Wisconsin Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Ohio State
Wisconsin football is just one win away from solidifying their first ever trip to the College Football Playoff, but Ohio State stands in the way.
Since the beginning of the Big Ten Championship Game via the two-division split, the Badgers have played in five league titles- which is the most of any other team in the conference.
It has not always been West versus East as Wisconsin has made the conference title game with a much different looking division, but ever since the conference split geographically, the Badgers have yet to take the crown.
The Badgers have been one of the more successful programs as of late when it comes to wins and losses, but if there is one team that Wisconsin can never get passed- it is the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes hold the lead in the overall series 58 wins to the Badgers’ 18 and have won five in a row over Wisconsin. In fact, the last time Wisconsin knocked off Ohio State was back in 2010 when the Badgers took down No. 1 ranked Buckeyes led by Terrelle Pryor. All but one of the last five meetings between the two have been decided by a touchdown or less, including last year’s meeting in Madison, a 30-23 overtime win by the Buckeyes.
Wisconsin and Ohio State have met once before in the Big Ten Championship. Back in 2014, the Buckeyes were on the outside looking in at the College Football Playoff (CFP) and needed an impressive win over the Badgers to have a shot at cracking the final four. Ohio State went on to dominate Wisconsin by a score of 59-0 behind third-string quarterback Cardale Jones and ultimately earned the No. 4 seed in the playoff. The Buckeyes then went on to win the national championship.
This year’s meeting serves a bit more drama as both teams need a win to get in. The Badgers are all but guaranteed a spot in the CFP, while the Buckeyes will need a win and some help to make it into the top four. Here is how you can tune in.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 2
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium
TV: FOX
Live Stream: FOXSportsGO
Keys to Victory
The Buckeyes will easily be the best offense the Badgers will see all year up to this point. Wisconsin’s defense has been elite to say the least and are at the top of the NCAA in almost every defensive category.
With the status of J.T. Barrett up in the air, the Buckeyes will need to utilize the run game early and often. Wisconsin’s defense has allowed just 216 yards on the ground in the entire month of November, so to say they will be ready for the running game is an understatement. Those 216 yards are over the span of four games against Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota. Of course, we all know Iowa put 55 on the Buckeyes earlier this year.
As much as it is important that Wisconsin’s offense comes out with an efficient balanced attack, it will be important that they score first in this game and limit the Buckeyes to no big plays. While Ohio State has shown glimpses of vulnerability this year, they have also shown the ability to score in bunches (i.e. Michigan State, Illinois). If Wisconsin falls behind early, it could be hard to catch up.
Prediction
The Badgers will not only be looking for revenge from the 59-0 beatdown from a few years ago, but also will have a chip on their shoulder as they let a Big Ten championship slip away last year. Wisconsin will also be looking to finally show the college football world the respect they deserve after being the only Power Five team in the country to finish the regular season undefeated.
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A strong opening drive from Alex Hornibrook and Jonathan Taylor will help take some pressure of the defense before Barrett and company get going. A close first half will set up a setting in the second that will prove to be whoever turns the ball over most will fall. Wisconsin’s defense finally comes up big against the Buckeyes and the Badgers are playoff bound.
Final score: Wisconsin 28, Ohio State 24