Wisconsin

Okay, I give up. This season is too unpredictable, as are the Buckeyes. After Penn State, I am now convinced our offense is much better than I had thought. But, I am wondering if our defense is as good as we once thought. Vegas has been wrong - to some extent - on the Buckeyes as well. Example 1 - 19 point favorite v. MSU, 24-17 final. But then again, it was 24-0 and we were driving to what look liked another score when the offense caved in. Example 2 - 4 point favorite v. PSU. But then again, it was 17-7 when Joe Pa chickened out on a 4th and 2 from the OSU 41 in the 3rd quarter. PSU punts, OSU drives 90 yards and then Morelli is forced to pass.

The line this week is Buckeyes by 16. Sixteen? Versus 7-2 Wisconsin? The same Wisky team that has won its last 3 visits (and 4 out of 6) to the 'Shoe?

Wisconsin - like PSU - is a jekyll and hyde team. 6-0 at home. 1-2 on the road. They want to pound the ball up the middle until you cry "uncle." They average 200 on the ground and 200 through the air per game. In all 7 of their wins, they rushed the ball at least 44 times per game. In both of their losses, they rushed under 35. In their 7 wins, they rushed for at least 190 yards, and in their 2 losses, less than 135. Also, in their 2 losses they threw the ball more than 30 times which they do not do when they win. This could be understandable if both of their losses were blowouts, but one was very close , at Illinois 26-31 (three weeks ago Wisky went into Happy Valley and got spanked 38-7).

Their defense is mediocre giving up 141 yards on the ground and 193 through the air. They are - 3 in turnover margin on the year, and they are 76th in net punting. Their D line is nothing to speak of getting some sacks but few tackles for loss. Their big O-line ranks 68th in sacks allowed.

Wisconsin's offense is in trouble this week as workhorse P.J. Hill hurt his ankle last week and is questionable. His backup won't be making the trip due to disciplinary reasons. This means they will probably rely upon QB Tyler Donovan to throw a lot against the Buckeyes' No. 1 pass defense.

Wisconsin is 7-3-1 ATS in the last 11 road games. The road team in this series is 6-2 ATS in the last 8. But, that was a healthy Wisconsin team. Ohio State is 12-5 ATS in their last 17 home games. Wisconsin is also 3-14 lifetime v. teams ranked No. 1, including losses to No. 1 Ohio State in 1964, 1969, 1973, 1974 and 1975.

57 and sunny for Noon on Saturday. Injured Badger team. Ohio State team gelling on offense back in the comfortable confines of the Shoe. MTB will try again and predict a push: Ohio State 29, Wisconsin 13