Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers Picks & Odds
Written September 29, 2008 by Jason Lowry
This weekend the Ohio State Buckeyes look to keep their chances at a National Championship alive when they travel to Wisconsin to take on the Badgers, who are still likely feeling the aftershocks of a devastating loss to Michigan last weekend to open up their Big 10 season. While the Badgers saw a 19-0 halftime lead disappear and wind up in a 27-25 defeat, the Buckeyes were able control the game in a 34-21 win at home over Minnesota. The Badgers are always tough at home, but the odds makers don’t think they will have enough this weekend, as the Buckeyes come in favored by 2.5 at Sportsbook.com
The Buckeyes will have their first real shot to show just how much different a team they are with running back Beanie Wells in full strength, as Wells looked back to his old form when he rushed for 105 yards on just 14 carries. True freshman Terrelle Pryor continued to impress in his 2nd career start, as he backed up his 4 touchdown through the air performance with another through the air and he ran for 97 yards and 2 scores against the Gophers. Receiver Brain Robiskie added to his season stats with 8 catches for 90 yards and 2 scores. The Buckeyes still allow former starter Todd Boeckman playing time, and it looks like the Buckeyes might just have it figured out on this side of the ball.
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The Ohio State defense did its job allowing the Gophers just 6 points for nearly the entire game, and even though they let the Gophers score 21 total when it was all said and done, it was to little to late for it to matter. The Buckeye defense forced 3 turnovers including back to back turnovers on consecutive possessions. This unit will have to bring its “A” game this week, an not the group that let the Trojans run wild on them. Bet Ohio State -2.5 at Sportsbook.com
Everything was going right for the Badgers as they were coming off an impressive 13-10 win at then No. 21 Fresno State, and they came out on fire against the Wolverines, but just had no answer in the 2nd half when they were able to score just 6 points. Quarterback Allan Evridge did throw for 226 yards but had 2 key interceptions, including 1 that wound up going for a touchdown, as part of the Wolverines 20 point 4th quarter. P.J. Hill didn’t find the endzone once again after racking up 4 scores in the first two games. Hill did have over 108 total yards, but they really need this guy to be even more effective though. Receiver David Gilreath had his best game of the season grabbing 5 balls for 65 yards and a score, and will need him to be a big part of the game this weekend against the Buckeyes.
The Badger defense was all over the Wolverines creating 5 turnovers in the first half and shutting out the Wolverines from really doing anything. Its easy to see that it didn’t last as this unit gave up 3 late scores that had to have Badgers fan a little confused on what happened. The Wolverines did nearly all their damage on the ground as they ran for 172 yards and 2 scores. This could spell trouble this weekend, as they are forced to go up against preseason Heisman hopeful Beanie Wells. Bet Wisconsin +2.5 at Sportsbook.com
Professional handicapper Jason Lowry is coming off another solid weekend that included a perfect 6-0 run with his NFL expert picks on Sunday. So be sure to check back later this week for who he sees winning this weekend in the NFL and with his NCAA football picks. Including who he has covering the college football lines and winning this game in one of the more meaningful Big 10 games of the season to date.
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