No. 13 Wisconsin (-4.5) vs No. 5 Ohio State 8:17 pm Saturday FOX
Daniel: I’ll give Ohio State some credit for overcoming injuries and recording a couple of respectable wins down the stretch against the likes of Michigan State and Minnesota. Generally speaking though, Ohio State underwhelms when it plays ranked teams. I think that’s what will happen against a Wisconsin squad that features star running back Melvin Gordon. I’ve heard great things about the physical attributes of Cardale Jones, OSU’s third-string QB before the season, who will get the start against the Badgers, but I think it’s asking too much of him to pull out this win for the Buckeyes. Winner: Wisconsin 27-20
Houston: Very tough luck for the Buckeyes last week with the loss of freshman sensation quarterback J.T. Barrett in their win over Michigan. They are now down to their third-string quarterback and will be facing the nation’s best running back in Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon. The guy is an absolute beast and is worth the price of admission. If he isn’t a lock to win the Heisman already, I fully expect him to be after this game. I think Ohio State will play admirably in Barrett’s absence, but too much Gordon will limit the Buckeye’s chances to score in this game. Wisconsin ground-and-pound FTW. Winner: Badgers 31-24
Reed: If you can watch this game, I recommend it. Watch what Melvin Gordon does. He’s averaging 8 yards per carry – which would be a record – and has rushed for over 200 yards per game and averaged over 9 yards per carry against opponents that finished the season with a winning record. This one is easy for me – I’ll take the team with the better rushing attack that isn’t playing with a third-team quarterback. Winner: Badgers 28-20
Richard: Ohio State Sophomore QB Cardale Jones will be making his first career start for the Buckeyes. He will do it against a Wisconsin defense that ranks 2nd in the nation in total defense. That is a tall order for a first time starter at QB. While Ohio State will surround Jones with some talented skill players, I imagine they will have some timing and communication issues playing against such a talented defense with a new signal caller.
Ohio State’s defense will have their hands full trying to stop Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin’s fantastic RB. Gordon is averaging 241 yds per game in his last four games. However, he did tweak his ankle last week against Minnesota. Wisconsin’s passing attack isn’t very good, so they will have to win with their running attack.
The game will be close, but Wisconsin’s running attack and stingy defense will prove too much for Ohio State to overcome with their third string QB behind center. Winner: Wisconsin 27-16
