Wisconsin at Ohio State Line

Written by Steve Janus

The No. 15 Wisconsin Badgers will look to avoid losing back-to-back games when they go on the road to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Badgers were stunned by Michigan State 31-37, as the Spartans connected on a 44-yard touchdown pass as time expired to keep the game from going to overtime. Ohio State rebounded from a couple of tough losses to Michigan State and Nebraska with a 17-7 win over Illinois. The Buckeyes will be well rested and prepared for Wisconsin, as they come in off a bye week. Wisconsin ran all over Ohio State in a 31-18 win last season, but the Badgers haven’t won in Columbus since 2001.

Taking a look at the week 9 college football lines, oddsmakers currently have Wisconsin favored by 7-points over Ohio State with the total set at 50.5 points.

Wisconsin Badgers:

It looked as though Wisconsin was going to runaway with an easy win against the Spartans, as they jumped out to an early 14-0 first quarter lead. However, the second quarter belonged to Michigan State, as they took a 23-14 halftime lead thanks to a safety and blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown. The Badgers would respond with two late touchdowns to tie the game at 31-31 with just a 1:26 left in the game. Kirk Cousins would then hit Keith Nichol for the game winning touchdown on one of the most spectacular plays you will ever see.

Wisconsin is more than talented enough to win the rest of their games and get to the Big Ten Championship, but you have to wonder how this team will respond after their National Championship hopes have pretty much gone out the window.

The Badgers didn’t lose to Michigan State because their offense wasn’t able to move the ball. Wisconsin actually outgained the Spartans 443 to 399 in total yards. Russell Wilson threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns and Monte Ball ran for 115 of the Badgers 220 yards on the ground. The blocked punt for a touchdown and safety were the difference in this game.

While Ohio State isn’t up to the level that we are use to seeing, they feature another defense that could give Wisconsin some trouble. The Buckeyes are 26th against the run (116.6 ypg) and 23rd against the pass (188.3 ypg).

Ohio State Buckeyes:

If it wasn’t for their defense, it’s hard telling just how bad the Buckeyes would be. Ohio State held Illinois to 18 first downs, 285 yards of total offense, and didn’t allow the Fighting Illini to score unitl their were less than 7 minutes to play in the 4th quarter. Ohio State turned two Illinois turnovers into 14 points, but that was about all the offense was able to do.

The Buckeyes finished with just 14 first downs and 228 yards of total offense. Starting quarterback Braxton Miller attempted just four passes the entire game. His only completion was a 17 yard pass to Jake Stoneburner that went for a touchdown. Ohio State was able to rush for 211 yards behind 114 yards and a touchdown from senior Dan Herron, but overall this offense wasn’t very effective.

Michigan State came in with one of the top defenses in the country and weren’t able to keep the Badgers offense in check. Wisconsin is going to be able to move the ball and put points on the board against the Buckeyes. My concern is whether or not Ohio State has enough offense to even make this a game. Their passing attack is so bad (127.9 ypg) that if they fall behind early this game is over. The Buckeyes are going to have to force some turnovers and make some big plays on special teams just to avoid losing this game by 20-30 points.

Betting Trends:

Wisconsin is 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 games overall.

Ohio State is 17-4 ATS in their last 21 home games.

Be sure to stop back and check out who Steve Janus has picked to win this week in college football.

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