The Ohio State Buckeyes play host to the Wisconsin Badgers in a crucial Big 10 showdown on Saturday night from Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes have played great football on the season, coming into this one sitting nicely at 3-0. For Wisconsin, a shocking loss to Washington State two weeks ago was a setback, though they have their eyes on re-focusing for conference action. These two last squared off in 2019, an Ohio State win, as they've won eight straight in the series. While the Buckeyes will be favored, there's little doubt that this will be an interesting meeting.
Wisconsin hits the road for their first Big 10 game of the season, though it couldn't come against a more difficult opponent. The Badgers used to be the class of the Big 10 West but a few seasons of struggles now has them looking to get back on top. Wins against New Mexico State and Illinois State have done little to show where this team sits, though losing at home to Washington State was a massive surprise. Going on the road is likely to be challenging and considering how sharp they'll need to be in every facet of the game, this will be a massive test that will show quite a few people what this time is all about.
Wisconsin has one of the longest injury reports in the country, which won't help matters heading into Saturday night. They are definitely without a backup quarterback and safety, while another cornerback, Alexander Smith (hamstring) is doubtful. Another eight players are questionable with various leg injuries, and a ninth player is questionable due to conditioning. While none appear to be massive absences, the collective lack of depth could be an issue.
A touchdown trio is nothing new for the Badgers ?? pic.twitter.com/GTTHFicptT
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) September 22, 2022
Offensively, the Badgers rank high, though part of that is helped by the generous schedule so far. They rank in the top 50 in nearly every offensive category, though only scoring 14 points against Washington State is a definite concern. Like years past, the focus for this group will be moving the ball on the ground and controlling the clock. Braelon Allen (6.6 yards per carry, 5 touchdowns), is one of the best backs in the country and the Badgers will be leaning on him in a big way in this one. Not to be forgotten is also Graham Mertz, one of the most experienced signal callers in the conference.
Defensively, this group has given Ohio State trouble in the past and is likely to at least find some success early on in this one. The Badgers rank top ten nationally in scoring defense and turnovers while ranking in the top 20 in both passing defense and rushing defense. Things are likely not to be as easy on Saturday as they've been for m uch of the season though, and containing Ohio State's big plays will be the key. Nick Herbig has four sacks on the season and the more his name gets called in this one, the better the Badgers will likely compete.