the Wide Receiver room has stepped up tremendously in his absence. Marvin Harrison Jr and Emeka Egbuka have been shouldering the load for them. The other day, I was talking to one of my friends and I mentioned to them that the Ohio State Buckeyes are the Buffalo Bills of College Football. What I meant was just like the NFL team, they’re inconsistent when it comes to running the football. If they want to bring a title back to Columbus, a ground game will help them. Look at 2014 when they beat Oregon to win that title. Ezekiel Elliott was tough to bring down. Last year, the Buckeyes were one of the worst at stopping the run which is why they hired Jim Knowles to fix the defense. They’ve improved this year as they’re allowing 84 yards per game on the ground. On Saturday, they’ll welcome Wisconsin to town.
Wisconsin X-Factor: Braelon Allen– He’s continued that long tradition of Badger Running Backs. Braelon moves the chains, take time off the clock and maintain possessions. Ohio State’s new and improved run defense has yet to be tested this year. In this game, Braelon will provide that test early on and as often as possible.
Ohio State X-Factor: Steele Chambers– He’s provided stability to a position that’s struggled as of late, that’s Linebacker. Steele is a former Running Back that’s now playing on the defensive side. He’s a tackling machine. Everytime I see him, he’s always around that football trying to make the best possible play. Steele is a large part of why the Buckeyes have improved in stopping the run.
Final Thoughts: This is their first meeting since 2019 when they played in the Big Ten Championship Game. This could also be a preview of what’s to come in December. As I said up top, Wisconsin isn’t going to shy away from what they want to do. They will do all they can to run that football, it’s their bread and butter. The one thing that concerns me is they are a bit too one dimensional on offense. There are 2 key matchups I’ll be watching in this game. The first is Braelon Allen against this improved Buckeyes run defense. For Wisconsin to have a shot, they must establish Braelon early on. He must have the game of his life. Next, I’m watching the Buckeyes passing attack against the Wisconsin pass defense which is 1 of the best in the nation. Will the Badgers be able to pressure Stroud? That’s key.
Prediction: Ohio State 35, Wisconsin 20
