Representing: Wisconsin

The blogger from Bucky's 5th Quarter was nice enough to answer some questions on the upcoming game, and the rest of the Badger's season.


1. Right now, how do you feel about where the Badgers are as a team?

I feel like they are definitely a Top 25 team but they have a long ways to go if they want to make a BCS bowl. Early injuries prevented this team from making large improvements in the preseason so they are going to have to do that on the fly in the Big Ten season. I think that had a lot to do with why they lost at Michigan State. Every great team gets better each week and the Badgers' improvement hasn't been as great as many would like.

2. Wisconsin has so many weapons, with Scott Tolzien and John Clay. Who do they build around in key situations?

In key passing situations tight end Lance Kendricks is the go-to-guy. When the Badgers need a yard or two on the ground, John Clay has always proven to be capable. But the newest guy on the scene is true freshman running back James White who has been able to bust out some big touchdown runs when the Badgers needed them.

3. What has to happen for Ohio State to beat Wisconsin and vice versa?

The Buckeyes need to force some turnovers. Last year the Badgers proved they could sustain drives against the Buckeyes -- and it's virtually the same offense this year -- but they couldn't get in the end zone because Scott Tolzien was turning the ball over. But Wisconsin hasn't turned the ball over in four straight games and if the Badgers make it five, they will be tough to beat.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin has to limit big plays on defense. That was the Achilles heel of this team last year and it continues to be a sore spot this season. If Wisconsin wins, it's going to be a low scoring game. The defense can't allow Terrelle Pryor to bust off a big run or complete a long touchdown pass.

4. Have you heard of @BeingBielema? If so, do you follow him?

Not until you just mentioned it.

5. How will Wisconsin finish the season? (W/L, Bowl game)

10-3 seems like a likely finish again. Even if they lose their next two games against Ohio State and Iowa, they should go 4-0 to finish the season and possibly make the Outback Bowl.

6. Two years ago, you guys were in it until the end. Do you think it will be a close finish?

I do. That wasn't even a good Wisconsin team that nearly beat the Buckeyes. With all the intangibles involved in this game -- including the fact that Wisconsin is a pretty good football team -- I think this is a close game either way.

7. Do you like where Bret Bielema has taken this program?

Well he hasn't really taken it anywhere yet. It's been pretty stagnant for the last 10 years. Good, but not great. But the program certainly hasn't gotten any worse under his watch and he has a knack for getting a lot out of lesser known recruits.

8. Jim Tressel - What do you think of him?

Great coach, boring talker. I mean, what is there to say? He has a brilliant football mind and his teams stay consistently good.

9. Ohio State is #1, does this help or hurt your chances?

Well I definitely don't see how it can hurt anything. Bret Bielema admitted that he ranked Ohio State No. 1 this week in the coaches poll and why wouldn't he? Wouldn't you want to play the No. 1 team in your own building. At the end of the day, it's just a number, but these players are also college football fans and all fans know that being ranked No. 1 is a big deal.

10. Finally, who wins and why?

I really think the Badgers have a great chance to win this game because they are a good team and they have all the intangibles in their favor. Plus, Ohio State really hasn't done anything to blow me away. This is one of those games where my gut is telling me Wisconsin will win, but my head is telling me otherwise. Bret Bielema has yet to prove he can win a game of this magnitude and until he does, I'm not going to pick the Badgers in a game like this. Ohio State wins 17-13.