Ohio State Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Wisconsin in 2017 Big Ten title

2. The young Ohio State secondary excels

I get it, Wisconsin’s defense is amazing and has shown that defense can indeed win games. When it comes down to it, that may be true, but one of the key parts of Wisconsin that worries me the most is at the quarterback position. Alex Hornibrook hasn’t proven to me that he is they guy who can go out and win a championship.

Hornibrook currently leads the Big Ten with 13 (!) interceptions. His throwing struggles are mostly due to the fact that he a dead duck as soon as he has to leave the pocket. Well Alex, with how good the Buckeyes defensive line is, be aware this will be an area you have to succeed in to win this game.

Now with all that being said, Ohio State’s secondary has had it’s own struggles this year. The Buckeyes bring back one starting piece in their secondary from the previous season. After losing cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore, Gareon Conley and safety Malik Hooker to the NFL, the Buckeyes were left with lone starter Denzel Ward. The Buckeyes’ secondary has gotten better throughout this season but they are still averaging nearly an extra touchdown through the year per game than they were last year.

Going into this Big Ten Championship Game, this matchup will have a huge impact. I don’t see Hornibrook dealing with the pressure and I believe he will make a few mistakes that the Badgers will be unable to overcome.

Look for the Buckeyes young secondary, led behind veteran cornerback Denzel Ward, to make some key plays to help the Buckeyes get their biggest win of the year. The secondary will hold Hornibrook to less than 200 yards and they will come away with two interceptions while returning one for a touchdown.