What Went Right/Wrong: Wisconsin

Now that the Buckeyes have upset the Badgers, the Big Ten's Leaders division is wide open. Thanks to a strong effort from the defense, mixed in with some dazzling plays from Boom Herron and Braxton Miller, Ohio State controls their own destiny to get to Indianapolis for the inaugural B1G Championship Game. Let's take a look back on Saturday to see what went right and wrong for the Scarlet and Gray.

What Went Right


- Defense Wins Championships Big Games: The Silver Bullets have shown flashes of defensive domination in games, such as against Michigan State, the first half of Nebraska, and now Wisconsin. Almost collapsing in the 2nd half similar to the Nebraska game, this time Braxton Miller and the rest of the offense were able to give this defense more of a break, to allow for Andrew Sweat and John Simon to continue to harass Russell Wilson all night long. The defense was also able to hold Montee Ball down on rushing the entire night, and was very effective to contain Wilson until the end of the 4th quarter.

- Special Teams Are Back To Being Special: Up until the very last year of Jim Tressel's tenure, Ohio State was known for having very solid special teams, especially when it came to kick and punt returning, thanks to Ray Small and Ted Ginn Jr. Now, after last year's horrendous showing, it appears the special teams are once again clicking. Kick coverage has been fantastic, while the obvious blocked punt by Ryan Shazier was huge, the unit as a whole has been very impressive. Nate Ebner and Shazier are similar to missiles when it comes down to moments where we need a special teams play.

Boom's big run got things started

- Passes Are Nice, Boren Goes Boom: While the fans of Ohio State were screaming to pass the ball all season long, the offensive line and Zach Boren have been fantastic in breaking open holes for Boom Herron to run through. Boren may be the best blocking fullback in the whole country, and he proved it Saturday night. Braxton Miller didn't have any real big passes until the Hail Mary, but was pretty consistent in his attack going 7/12 (58% completion percentage) for 89 yards, and rushing for 99 yards on 19 attempts. He looked cool and collected out there even in the most tense moments. Boom Herron has great vision, as he had 160 yards on 33 carries.

Live Blog: Ohio State vs. #15 Wisconsin

Join us at 7:45 PM EST when the Buckeyes host the #15 ranked Wisconsin Badgers on ABC!

Preview: Ohio State vs. #15 Wisconsin

Bucky is invading the 'Shoe

The Buckeyes host the Badgers at 8 PM EST tomorrow night at the 'Shoe, and have had 2 weeks to prepare for this battle. Along the way, OSU officials have said that they will be honoring Eddie George at halftime, and they want a "Scarlet Out" to occur among the fans.

Wisconsin (6-1, 2-1) comes into this match up after falling to an instant classic Hail Mary play at the hands of the Michigan State Spartans. Ohio State (4-3, 1-2) got off with a BYE week, and had extra time to prepare a course of attack against this underrated Badger defense. The last time the Buckeyes played, was when they upset then undefeated 6-0 Illinois, which has lost it's past two games, including the one to Ohio State. OSU's ability to run the ball might be in danger tonight, for Bret Bielema is no fool, and will try and make Braxton Miller throw the ball again tonight.

Enemy Blogger Interview: Wisconsin

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. 

Let's See What The Buckeyes Got

Coming To C-Bus

In my last post, prior to the Illinois game, I wrote how important it was for me to have bragging rights (my wife went to Illinois) in my house. Well, the Buckeyes won what it turns out may not have been as big a game (Illinois subsequently lost to Purdue) as we all thought/hoped it would be, but a win is a win and Illinois was ranked so the Buckeyes beat an undefeated ranked team on the road and that is great. Having bragging rights is fun, but honestly my wife could care less, so there was not a lot of residual gloating. Living in Chicago though I can smile a bit brighter around all of the Illini here. This week’s game though is almost as big a rivalry for me as the game against that team from up north (almost, but not quite). 

You see my older brother, my closest blood relative is a 1994 graduate of Wisconsin. He is almost as passionate for his Badgers as I am for my Buckeyes. He shares in season tickets to Wisconsin, has taken me to many a game in Madison. I have been to Madison for ties, wins and losses. For years since the early 1990s we have a “traveling trophy” (a small football) that goes to the winner of the game. Before last season we added to our bet, the loser has to dress in the other’s team uniform for Halloween. Last year on Halloween (my daughter’s birthday) there I was dressed in a Wisconsin uniform, it was a rough and tough night for me (though I did sneak a little Block O on my undershirt to keep OSU closest to my heart).

How Big Of A Game Is This For Fickell?

Can Luke stay with a win?

I really don’t think that our young coach has any shot of hanging on past this season despite the news he finally is coaching under a legit contract until the end of 2012. It’s true that Fickell was dropped into an impossible situation with all of the suspensions and the turmoil surrounding the program but most fans still believe he is in way over his head. Ohio St. is one of the few jobs in America that other coaches pine for and the school should be able to hit a home run once this season comes to an end.

However, if Luke wants to put a HUGE notch under his belt and make the brass at Ohio St. second-guess their impending coaching search, this weekend certainly presents the opportunity. Wisconsin will be a great challenge for this team and its’ coaching staff moving forward.

Will the Buckeye’s be able to throw or even move the ball against a stout Wisconsin defense? Can Braxton escape this Saturday with body intact and all wits about him? Will Bollman dial up some plays that don’t remind us of leather helmets? I don’t really have the answers to these questions but I am dying to find out the answers in person this weekend at the 'Shoe!

2013 Linebacker Recruit Tim Kimbrough To Visit OSU For Wisconsin Game

Tim would be a nice addition

Tim Kimbrough, a 2013 recruit that plays outside linebacker is rumored to be visiting Ohio State this weekend, when the Buckeyes host Wisconsin at 8 p.m. Normally, recruits don't visit unless they have an offer, and while Kimbrough may not hold an offer just yet, Ohio State might jump into this recruit at the right time. If he leaves OSU with an offer, or soon after receives one, he might lean heavily towards the Buckeyes.

Kimbrough himself is 6'1'', 218 lbs. He's another recruit that is added to the already large list of recruits attending this game. Adolphus Washington, among others, and many more recruits. This game is turning out to be pretty big for Fickell and the recruiting staff, as they continue to pile on offers to big recruits.

The Indiana Warren Central junior linebacker racked up 11 solos, seven assists, and 1 tackle for loss and four big hits in the team's season opener, which they won 64-13. Kimbrough is arguably the top prospect on a defense that includes senior top 100 defensive tackle and Notre Dame commit Sheldon Day, Indiana linebacker pledge Jordan Wallace, Purdue safety commit Jordan Shine, and Cincinnati defensive end verbals Jonathan Burt and Joshua Posley.

He currently holds offers from North Carolina and Purdue, and the Warren Central coaching staff says Iowa could be next. Other programs showing strong interest (besides Ohio State) is Notre Dame, Florida, and Cincinnati. Kimbrough is very high on the Buckeyes and Irish, and visited each campus this summer, along with Tennessee's.

Video Highlights after the jump

Wanted: Forward Pass

OSU went 1/4 passing

It’s amazing what one win can do for your psyche in this kind of a season. Food has tasted better this week, it has seemed brighter outside (which is hard to do considering the amount of rain that has fallen over northern Ohio) and I have generally been nicer to those around me. All of this because of a football game. It’s hard to explain to those outside of our OSU fanatic niche how much a football team can mean but it really is one of the most important things in my life. As long as family, friends and my job are all humming along as expected, football is pretty much the next item on the list. I guess what I am trying to say is.. THANK GOD WE F’N WON A GAME! I was beginning to think I might never feel this way again in 2011.

The Buckeyes had been playing uninspired and sloppy football for the last couple of weeks which added two more losses to the one already collected in South Beach a month ago. If you’re counting at home, that is 3 freakin’ losses only half way through the year. Under normal circumstances that is like two years worth of losses. Unfortunately this season is anything but normal and OSU desperately needed a win in Champaign to get that Herpes B infected monkey off their back (too soon?). I think we all expected some growing pains this year but nobody predicted the horror show err... offensive production witnessed thus far.

Ohio State To Wear Nike Pro Combat Jerseys vs. Wisconsin

2009 edition of Pro Combat

The third annual game for wearing the Nike Pro Combat uniforms aren't going to be for the Michigan game this year. Instead, Ohio State will face off against Wisconsin in Columbus on October 29th, where they will come out with a new set of uniforms. The Badgers are coming off an 11-2 season in 2010 when the (officially) shared the Big Ten championship with Michigan State. The Spartans will also wear ‘Pro Combat’ uniforms this season, and they will wear them on Oct. 15 in their biggest rivalry game against Michigan, who happens to wear Adidas.



The Buckeyes unveiled their first Nike Pro Combat look during the 2009 Michigan game in Ann Arbor. Intended to honor the 1954 Ohio State national champions, the jerseys were white with red lettering and the helmets were also white with black numbers matching the jersey.


Last season, Ohio State wore a scarlet jersey with white numbers and a solid scarlet helmet in honor of the 1942 team that won the first national championship in school history.


In both cases, the jerseys were a loose mix of tradition and modern innovation.

In Case You Missed It

Pryor will try to avenge the loss in prime time.

Due to my internet betraying me and Blogger going down a day after I got it back, here's a recap of the big story over the end of the week. Normal posting will now continue.

It was announced that Ohio State will have 2 games in prime time. Miami and Wisconsin are the games that are in prime time as of right now. Kickoff in Miami will be at 7:30 or 8 p.m. on Sept. 17. The game will be broadcast on either ABC or ESPN.

The teams played in Columbus last season, with the Buckeyes winning 36-24. The 2011 match-up will be Ohio State's first trip to play the Hurricanes in Miami. 

Meanwhile, the Badger game will be carried by ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 in Columbus. Pryor and co. will be in tow as they try and avenge their loss to Wisconsin way back in October.

This is the third prime time game for the Buckeyes, as it is added to the Ohio State-Nebraska game, which will be a dandy in Lincoln. The Tat Five and Tressel will be returning in that game, so you know the build up to that point will be incredibly large.

Circle the Wagons: Digging Deeper into the Upset

Seriously.

After waking up from my Miller Lite induced coma on Sunday, I employed a technique that I often use after a devastating Buckeye loss… a complete sports media blackout. While watching the Browns tank another game I was careful not to read anything on ESPN, check out any Buckeye blogs or read a newspaper (as archaic as that might be these days). This is how I chose to deal with the pain that our beloved Ohio St. Buckeyes had inflicted on me the previous night. Maybe it is childish or immature but it works for me. I am not a glutton for punishment and had no interest in watching the national pundits rake the Buckeyes over the coals with their back and forth “I told you so” banter.

As my ITS colleague Danny so eloquently put it on Sunday, there are three types of college football fans out there and I fall into two of those categories. On Saturday night/Sunday you can throw me into the “Armageddonist” type of fan. I was inconsolable. I wanted blood and would have been happy if every coach had been fired immediately following the game. I was convinced that the Buckeyes’ free fall out of the top 25 was a foregone conclusion. Thank god decisions aren’t made in the heat of the moment or that I have any say whatsoever in the OSU football program.

Additionally, special thanks to my wife for keeping her distance and letting me cool off. Taking the trash out or gathering laundry would have been a task met with an undeserved tongue lashing. Monday morning arrived and cooler heads had prevailed. My blood pressure had dropped, my hangover subsided and I began to think rationally about the beat down in Badgerland. Finally, I had arrived in the “Level Headed fan” zone which is where I like to think I reside most of the season. The Buckeyes did not deserve to win that game and the Badgers did… period.

It could be worse: Vent your thoughts

Tressel in a heartbeat

Yes, it really does suck. How do you feel about it?

I'll tell you that it really sends me off that Boise State gets teams like San Jose State week in and week out, but Ohio State gets Wisconsin and Nebraska gets Texas. It's not right. Also, our offensive line was god awful tonight. So many plays that I saw Shugarts just fall over for no reason. The defense was disappointing, to the point where the offense had to actually take over. They NEVER have to do that.

The BCS Standings come out tomorrow. As does the AP/Coaches poll. Let's see who goes where. Maybe we still have a shot, like Alabama did at #8.

Live Blog: #1 Ohio State vs. #16 Wisconsin

It's time to Jump Around folks!


Join us at 6:45 for the game, which starts at 7!

Buckeye Bullet Points: Wisconsin

Interesting Stat: Ohio State has hosted 12 College GameDay broadcasts. Ohio State's record is 9-3, with losses to Penn State, Texas, and Southern California.

•  Get the crowd out of the game- As all Big Ten fans know, Camp Randall is one of the toughest venues in the conference, if not the nation, to play in. Now factor in the evening start, hours upon hours of time for the students/fans to hit the sauce and Gameday broadcasting live. All of that gives you the toughest road test that the Buckeyes will face this season. At kickoff, the atmosphere will be electric no doubt and even the most veteran Buckeye will have butterflies fluttering around in his stomach. I do believe that Ohio St. is more explosive and possesses the most talent between the two teams but the gap isn’t very large. As seen on almost every college football Saturday, lesser teams can win on pure emotion, a big play and turnovers. I don’t think that OSU will have any trouble getting up for this one but they had better be ready to get hit in the mouth a few times. Wisconsin has some HUGE guys on their front lines and a power rushing game featuring one of the best in John Clay. A good way to silence the hornet’s nest that will be Camp Randall is to jump on these guys early and often.

•Control the Badger rushing attack- Wisconsin comes in with a dangerous running game with power backs John clay and Monte Ball along with the lightning fast freshman James White. The Badgers and Buckeyes aren’t all that different in that they pride themselves on power running and controlling the clock with a bruising ground game. It will be imperative for the OSU front four to control the line of scrimmage and allow the linebackers to run free and make plays. OSU has had success in seasons past against the Badgers in this department but the danger is always lurking in the Wisconsin backfield. If Clay is given a chance to build a head of steam on handoffs, it could be a long and painful day for the Silver Bullets. The Buckeyes did a brilliant job last year in the Shoe minimizing the Wisky ground attack and a similar effort will be needed to come out victorious. Tolzien is a decent quarterback but doesn’t really scare me in regards to torching the Buckeye secondary. As long as OSU forces Scotty to beat them with his arm instead of turning around and handing it off all night, I like the Buckeye’s chances.

Preview: Ohio State vs. Wisconsin

Who: The Wisconsin Cheeseheads Badgers

What: Step 6 to the Championship game

When: 7:00 P.M. EST

Where: Camp Randall

Why: Cause we're comin' to your city!


Our Ohio State Buckeyes will head over to Camp Randall tomorrow to meet the Gameday crew, and get ready for one of the best Big Ten match ups this year. We told you early on in the season that Ohio State would have three key games. Miami, Wisconsin, and Iowa all have great squads, that if we beat, can take us to the National Championship (barring any Purdue Harbors). Ohio State took care of Miami in an impressive fashion, but now Wisconsin is making the call.

Of course, we all know that the Buckeyes are now ranked #1 in the country, but many national pundits didn't think too much of the Buckeyes. Ohio State has played exactly one game away from the 'Shoe, and had a bit of a scare. As for the Badgers, they aren't a slouch. Only dropping a game to undefeated Michigan State (6-0, 2-0) Wisconsin still has a shot at Big Ten glory. The Badgers (5-1, 1-1) are good and particularly good at home. They've gone 40-4 at Camp Randall Stadium since the start of the 2004 season. What's more, the game is at night, allowing an already rambunctious student section to get even more fired up for the big showdown. The Badgers have won 25 of their last 28 night games, and those are impressive numbers.

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.

Who you got?: Ohio State vs. Wisconsin

The last time the Buckeyes visited Madison was in 2008, and Terrelle Pryor was a freshman. Mostly used for running, he and Beanie Wells ran over, through, and around Wisconsin on their way to a 20-17 victory that had Pryor engineer a last minute drive. Now that it's two year later, both squads have much more experience, but a lot of the same team. We will get to see who wins in Madison Saturday night.

Can Pryor escape Madison with a W again?

Ian: 28-21 Ohio State - A defensive struggle in the first half opens up in the second half, and Terrelle Pryor will lead through the air, but you will see some runs for the 6'6/6'7 monster.

SBB: 31-21 Ohio State - Wisconsin is a good football team, and I had trouble deciding earlier this year which game would be tougher, Iowa or Wisconsin. I see Ohio State's defense taking over this football game.

Brady: 27-17 Ohio State - Pryor gets another week to rest that ailing quad and it will show Saturday night.  With the aerial assault the Buckeyes displayed against Indiana, Wisconsin will have to spend extra time in practice this week trying gameplan against the passing game.  That should open up some running lanes so look for Pryor to get 60+ yards rushing and Herron/Hall/Berry/Hyde to add another 150 on the ground.  It won't be easy but I see the Buckeyes escaping Madison with a win.


Danny: 27-13 Ohio State - The offense looked like it really found it's identity (and a use for Brandon Saine) last week against Indiana, which is a scary thing considering how great the defense has been all year.  Ohio State will be challenged at Wisconsin, but end up victorious by the end of the night.


Inside The Shoe is looking for a football writer to join our staff. If you're interested, please leave a comment or send us an email at insidetheshoe2009@hotmail.com