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| It's Wisconsin Week |
As the Buckeyes prepare to host the Badgers this Saturday at 8 PM EST, Buckeye Nation knows this is a must-win game if Ohio State even wants a shot at staying in the race for the Big Ten Conference Championship game. Wisconsin is coming off it's first loss, and now travel to the 'Shoe. John Veldhuis of Bucky's 5th Quarter was nice enough to join us in answering our questions that we had about Wisconsin, and the game the 'Shoe.
1. Wisconsin has just suffered their first loss of the season after traveling to Michigan State. They still have good odds heading into this game to win the Leader's Division, since MSU falls under the Legends. What did that loss mean to the Badgers, and what does this upcoming game mean to them?
Well, the loss means that Russell Wilson is human after all. He didn't have a bad day, but the bad parts came at exactly the wrong times. In addition, it means that some of the season's high expectations came crashing down along with that tipped ball, into the hands of Keith Nichol. Preseason, I expected the Badgers to be right where they are now - 6-1 with a loss to Michigan State. After the first few games I believed (and I think a lot of other people did too) that this team was able to do something more than a Big Ten Championship. That's why it hurts now. This game is important because they still have 4 of their 5 next games against division opponents, and they'll have to beat a still talented Ohio State team on the road.
2. Ohio State traveled to Camp Randall last year ranked #1 in the country, and took their only fall the whole year. Are Wisconsin fans feeling some confidence heading into the rowdy 'Shoe?
I think they are, but it's more because of Ohio State's no-good very-bad offseason. Before the Time of Troubles started, this looked like a very tough game for the Badgers, and it still is, to an extent. Ohio State's offense doesn't strike fear into anyone right now, and I think the Wisconsin defense is coming in a little underrated after the loss to MSU, so I think they have a right to be confident for now. Ohio State will get back to their normal state sooner rather than later, so the Badgers need to take advantage while they have time.
3. Who are the #1 play makers on offense, not counting Russell Wilson and Montee Ball?
Well, in addition to Ball, there's Nick Toon - he's the Badgers' No.1 receiver. He's had a good year so far, mostly because of his strong connection with Wilson. Toon's success has helped Jared Abbrederis, a sure-handed walk on who defenders can't forget about. If Toon is put on an island, Abbrederis usually finds ways to get open against the #2 corner. Finally, there's Jacob Pedersen. He's the Badgers' next "Big Thing" at tight end, and with all of the Badgers' other weapons drawing attention, defenses tend to forget about him. He's second in receiving touchdowns this year, so when defenses forget about him, they usually pay for it.
4. How do you think Russell Wilson will handle his first loss as a Badger? Do you think he was rattled traveling on his first big road game, and how does it affect him personally heading into the Buckeye game?
He's fine. I was with him Monday at his press conference and while he's obviously bummed, he'll bounce back. I don't think he was rattled about the prospect of travelling - it was once he threw that first interception. He recovered eventually, and I don't think he let the second INT affect him, seeing as they were still able to tie the game up after that.
Personally, I'm confident Russell won't let the last game keep him down for this one. In interviews with him this semester, he's very focused and knows what needs to be done, so I would expect him to be the normal Russell heading in.
5. How do you think this game plays out? How will Wisconsin finish the season? (W/L, B1G Championship game?, What Bowl Game?)
I wasn't sure on Monday how the players would respond, but from what I've seen now I think they'll come out fired up rather than depressed. They did the same thing last year against Minnesota, what with the running up the score charges and two-point conversion-gate. I think the Badgers win this game based on the strength of their offense (Even though the Buckeye defense will provide a tougher challenge than other team's they've played), and the fact that an underrated Badger defense will be able to take advantage of Braxton Miller's inexperience.
For the end of the season, if they win this weekend, I think they'll go 11-1 in the regular season. Luckily the Badgers get Penn State at home, because they're the toughest game after OSU. They'll have a rematch with Michigan State in the Big Ten title game, and I would think the Badgers could win handily on a neutral field. East Lansing just has too many demons for the Badgers right now. I don't see them squeaking into the National Championship game, as a 1 loss team from the Big Ten, so they'll go to their second straight Rose Bowl to play Stanford or Oregon.
Bonus Question: What do you think of Luke Fickell and his current situation, and who do you personally think will be the next OSU coach? (If you think Fickell, why?)
I genuinely feel bad for Luke Fickell. He seems like an OK guy, and he's done the best he can with what's left in Columbus. He was always going to make rookie head coach mistakes, like mismanaging time outs, so it's unfair to judge him too harshly in my opinion. He was thrust into the head coaching role without any prior experience, after all.
Granted, this is from a complete outsider's perspective: I think they'll let Fickell go, and he can get a fresh start at a smaller program so he can build a coaching resume. This is just a shot in the dark - I think Urban Meyer would be very tempted to put up with the stress of coaching college football if it was for his coaching alma mater. God help the Big Ten if that's what he does want.
