Wisconsin vs. Ohio State, Big Ten Championship Game preview, predictions, viewing info

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 25: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first quarter of the game on November 25, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 25: J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes calls a play first half against the Michigan Wolverines on November 25, 2017 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Keys for Ohio State

When it comes to the Ohio State Buckeyes, everyone knows what the biggest key to this week’s championship game is. That is the health of J.T. Barrett after his knee injury in a freak accident with a cameraman this past week.

How healthy Barrett truthfully is for this game is going to determine if the Buckeyes are going to be leaving Indianapolis with another Big Ten Championship to their credit. How effective is he going to be running the ball after last week?

If he’s not able to be mobile enough to move the ball, it could quickly make their offense one-dimensional. Defensively, the Buckeyes will have a big test when it comes to stopping the run this week.

Jonathan Taylor has been outstanding for Wisconsin, and he looks like the next great running back for the program. The Buckeyes have had the great fortune of facing some great running backs this season already, including Saquon Barkley.

The Badgers have a knack for turning the ball over, so they’ll need to force some turnovers early to build a little momentum to help their offense and Barrett. This is a game where the defense is going to have to lead right out of the gate.

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