Big 10: Ohio State versus Wisconsin Preview
What is likely to be the best Big 10 game of the day the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Wisconsin Badgers. In the grand scheme of college football this game has no implications. Wisconsin has already clinched their spot in B1g Championship Game with a 7-3 record despite the Buckeyes being undefeated at 10-0. The Buckeyes are ineligible to go to the post season because of the pay for play scandal.
There are no post season implications in this game. However, this is going to be a really good football game. For those, who like to make risky and close bets for the thrill will also get some grand joy out of watching this game as it is likely to be a nail biter down to the finish.
The Buckeyes, despite being ineligible for the post season, still would very much like to keep their undefeated record intact, and Wisconsin poses the biggest threat to Ohio States record than any other team.
Wisconsin also would like to be the team that put a mark in the L column for the Buckeyes. The Badgers want to prove that they are the real deal and are not heading into the post season on top just because Ohio State is ineligible.
The last time these two teams met it was spectacular and it ended with a 33-29 victory for Ohio State.
Both teams last games proved just how dominant the Badgers and Buckeyes are. Last week the Badgers absolutely destroyed the Indiana Hoosiers 62-14. Wisconsin showed off its run game in this contest. Montee Ball is now second place in the entire NCAA for career touchdowns.  He rushed for 198 yards and three touchdowns in the game.
Ohio State was on a bye week, but the week before that they traveled to the mid states as well to deliver a similar beat down to Illinois 22-52. During the game, the Buckeyes proved just how dangerous they are by putting up a total of 567 offensive yardage. Coming out of the bye week, Ohio state will not only have momentum from two weeks ago but will also be well rested and ready to play some football against the Badgers.
Wisconsin will need to establish their run game against Ohio State. The Buckeyes defense are going to force a lot of passing situations onto the Badgers, but if the Badgers can establish that they can run all over the Buckeyes early on it will open up the mid field for some passing plays for the Badgers. The Badgers have had trouble, though, establishing the run against good defensive teams like Ohio State.
The Buckeyes strategy going into this game will be to force Curt Phillips to win this game. As good as Ohio State’s offense is they also know how good the Badgers defense is. They are going to struggle to make a lot of huge offense plays and will not simply be able to rely on that aspect of their team for this game. Instead Ohio State’s defense will attempt to stop the run and force Phillips to attempt big passes into tight coverage. Last week Phillips only threw for 48 yards in the run dominated game, so whether or not Phillips has the talent to put a team on his back and win this way remains be seen. The Buckeyes are going to gamble on the idea that he does not have that level of talent.
The Badgers are the 2 point favorites to win according to the point spread at BetONline.com.  The money line for Ohio State is at +110. Wisconsin’s money line is at -130. The over/under is at 51.5. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. ET time. You can catch the stream the game on ESPN.COM.
