Big Ten Power Rankings, Week 10: Ohio State back in the playoff mix

If there’s any team that has frustrated Wisconsin to no end, it’s Northwestern. They have won their last four meetings at home against Wisconsin, and six of their last 10 overall. Last year’s meeting at Camp Randall was especially difficult for them, as the Badgers had three touchdowns called back by officials.

While Wisconsin’s offense has never looked great this season, they find a way to deliver in big moments. Corey Clement was held in check for most of the game, and only averaged 3.3 yards per carry. But in the fourth quarter, with Northwestern only trailing by six, they went to him at the goal-line and he punched in the score. Clement even said afterwards that they “didn’t want a referee to make a game-time decision at the end.”

But the Badgers’ best offensive player may have been Jazz Peavy. He had 73 yards on just four receptions, and even scored one on the ground from 46 yards out. Already an emerging star at wide receiver, Peavy is starting to become Wisconsin’s top offensive playmaker.

But while everyone on Wisconsin’s front seven is outstanding, D’Cota Dixon is the one who stands out, as he always seems to come up with big plays. Against LSU, he got the game-sealing interception. Against Michigan State, he forced the fumble that allowed Leo Musso to make it 20-6. Against Nebraska, he deflected Armstrong’s pass on fourth down in overtime. And he had another big-time performance against Northwestern, finishing with seven tackles and a fumble recovery.

This Wisconsin team is the living embodiment of the phrase “offense wins you games, defense wins you championships.” Let’s see if their defense can power them to a Big Ten Championship this season.