B1G Preview: Ohio State vs. Wisconsin

The most talked about game in the B1G this week is the Ohio State Buckeyes versus the Wisconsin Badgers.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have traditionally dominated the B1G.  Last year, the Buckeyes were ranked No. 3 in the nation and had a 12-0 record to finish the season.  They were banned from participating in bowl games due to eight players taking a total of $14,000 in cash and tattoos in exchange for Buckeyes memorabilia.  For those who do not know, that violates NCAA rules.  Despite, the infractions happening the year before, the Buckeyes were punished the following year and banned from Bowl appearances.  The Buckeyes are looking to have a similar season this year when they can participate in bowl game.  Their record so far is 4-0

Last season, the Badgers went 4-4 in the division and had a similarly lackluster record overall at 8-6.  This season, though, Wisconsin looks like a much better team and they currently sit at 3-1.  Their only loss comes against Arizona State.   Arizona State only recently exited the top 25 teams in the nation after a loss to Stanford.  Wisconsin lost the game by two points.  Wisconsin first real challenge of the season is this game against the No. 4 ranked Buckeyes.  It is worth noting that Wisconsin is ranked No.23 in their own right.

The Buckeyes will be seeing the return of starting QB Braxton Miller.  Miller has been out with an injury since Week 2.  Kenny Guiton filled in for Miller and performed awesomely, throwing 12 touchdowns and only two interceptions.  However, Miller will be back in as he continues his pursuit of the Heisman Trophy and a championship run and Guiton will be going back to the bench, likely viewed as the best backup in the NCAA.

Running back Carlos Hyde will also be returning from a three-game suspension to play.  Hyde will be returning in full force against Wisconsin.

Both these Buckeye offensive weapons should have the Badger concerned.  Their primary focus will be on slowing down these two elite college players.  Linebacker Chris Borland is the de-facto leader of the Wisconsin offense and will likely shoulder most of the responsibility at stopping these two.  Borland has already tallied a total of 30 tackles on the season.

Offensively the Badgers will be relying heavily upon their star running backs.  Melvin Gordon has all ready rushed for 624 yards while averaging over 11-yards per carry with seven touchdowns.  Senior James White also has racked up some yardage with 442 yards on the season averaging 7.25 yards per carry.  Corey Clement rounds out Wisconsin’s running attack.  He is a true freshman who has managed to put up 334 yards and four touchdowns.

This will leave it up to sophomore Christ Carter, who is a new starter this season, to clog up the middle and stifle the Badgers run attack.  If the Buckeyes manage to stop Wisconsin’s run game then it will be up to Badgers QB Joel Stave and wide receiver Jared Abbrederis to get the job done.

The biggest question is can Stave and Abbrederis make things happen through the air if their run game is stopped.

Not surprising, Wisconsin is the seven-point underdogs according to the spread at Bovada.  The over/under for the game is set at 56.  The game starts at 6 p.m. and airs nationally on ABC.