Buckle up for a clash of the titans as Ohio State gears up to take on Wisconsin in a highly anticipated matchup. With the Buckeyes aiming to dominate and clean up their running game, will they leave Madison with another victory under their belt?
The Stage is Set:
The Ohio State Buckeyes are cruising through their regular season, and this Saturday marks the end of the second segment of their campaign. While the Wisconsin Badgers might not be the most formidable opponent, their recent struggles are evident. With four consecutive losses, including defeats in their first three conference games, the Badgers are in a slump. Despite a few bright spots in their defense, their offense has been lackluster, ranking 130th nationally with just 292.5 yards of total offense per game.
A Familiar Face Returns:
The game holds a unique significance as former Buckeye coach Luke Fickell, now at the helm of Wisconsin, faces his former team. Fickell's journey has been a rollercoaster, from his time as co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State to leading the Cincinnati Bearcats to the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Ryan Day, who arrived at Ohio State when Fickell left, has guided the Buckeyes to CFP appearances in three of his first four seasons. But the tides have turned; Fickell's Wisconsin struggled in 2024, and their 2025 season isn't off to a promising start. Fickell's post-game comments after a crushing loss to Iowa hinted at his uncertain future.
Hometown Hero Returns:
Adding to the narrative, Wisconsin native and Ohio State center Carson Hinzman will play against his home state team for the second time. Hinzman, who has evolved from a critiqued redshirt freshman to a stalwart on the front five, will have plenty of support from family and friends in the stands.
Running Game Renaissance:
Ohio State's primary focus is to improve their running game, which has been less than stellar. Ranking 46th nationally in yards per carry and 62nd in rushing yards per game, the Buckeyes are determined to make adjustments. Getting freshman Bo Jackson back in the lineup after an ankle injury could provide the spark they need.
Defensive Dominance:
Ohio State's defense, led by nose guard Kayden McDonald, aims to maintain its top-ranked status. With Wisconsin's offense struggling and questions surrounding their quarterback position, the Buckeyes' defense could secure another shutout.
Key Players to Watch:
Wisconsin's defense has a standout in LB Christian Alliegro, who leads the team in tackles and sacks. Ohio State's S Caleb Downs will have opportunities to make plays, especially with Wisconsin's anemic passing attack.
Coaches' Perspectives:
Ryan Day, known for his respect for opponents, acknowledges Wisconsin's defensive capabilities. He believes they can be a threat with a few big offensive plays. Meanwhile, Wisconsin's Luke Fickell remains optimistic, emphasizing that his team has nothing to lose and must embrace the challenge of facing the top-ranked Buckeyes.
Historical Context:
Ohio State holds a commanding 63-18-5 all-time record against Wisconsin, with 10 straight wins. The Badgers' roster includes seven players from Ohio, while the Buckeyes have just one player from Wisconsin. Interestingly, Wisconsin's coaching staff features four former Ohio State players, including Fickell.
Prediction Time:
The Eleven Warriors staff predicts a comfortable victory for Ohio State, with the smallest margin being 28 points. Wisconsin's defense might pose some challenges, but it's unlikely to be enough to keep the game competitive.
And here's where it gets intriguing: will Wisconsin's desperation and Fickell's familiarity with Ohio State be enough to pull off an upset? Or will the Buckeyes' talent and momentum prove too much to handle? The game promises to be a fascinating display of strategy and skill. Stay tuned to find out!
