ESPN’s College GameDay is on campus, and that usually means something good is happening with the Wisconsin Badgers. Such is the case as the 4-1 Badgers take on the 5-0 Ohio State Buckeyes in a massive clash for both teams.
With Wisconsin returning to action after a bye week, they’ll look to get the bitter taste of a close defeat at Michigan out of their mouths as the Buckeyes come to Camp Randall for a night contest.
To say this is the biggest game in the modern era of Badgers football wouldn’t be an understatement. Can UW pull this game out, or will the Buckeyes talent overcome the Camp Randall magic? Let’s check out our thoughts on this game.
1 Burning Question: Can Wisconsin Run the Football?
We’ve been asking this question for-seemingly-ever. Yet, the reality is the Badgers haven’t had a consistent and scary rushing attack in nearly a season-and-a-half. That’s a scary bad problem to be running in to against a quality Ohio State defense.
Part of the reason for the inconsistency and the lack of a quality run game has been an injured Corey Clement. He’s back to full health and will also have impressive redshirt freshman Bradrick Shaw back to help spell him on Saturday.
That’s great news, as is the return of a healthy Micah Kapoi at left guard and the sliding over of Michael Dieter back to center.
It means the Badgers are as close to full-strength in the run game as they’ve been almost all season long. Can it also mean a rushing attack that gives Wisconsin a chance to win this game? Only time will tell, but the answer has to be in the affirmative if the Badgers want to make a statement on their behalf on the national level.
2 Key Stats:
— 6. That is the number games Wisconsin has won in a row following a loss. That’s good news, but with Ohio State coming in to town this weekend that streak is going to get a severe test. Wisconsin is going to need to extend that streak if it really wants to control its own destiny in the Big Ten West division race.
— .893. That is Wisconsin’s home winning percentage since 2004. It also happens to be the second-best mark in the country (tied with Oklahoma). With the Badgers finally getting to host a Big Ten game, that is some welcome news. However, Ohio State has claimed seven of the last eight meetings in this series overall. Something is clearly going to have to give in this matchup.
3 Key Players:
Alex Hornibrook, Wisconsin QB: Michigan was no doubt an eye-opening experience for the redshirt freshman in his first start. Saturday night will be another big test of Hornibrook’s mettle along with his progression as a starter. The hope is that he won’t have to carry this team, but given the knowledge gained in his first start and his tool set as a passer, Wisconsin may need him to be the answer on offense. Can he stack up on the national stage after getting shelled in his first taste of action as a starter two weeks ago?
Corey Clement, Wisconsin RB: As we talked about in our burning question, at some point either it is time to give up on the idea of a strong run game in 2016 or Corey Clement is going to become the star that he was supposed to be once he became the No. 1 running back. With Clement back to full health, the Badgers need him to show up in a big way on Saturday night against one of the best rushing defenses in the country according to the stats.
Curtis Samuel, Ohio State H-Back: He has to be the most versatile player on the field come Saturday night. Samuel is equally scary in the run and pass games, ranking 16th in the country in all-purpose yards while leading the Big Ten in that category as well. He is averaging 151.0 all-purpose yards on the season and if Ohio State wants to win, he has to be a big part of the offensive effort.
Staff Predictions:
Andy: Wisconsin 24-21
You can hear all of my thoughts on this game as part of the talking10 podcast this week, however I’ll break it down like this. Ohio State hasn’t seen a defense like the Badgers can throw at them, meanwhile Wisconsin has seen some of the best defenses in the country already. I expect a hard-fought battle to be sure, but in the end Camp Randall at night becomes magical and we see Alex Hornibrook come through in the final minutes to give the Badgers the victory.
Nate: Ohio State 17-14
This one will live up to its billing and be a classic Big Ten battle. At the end of the day, the Buckeyes have too many weapons. They’ll escape Camp Randall with a victory.
Rayan: Wisconsin 17-14
I have picked against the Badgers three times this season, and all my logic and common sense is telling me that I should once again pick against them. But I just have a gut feeling that we’re going to see some Camp Randall at night magic. The rain is going to play a big part in creating a sloppy, ugly, turnover fest, and Wisconsin will emerge with the win.
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