The Buckeyes bye week has come and gone, and the last remaining undefeated team in the Big Ten has been vanquished at the hands of the Michigan State Spartans in what will be remembered as the ‘Game of the Year’. Said previously undefeated team now sets their vengeful eyes on Columbus, as the 15th ranked Wisconsin Badgers plan to enter Ohio
[caption id="attachment_92" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Heisman Hopeful Russell Wilson will need to be contained in order to secure a Buckeye Victory."]
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Stadium on Saturday night and defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes on their own turf, a feat that they have not accomplished since 2004. After a devastating loss last Saturday, Wisconsin looks to regain ground in the polls, and view the Buckeyes as a relatively weak opponent. However, the Buckeyes look to move out of the 5th position in the Leaders division with an upset win in their Homecoming.
Even though the Badgers pose to be a difficult opponent this week, the Buckeyes can take a few lessons from the Spartans, as they accomplished what six other teams could not this year. The Spartans not only beat Wisconsin, but they also put an astonishing 37 spot up on the scoreboard, when all six other teams scored only 58 points combined. The Spartans found a way to not only win, but to skewer the defense that had been previously impenetrable. If Ohio State wants to follow in the footsteps of Michigan State and defeat the Badgers, they must take these lessons from Saturday’s game.
Discipline
Wisconsin has one of the most explosive and dangerous offenses this year in the NCAA. NC State transfer Russell Wilson is near the top of the Heisman hunt, having a terrific arm, and the ability to make plays with his feet. The running back tandem of Monte Ball and James White is arguably the best in recent history, and can devastate defenses and blow games wide open. Nick Toon is an outstanding wide receiver, who is a deep threat that can make ridiculous circus catches. With the ability of these star players, no extra yards can be given to them from penalties. Michigan State executed this perfectly, committing no penalties throughout the course of the game. If Ohio State expects to beat the Badgers on their own terms, penalties should be kept to an extreme minimum.
Pressure Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson can make plays happen by himself, much like a younger version of Mike Vick: extremely mobile coupled with a strong arm. However, Michigan State’s unrelenting defensive attack of blitzes got to Wilson, and he was forced to make mistakes. If Wilson is contained and hurried, he will make mistakes and turn the ball over. The Buckeyes must blitz the quarterback, but not let him get to the outside and scamper downfield. A QB Spy would be a great option, as he would keep his eye on Wilson, but could also stop a dump off pass to Ball/White.
Run The Ball
Last year against Wisconsin, Boom Herron ran for 91 yards and two touchdowns, and Terrelle Pryor added 56 more for a total of 147 rushing yards. Now, with Boom Herron, Braxton Miller, Jordan Hall, and Carlos Hyde, the Buckeyes could match/exceed last year’s stats on the ground. If the ball is run efficiently, clock management will be on the side of the Scarlet and Gray, which is necessary against a team of Wisconsin’s caliber. Dictating the game is crucial for the Buckeyes, and running the ball is the best option in achieving this goal. If the Buckeyes keep the ball out of Russell Wilson’s hands by effectively running the ball and commanding the clock, the Buckeyes have a shot at knocking off the Badgers.
This Saturday will most likely be the toughest game for Ohio State this year. They have shown shades of glory in the past two games, and that will be needed to take a step further this week, with a full 60 minutes of hard fought football. Anything can happen on October nights, and the Bucks plan on showing the national audience that they can still cut it with the big boys.
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