Week 6: Ohio State at Wisconsin

A game many pegged would help decide the conference has lost a little luster after Wisconsin’s loss to Michigan last week. Even still, should the Badgers knock off Ohio State on Saturday, this game could create a ripple effect throughout the Big Ten that will lead to a wide open race from here on out.

Ohio State appears to be back to full force now that Chris Wells has regained his legs (or should we say ‘toes’). But we’re not so sure the Buckeyes have seen the end of their troubles. For one, the team appears ready to rely on Terrelle Pryor behind center, but the freshman can be rattled, and that could be the case this week against an experienced Badger front four. Should end Matthew Shaugnessy and tackle Mike Newkirk apply pressure to Pryor it could result in Buckeye turnovers.

The Badgers offense is much shakier than that of their counterparts. The rushing attack ranks sixth in average yards per attempt (4.7 is good for most, but not good enough for Wisconsin) and the passing game is a definite liability. Expect Jim Tressel to blitz Allan Evridge every chance he gets, forcing Wisconsin’s quarterback to execute under pressure.

Defensively, Wisconsin will have trouble keeping Pryor under wraps. Last week Steven Threet broke free for a big play and it’s only a matter of time before Pryor will do the same in this one.

If the game is close the edge may go to Wisconsin, and not only because Camp Randall is a hostile environment. Freshman Philip Welch has performed well this year, and might offer an advantage over Ohio State’s seasoned kicker, Ryan Pretorius.

Notes:

Ohio State owns the conference’s top defense, yielding just 251.8 yards per game.

Wisconsin’s David Gilreath leads all Big Ten kick returners with a 31.4-yard-per-return average; as a unit, Ohio State leads the conference in punt returns (13.8 yards per return).

Wisconsin has won two of the last three meetings with the Buckeyes, including a memorable 17-10 night-time victory at Camp Randall in 2003. That win snapped Ohio State’s 19-game winning streak.

Key Player (Buckeyes) – James Laurinatis, LB

Just another day at the office for Laurinaits this week – help to shut down the Badgers’ vaunted running game and keep an eye on tight end Travis Beckum.

Key Player (Badgers) – P.J. Hill, RB

Hill and John Clay set the tone for the Badgers, and if the two beefy backs are able to pound the ball for four and five yards each down it will provide encouragement for the rest of the team. Last year Hill was inactive when the Badgers lost 38-17 to the Buckeyes.

Ohio State by 14