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It’s conference championship weekend and every major conference will host a battle between it’s best two teams (arguably). With that, the Big Ten community will turn its focus to Indianapolis where #1 ranked Ohio State will look to wrap-up their top seed in the four team College Football Playoff with a second win of the season against Big Ten West foe Wisconsin.
These two teams have met earlier this season. Wisconsin made it a game up until the opening few minutes of the second half. Ohio State lead 10-0 and off of a partially blocked punt Wisconsin used excellent field position to score in just three plays. Then on the ensuing drive Ohio State scored with ease and the rout was on. Ohio State won 38-7.
Game Information
- Where: Indianapolis, Indiana
- When: Saturday, 8:00 PM ET
- Channel: FOX
- Spread: -16.5 Ohio State
Wisconsin is a very good team. They have an excellent run offense due to the potent combination of a classic Wisconsin run blocking line and an All-American RB Jonathan Taylor. Quarterback Jack Coan has had a stellar year and is capable of taking on a greater offensive load. He will probably have to in this one. The Wisconsin coaching staff will have to learn everything they can from the previous game and use a lot more creativity this time around if they hope to challenge the Buckeyes.
While Wisconsin doesn’t have a chance at the College Football Playoff, a win over Ohio State will earn them their first Big Ten Championship game trophy since the debut year of the championship game back in 2011. Some quarterback named Russell Wilson lead the Badgers that year. Win or lose, it would seem the Badgers are destined for the Rose Bowl this year. An excellent accomplishment in itself.
Ohio State football is eyeing its first National Championship since the 2014 season. This team is probably better than that one as a whole. They must not look past Wisconsin however. If they turn in a poor performance and the Badgers play their best game of the season then that could be a recipe for a Buckeye loss. It would also leave the Buckeyes slightly vulnerable to missing the playoff all together should other pieces fall into place. Even then, it would probably take a beat down dealt by the Badgers for Ohio State to miss the playoff.
This Ohio State team doesn’t seem to have a glaring flaw to exploit. I just don’t see any way that the Badgers can get this thing done.
- Prediction: Ohio State: 41, Wisconsin 14