Ohio State vs Wisconsin: 3 things we learned
What are some of the takeaways from Saturday’s game between Ohio State and Wisconsin?
On Saturday night, No. 2 Ohio State and No. 8 Wisconsin collided in a battle of Big Ten schools. They not only looked to reaffirm their conference standing, but aimed to keep or move up in the AP Poll. A win for the Buckeyes would probably keep them where they are, but the Badgers could move up into the top-five if they pull off the upset.
The final score would see Ohio State defeat Wisconsin, 30-23. It took a comeback and overtime to get to this result. What were some of the takeaways from this game, though?
Wisconsin actually has a running game
Coming into Saturday night’s game, the Wisconsin running game had been inconsistent. Lead rusher Corey Clement had one 100-yard performance and even a game with 23 carries for just 54 yards. However, the senior running back stepped up against the Buckeyes.
Clement finished the game with 25 carries on 164 yards, his highest total of the season. While the Badgers didn’t win, seeing the running game wake up had to be a positive sign. Even fullback Austin Harmesh had a rushing touchdown.
With a freshman quarterback playing,
Ohio State can only be held down for so long
Stopping Ohio State is a difficult task. Through the first half, though, Wisconsin pulled this off and led 16-6. They limited the already-dicey passing game of the Buckeyes and kept the running game in check. That all changed in the second half, though.
The offense stopped making mistakes and had successful drives down the field. Turnovers, like JT Barrett’s end zone interception, hurt them in the first half. Instead, it was the senior quarterback leading the charge in the third and fourth quarters. He had a few long gains with his feet, and even a rushing touchdown to give Ohio State their first six-point score. Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook then threw a costly interception, leading to another touchdown. This proved too much for the home team to overcome.
This Ohio State rushing attack will be difficult to contain and the defense is stingy. After taking down the No. 8 team, they’ll be difficult to stop the rest of the way. Unless they get tested like No. 3 Clemson did.
AP Poll fallout
Ohio State’s ranking won’t change. If anything, their No. 2 spot was solidified on Saturday night by defeating the No. 8 team.
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As for Wisconsin, they’ll likely fall out of the top-ten, but maybe not too far. They took a potential College Football Playoff team to overtime, nearly defeating them. The Badgers couldn’t hold up against the comeback kids, however, which will cost them in the polls. This will lead to teams like Boise State, Nebraska, and Baylor moving up.