Wisconsin vs. Ohio State
Ohio Stadium
Saturday October 29, 8:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Wisconsin (-280) Ohio State (+235)
College Football Spread: Wisconsin -7 (-115) Ohio State +7 (-105)
Over/Under: 50.5
Wisconsin had hopes of winning a national title, but last week’s loss at Michigan State likely ended those dreams. This week the Badgers travel to Columbus to take on the Buckeyes. Ohio State isn’t the team they have been the last few years, but a game in the Horseshoe is never an easy task for an opponent. Expect an electric atmosphere on Saturday night.
The Badgers may have lost last weekend, but this is still one of the best teams in the nation. Russell Wilson has been tremendous at the quarterback position for Wisconsin. Wilson gives the team a quarterback with a big arm and the ability to keep plays alive with his legs. He is completing 73% of his passes so far this year, and he has 16 touchdowns and just three interceptions. While the passing game is very good, it is the Badgers ground game that makes them tick on offense. Montee Ball averages 6.1 yards per carry, and he has already amassed an amazing 19 touchdowns this year. Wisconsin is fifth in the nation in scoring offense at 47.2 points per game.
The Badgers defense has been very good this year. Coming into the season there were some questions about this unit, but up until last week’s loss they had been nearly perfect. Kirk Cousins exposed the secondary a bit last week, and that will be an area to watch in the future. Wisconsin needs to gear up for a heavy dose of the running game this week. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Ohio State is coming off a bye week, so they have had plenty of time to prepare for Wisconsin. The Buckeyes got a little bit of momentum back with their 17-7 win over Illinois two weeks ago. Braxton Miller has shown flashes of his play making ability, but he is very one-dimensional right now. As a whole, this Ohio State offense is one-dimensional in 2011. The Buckeyes really don’t have anyone who can throw it very well, and they are very weak at the wide receiver spot as well. On the other hand, Ohio State does have a good offensive line and a very talented backfield of runners. Dan Herron is eligible once again, and he is one of the conference’s best runners. If Ohio State is going to win this game, they’ll likely need to get some increased production out of the passing game.
Ohio State’s defense has been the strength of the team over the last few years. The Buckeyes defense isn’t dominating this year, but they are still very solid. This unit has given up large chunks of yards on the ground a couple times this year, but for the most part they have been pretty good. They will face a great running game this week, so it will be a huge test for the front seven.
Wisconsin is the better team here, and as long as they come out ready to go they should win this one and cover the spread. I think Ohio State plays hard and keeps it respectable, but Wisconsin should wear them down with their rushing attack.
Free College Football Pick: Wisconsin -7
Score Prediction: Wisconsin 30 Ohio State 17
