Tomorrow will be the toughest test on the Badgers’ schedule. They will travel to Columbus, Ohio to take on the third-ranked Ohio State Football team. The Badgers are 18-point underdogs. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM on ABC. Here are the keys to a massive upset.
Badgers Must Have A Balanced Offense Against Ohio State Football
Chez Mellusi’s dazzling Wisconsin debut and why he transferred for days like Saturday – The Athletic” />
Wisconsin has to get both phases of the offensive game going tomorrow night. While it begins with the run game, the passing game also has to be in sync. It’ll be a young and inexperienced offense in a big atmosphere, but they have the athleticism and talent to make Ohio State Football earn it on defense.
Whether it’s a jet sweep or any sort of trickery, I think the Badgers have to be ready to do just about anything. Braelon Allen needs to be fed early and often. Chez Mellusi needs to be involved. It has to be almost a flawless game from the offense
Graham Mertz Must Be Great
While I don’t think Graham Mertz has to go 20-21 for four touchdowns, this has to be one of his better games as a starter. Currently, he’s fifth in the country in passer rating. He’s playing with a ton of confidence and making the throws he needs to make.
I think Mertz has to take check-downs and throw deep when given. He has to keep the Ohio State Football team on their feet and make them respect all parts of the field. It’s obvious Mertz is one of the leaders of this team. The players look up to him as well. Captains play great when it counts. Mertz has to be great tomorrow night.
Defense Must Bend But Don’t Break Against Ohio State Football
Ohio State Football will get their yards and there won’t’ be anything Jim Leonard can do about it. This is a great offense with playmakers all over the field. The defense has to keep Wisconsin in this game. They must get off the field on third down and make the Buckeyes settle for three instead of seven. It could be a sack or an interception that could be the difference.
I think this defense is up for the challenge. They’ve had to hear all week about the great offense of Ohio State Football (rightfully so). However, when you play the underdog role, and with nothing to lose, you can be surprised at what could go your way if you take advantage of the opportunities.
Wisconsin Football vs. Ohio State Prediction
It’s pretty obvious no one is giving the Badgers much of a chance tomorrow night. It’s almost impossible to go into Columbus under the lights and walk out with a win. While Notre Dame was close a few weeks ago, talent took over, and Ohio State Football was able to prevail.
Whoever can best protect their quarterback is in a better position to win. Riley Mahlman is out again for Wisconsin so look for Logan Brown to get the start at right tackle. In my opinion, that’s not a good sign for the Badgers. The Ohio State defense will look to get Graham Mertz rattled early and make the young receivers make plays.
Defensively, can the Badgers last four full quarters? Can they keep the stud receiving core of Ohio State Football in line? Can they stop the running game? Will they make C.J. Stroud uncomfortable? I really do, but I don’t think it can be an entire game.
The Badgers won’t get a ton of opportunities. Ohio State is so fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball, and they don’t beat themselves. Wisconsin needs to create its own momentum and sustain it in front of a crowd of over 100,000 people.
I still think Wisconsin should be the team to beat in the West. I just don’t like the matchups, especially on the offensive line. It’s a struggling unit to begin the season. I just think this team is a year away from really making Ohio State Football sweat a full 60 minutes. Wisconsin will make this game tough, but I think Ohio State pulls away late in the third quarter.
Ohio State Football 31, Wisconsin Football 20
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