(3) Ohio State 7-0 (4-0) v. Wisconsin 5-2 (3-1)
The Buckeyes keep rolling, and the next stop is Camp Randall for a primetime showdown with the Wisconsin Badgers. Ohio State is coming off a massively important win against a top-ten opponent, their second of the season, while Wisconsin eeked out a win against a struggling Illini team.
A nice cross-divison rivalry has been brewing between Ohio State and the University of Wisconsin. The Buckeyes boast a nine-game winning streak dating back to 2011’s thrilling finish, while three of the wins were conference championship games. Ohio State’s offense tends to show up and show out against Wisconsin’s traditionally strong defenses.
Ryan Day will head to Camp Randall Stadium for the first time as the head coach of the Buckeyes. A primetime game in Madison, Wisconsin, presents an entirely different set of challenges compared to playing Penn State at home. The stadium’s atmosphere will play out similarly to when the Bucks traveled to South Bend earlier this season.
Ohio State will have to come in prepared for a ruckus-causing and ruthless crowd. Quarterback Kyle McCord should have his full arsenal of high-powered weapons available this week, as running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka have been fully cleared for action. On the opposite side of the ball, defensive back Denzel Burke should also be fully available for Saturday night.
Wisconsin’s new head coach, Luke Fickell, brings some background knowledge of the Buckeyes as he was a part of the coaching staff under Urban Meyer. Unfortunately, Fickell has taken on a bit of a project in Madison as they are looking to return to the top of the Big Ten West. The Badgers usually rely on a strong running game while controlling the clock; however, the offense may be forced into some compromising positions throughout this game and, if so, will struggle to keep up with the Bucks’ offense.
General Information:
Date: Saturday, 10/28/23
Time: 7:30 PM, Eastern
Venue: Camp Randall Stadium (Capacity:76,118)
Series: Ohio State leads 62-18
Last Meeting: Ohio State over Wisconsin 52-21 (2022)
What to Watch For:
Ohio State
The Buckeye offense is as close to being able to fire on all cylinders as possible. Key players are returning to the fold as McCord gains confidence rep by rep. Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. made all the difference last week, and I expect that to continue as he should continue climbing into the Heisman conversation. On the other side of the ball, Ohio State’s defense has kept their offense alive with their amazing (if not undervalued) gameplay. It’s time the Silver Bullets started getting the recognition they deserve, and Saturday night will give them yet another opportunity to do so.
Wisconsin
Head coach Luke Fickell looks to close the gap between his coaching efforts and taking on tough Ohio State football teams. While Fickell was at Akron, coaching the defense, the Zips lost 28-14 back in 2001. Fast forward to 2019, Fickell’s Bearcats wound up losing 42-0 in a humiliating defeat. The Badgers are in a rebuilding phase and are in desperate search of an identity under Fickell. This Badger team is good, and, in a few years will be something to watch out for.
Prediction:
Expect the Buckeyes to put on a show as the College Football Playoff initial rankings loom. Ohio State will want to put on a display and prove they are the team to beat in the Big 10 and beyond. The Scarlet and Gray walk away with this one and make a clear declaration to the CFP committee 35-10.
(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
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