Ohio State-Arkansas Sugar Bowl Redux: There's Nothing Wrong With a Little Reminiscing

Please enjoy these game high-def highlights of the 2011 Allstate Sugar Bowl, produced by lednerk, and presented exclusively by BlockONation!







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In Case You Missed it—Dane Sanzenbacher "The Decision" Spoof

If you haven't seen this yet, definitely watch it! It's funny, and it is actually in support of a great cause.




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Ohio State vs. Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl—Ryan Mallett, Buckeyes Meet Again

When former Michigan QB Ryan Mallett transferred to Arkansas as a freshman on January 9, 2008, nobody would've imagined that the highly-touted superstar would see the Ohio State Buckeyes ever again.

Fast forward almost three years where Mallett has developed into a top-10 NFL prospect under the eye of Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino and taken the Razorbacks to their first-ever BCS bowl game.

And in an ironic twist of fate, Mallett's BCS opponent is none other than the team we all thought he would share battles with in Ann Arbor: the Buckeyes.

Mallett's transfer happen two months before Terrelle Pryor committed to Ohio State in March of 2008, meaning that a chance to imagine a Mallett vs. Pryor matchup in The Game never materialized.

The Arkansas gunslinger has gotten a taste of Ohio State's defense, filling in for Chad Henne in a rainy and windy contest in 2007 where he was 1-3 for just eight yards and was sacked once.

But this is different. This is a fully-developed QB under a coach who has coached in the NFL, albeit for only 13 games, and who loves to air it out.

And the defense Mallett will face is a much different unit compared to the group he saw in 2007.

This OSU defense is much more aggressive and faster than the 2007 defense, and most of all, they are opportunistic, tied for 12th with 29 takeaways.

The difference for Mallett is that he has seen good defenses in the SEC, including against Alabama and LSU, so this challenge may be nothing new to him.

And although OSU is ranked No. 4 in passing defense, they have not faced a better passer all season than No. 15 for the Razorbacks.

But for Mallett, looking back at his experience and his year at Michigan, he might have an extra edge to play against Ohio State simply because of that year with the Wolverines.

Even Jim Tressel felt relieved that he did not have to worry about seeing Ryan Mallett in Michigan, as he told The Ozone's Brandon Castel on Sunday.

"What was my reaction when he left? I'm not gonna lie, I was happy," he told Castel. "I thought I was done with Ryan Mallett."

Even back in early 2008, Tressel knew of the type of talent that Mallett would turn out to be.

And he has lived up to that billing and so much more.

Just imagine for a second if Les Miles had taken the Michigan job instead of Rich Rodriguez and had Mallett as his QB...

Scary thought. That winning streak over Michigan would not be as easy to extend as it has been in the past three seasons.

But nevertheless, Tressel must gameplan to shut down one of the game's best passers and arguably the best pure passer OSU has faced since NC State's Philip Rivers in 2003.

The OSU secondary has been banged up tremendously all season, but DBs Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence have been very good and should help take away favorite targets in WRs Jairus Wright and Joe Adams.

Rarely does a transfer from one big school to another work as a benefit for a QB.

But for Ryan Mallett, it has worked out better than anyone could have imagined.

Now he gets his chance to show his old rivals just how much he has improved since his days under Lloyd Carr at Michigan.


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Written by BlockONation Contributor Tim Bielik

BlockONation Exclusive: Ohio State-Michigan Hi-Def Game Highlights

Columbus, Ohio -- Once again, the Buckeyes defeated their arch-rivals from the North soundly, and in the process, earned a share of the 2010 Big Ten title, their record-sixth straight outright or co-championship.

The No. 6 Buckeyes (11-1, 7-1) likely may have also secured their record-ninth BCS Bowl game invitation with the win over the Wolverines.

Ohio State is now 9-1 in THE GAME under Coach Jim Tressel (2001-2010).

Led by Terrelle Pryor, Dane Sanzenbacher, and Dan Herron, the Bucks put up nearly 500 yards of total offense and 37 points, while the Buckeye defense held Denard Robinson and the high-powered Wolverine offense to 351 total yards and just seven points.

The following highlight video was produced by Lednerk, and is presented here for your viewing pleasure, exclusively by BlockONation—Enjoy!





Jordan Hall posted an 85-yard kick return for a TD, the first for tOSU in quite some time.


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Ohio State-Michigan History Lesson, Game Outlook/Prediction, and LIVE In-Game Chat

Dan Herron and Terrelle Pryor in action vs. TTUN in 2008.

11/27/2010—Game 12—Noon Kickoff

VS.

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Brief Game Outlook

Outsiders might not see this as a big game when No. 8 Ohio State (10-1, 6-1) hosts TTUN (7-4, 3-4) today in The Shoe.

Astute college fans nationwide know that's not the case. The records don't matter—the rankings don't matter—the hype doesn't matter when the Buckeyes and TTUN meet.

Even with TTUN still somewhat in rebuilding mode (especially on defense), the hate and utter disdain between these two programs, fan bases, and neighboring states matters, and is unmatched.

That is why this rivalry has always, and will always, rank as the best rivalry in all of sports, period.

Ohio State has at least a share of the Big Ten title and a potential BCS Bowl invitation on the line today.

If Wisconsin and Michigan State were to lose to Northwestern and Penn State respectively, the Buckeyes would win the title outright with a win over their hated rival TTUN, from TSUN, aka (the team up North, from the state up North).

Under coach Rich Rodriguez, TTUN has missed going to a bowl game the last two years. This year, win or lose against the Buckeyes, the Wolverines are bowl eligible at 7-4 entering the game, but Dickrod's seat could still be hot this off-season.

Despite Buckeye fans hoping that a contract extension is offered to Rodriguez, there will be serious discussions about replacing him if his squad suffers yet another embarrassing loss to the Buckeyes.

QB Denard Robinson won the starting job this season, but last year's starter, Tate Forcier, has also seen some LIVE game-action.

Expect the offense to be able to move the ball and even put up a few scores.

That's where the positive thoughts on TTUN come to an end.

There are only 11 teams in the entire FBS that give up more points than TTUN. Calling TTUN's defense as weak as a wet paper towel is an insult to the paper towel.

Terrelle Pryor, Boom Herron, and company should find little to no resistance from the nation's 99th ranked scoring defense (33.5 points per game allowed).

The Buckeye offense is ninth in the nation in scoring average (39.6 points per game), and hitting that average (and more) shouldn't be a challenge.

TTUN is averaging 36.8 points per game (15th in the nation), while the Buckeyes defense is only allowing 13.9 points per game (fifth in the nation).

The Buckeyes look to continue their recent dominance in the series, while TTUN hopes to make their season by pulling the upset.

You can bet when toe meets leather at Noon this Saturday, that both teams will be ramped-up and ready for this one—The 107th edition of THE GAME.


Ohio State—TTUN History Lesson

• This will be the 107th meeting between Ohio State and TTUN.

• Ohio State trails in the all-time series, 43-57-6.

• From 1897-1918 OSU played TTUN 15 times, losing 13 times and playing to two ties, a 0-0 tie in 1900, and a 3-3 tie in 1910.

• Ohio State's first-ever win over TTUN came in 1919 by a final score of 13-3.

• Since 1919, Ohio State is 43-43-5 head to head against TTUN.

• In what is widely considered the modern era of college football (1951-present day), Ohio State is 31-26-2 vs. TTUN.

• Ohio State is 6-3-1 in the last 10 home meetings vs. TTUN (1990-2008).

• Ohio State is 10-9-1 in the last 20 meetings overall vs. TTUN (1990-2009).

• Ohio State's last home loss to TTUN was in 2000 by a score of 38-26.

• Ohio State's last home win vs. TTUN was a 42-7 victory in 2008.

• Ohio State is 18-2 in their last 20 November games (2004-2010).

• Ohio State is 28-4 in November games under Jim Tressel (2001-2010).

• Jim Tressel is 8-1 overall (4-0 at home, 4-1 on the road) vs. TTUN.

• Terrelle Pryor is now 29-4 as Ohio State's starting quarterback (2-0 vs. TTUN).

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just two 100-yard rushers in their last 35 games.

• Ohio State could clinch their record-ninth BCS bowl game invitation with a win over TTUN today.

• Ohio State has won 34 Big Ten titles—having now won or shared five in a row (2005-2009).

• Ohio State claims seven national championships and has had six Heisman winners (seven trophies).

• The Ohio State football program currently has an overall record of 829-309-53 (1890-2010).

• This is Head Coach Rich Rodriguez's third season at TTUN (15-20).

• The TTUN football program is the all-time leader in wins, currently with 884.

• TTUN claims 11 national titles, the last being a split title in 1997. Prior to that, TTUN's last title was in 1948.

• TTUN has won 42 Big Ten titles, the last being a co-championship in 2004 (Iowa).

• The TTUN football program began play in 1879 and currently has an overall record of 884-305-36.


Final Score Prediction

Ohio State 41
TTUN 17


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BlockONation Exclusive: Ohio State-Iowa Hi-Def Game Highlights

Iowa City, Iowa -- The Buckeyes proved that their (now) 18-2 record in November games since 2004 is no joke as they earned a hard-fought, and well-deserved win over the Hawkeyes on Saturday night despite some questionable officiating.

The following highlight video was produced by Lednerk, and is presented here for your viewing pleasure, exclusively by BlockONation—Enjoy!






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Ohio State-Iowa Post-Game Thoughts: Buckeyes Escape With 20-17 Victory Over Hawkeyes

I must admit that I really thought Iowa might come out flat and Ohio State would play inspired early and often offensively. I predicted OSU would win 41-20. I'm glad I was wrong.

This game was exciting and great to watch!

My hat is off to Iowa. They played a heck of a game today!

The play of the game that more or less clinched the victory for the Buckeyes was when Cameron Heyward crushed Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi on 3rd and long, forcing a 4th and 21 situation. Iowa then came up two yards short and the Buckeyes eked out a close, hard-fought win!

Heyward picked a perfect time to get the most important QB sack in his Buckeyes career.

DeVier Posey, who dropped a wide-open TD pass with about 3:30 to go in the game better treat Terrelle Pryor, Dane Sanzenbacher, Boom Herron, and Cameron Heyward all to a nice fat all-expenses paid steak dinner!

Despite not playing great at times, Pryor ended the game with 273 total yards and a touchdown.

Herron added 69 rush yards and the game winning touchdown run with under two minutes left in the game.

Sanzenbacher caught six balls for 102 yards to lead all OSU receivers, and Heyward's heroics were mentioned, and pictured, above.

I again wish to salute the Hawkeyes on a great effort and just add that I'm glad the Buckeyes showed some heart and pride and fought back for the win.

Now it's officially time to start scUm HATE WEEK!

GO BUCKS, SCREW BLUE!


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Ohio State-Iowa History Lesson, Game Outlook, and LIVE In-Game Blog Chat

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Ohio State—Iowa History Lesson

• This will be the 63rd meeting between Ohio State and Iowa.

• Ohio State leads the all-time series 45-14-3.

• Ohio State has won 11 of the last 12 meetings vs. the Hawkeyes.

• Ohio State is 16-3-1 in the last 20 meetings vs. the Hawkeyes (1984-2009).

• Ohio State is 12-2-1 in the last 15 meetings in Iowa City (1968-2006).

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in their last 33 games.

• Ohio State ranks 1st nationally in turnover margin with 26 takeaways (+14).

• Ohio State is 20-2 in their last 22 Big 10 road games.

• Ohio State is 14-1 in November games since Oct., 2005.

• Ohio State is 7-2 in Big 10 road finales under Jim Tressel.

• Ohio State is 27-4 in November games under Jim Tressel.

• Jim Tressel is 4-1 overall vs. Iowa (2001-2009).

• Terrelle Pryor is now 28-4 as Ohio State's starting quarterback.

• Iowa is 1-6 vs. Ohio State under Kirk Ferentz (1999-2009).

• Iowa is 16-4 in their last 20 home finales.

• Iowa has won or shared 11 Big Ten titles, their last being a co-championship in 2004.

• The last time Iowa finished ranked ahead of Ohio State in the final AP poll was 2004 (Iowa No. 8, OSU No. 20).



Brief Game Outlook

In 2009, Northwestern derailed previously undefeated Iowa's dream season the week before the Hawkeyes played the Buckeyes.

Last week, the Wildcats upset Iowa again to drop the Hawkeyes to a disappointing 7-3 mark.

QB Ricky Stanzi missed the 2009 game with an ankle injury, but he will play today. The Buckeyes have the best defense in the conference meaning Stanzi might just wish he would have missed this game too.

The key to the game for the Buckeyes will be the offensive line. They must continue to play well and protect Terrelle Pryor when he drops back to pass and open up the running lanes for Dan Herron and company.

Iowa has a talented receiving corp led by Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Marvin McNutt and the Buckeyes will have to focus on containing both receivers and look to force Stanzi into mistakes.

This game once looked like it would be a matchup of two top 10 teams who would both be playing for a chance at the conference title and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Now it appears more likely that if the Buckeyes come in focused and play well, the game may not be close.


Final Score Prediction

Ohio State 41
Iowa 20


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Ohio State vs. Penn State LIVE In-Game Blog Chat TODAY AT 3:15pm

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Ohio State—Penn State History Lesson

• This will be the 26th meeting between Ohio State and Penn State.

• Ohio State leads the all-time series 13-12-0 (the first meeting was in 1912).

• Ohio State is 6-2 in the last eight meetings vs. Penn State.

• Ohio State has lost just twice at home to Penn State since 1978.

• Ohio State is 26-2 against unranked conference opponents, dating back to 2005.

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in their last 32 games.

• Terrelle Pryor is now 27-4 as Ohio State's starting quarterback.

• Jim Tressel is 6-3 overall (3-1 at home, 3-2 on the road) vs. Penn State.

• Penn State is 7-8 on the road all-time vs. Ohio State.

• Penn State has never scored more than 13 points vs. Ohio State in Columbus.

• Penn State is 6-11 vs. Ohio State since joining the Big Ten in 1993.

• Penn State has one outright and two shared Big Ten titles: 1994, 2005, and 2008.

• Joe Paterno is 8-13 vs. Ohio State as Penn State's head coach (1966-2009).

• This is Joe Paterno's 45th season as Penn State head coach and he is the DI leader with 400 career wins.


Brief Game Outlook

Penn State has been playing better as of late, but this will be Matt McGloin's 1st Big Ten road start and he has not faced a defense like what he will be facing today.

Ohio State is No. 1 against the run, No. 1 against the pass, and they have the top defensive unit in both points and total yardage allowed.

A win by the Nittany Lions today would be a shocker, and would end the Buckeyes hopes of a sixth straight shared or outright Big 10 title.

Don't worry Buckeye fans, and don't hold your breath PSU fans...


Final Score Prediction

Ohio State 37
Penn State 9


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Ohio State vs. Penn State: Why JoePa Won't Get Win No. 401 Against the Buckeyes

Congratulations to coach Paterno on reaching his 400th career victory last Saturday against Northwestern.

The man who has been the head Nittany Lion since the Johnson administration became the first FBS coach to reach 400 wins. He’s a true model of loyalty and consistency.

That being said, it’s hard to imagine Penn State winning No. 401 for Joe Pa Saturday in Ohio Stadium.

PSU has only beaten Ohio State once in Columbus since they joined the Big Ten in 1993.

That came two years ago when Terrelle’s Pryor’s fumble on a quarterback sneak paved the way for the Blue and White’s game-winning drive.

They arrive in Columbus a different team than they were a month ago.

An embarrassing loss to Illinois dropped the Nittany Lions to 3-3 and 0-2 in the Big Ten. They have since run off three straight wins including climbing back from a 21-0 deficit last week against Northwestern.

PSU scored 35 straight points, led by quarterback Matt McGloin’s four touchdown passes.

OSU coach Jim Tressel, who mentioned he saw the first quarter of the game on television and caught the rest on the radio en route to a high school game, said he didn’t exactly expect PSU to give up last week.

“When it's 21-0 they're not going to fold the tent. That's just not how they're made,” Tressel said. “You’re going to have to play 60 minutes to compete with them.”

McGloin, a former walk-on, has eight touchdowns (seven passing, one rushing) in the last three games against Minnesota, Michigan and Northwestern.

Those three defenses aren’t exactly elite, something the OSU defense, ranked third in the nation in scoring defense, clearly is. The “Silver Bullets” will also have starting linebacker Ross Homan back in the fold as he seems to have recovered from his foot injury.

Oddly enough, OSU is 2-4 after bye weeks under Tressel, so perhaps Penn State has a chance.

However, in six home games this season, the Buckeyes have beaten their opponents by an average score of 47-11, and in case you forgot what the Buckeyes did to a much better Penn State squad last year in Happy Valley, here's a reminder.



So much for beating the Buckeyes and their "arm-punting" QB, eh PSU fans?


Image originally posted before the 2009 game on BlackShoeDiaries.com

Throw in the fact that the game will start at 3:30, which equates to an even livelier Horseshoe crowd.

This game will not be decided where an Ohio State-Penn State game usually is (in the trenches), but rather, through the air.

Terrelle Pryor should be able to torture the Nittany Lion secondary to the tune of three touchdown passes while the Buckeye defense pressures and pounds on McGloin all day long.

The final score will likely be somewhere in the neighborhood of Ohio State 34, Penn State 10.


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This article was written by BlockONation contributor, Grant Freking

Penn State, Iowa and Michigan—Ohio State's Three-Game Season to the BCS

Grant Freking—BlockONation Featured Contributor

Aside from the numerous Big Ten tiebreaker scenarios and poll watching, Ohio State’s goal for the last three games of the season is simple: win out.

While beating Penn State and Michigan at home shouldn’t be a problem, taking out Iowa in Kinnick Stadium will surely be no walk in the park.

Here is a closer look at OSU's all-important three game stretch to finish the season.


vs. Penn State

The Good: After getting pounded by Iowa and Illinois, Penn State has rebounded nicely in the last two weeks with wins against Minnesota and Michigan. After missing last weeks’ game, quarterback Rob Bolden should be good to go against Northwestern. Evan Royster broke the school rushing record last week.

The Bad: Penn State finishes up against Northwestern, at OSU, Indiana and Michigan State. It’s very likely they could finish 7-5. The defense is also allowing 20 points a game.

The OSU Result: Penn State would stand a chance if this game was in Happy Valley. Then again, the Buckeyes dismantled the Nittany Lions last season in front of a whiteout, Darryl Clark and a veteran defense.

34-10, Ohio State.


@ Iowa

The Good: The Hawkeyes are the best two-loss team in the country. If they didn’t lay an egg in the first half at Arizona and fall for a fake punt at home against Wisconsin, they’d be undefeated.

Nevertheless, they’ve put themselves in this position, which isn’t exactly bad and could still end in a share of the Big Ten title. Even with 19 touchdowns, two interceptions and nearly 2,000 yards to his credit, Ricky Stanzi still isn’t in the Heisman discussion.

The Bad: Nothing really. They finish at Northwestern, home against OSU and at Minnesota. Another loss probably drops them out of the BCS although they could still land in a New Year’s Day bowl.

The OSU Result: Everything points to a loss at Iowa for OSU. Their banged-up defense gives Iowa’s balanced offense an edge (think Wisconsin with a more talented quarterback) and OSU’s special teams are still very iffy.

But, I think this OSU team knows their destiny. They don’t want to be the ones to end the Buckeyes streak of Big Ten titles.

24-21, Ohio State.


vs. Michigan

The Good: Denard Robinson. So what if he won’t win the Heisman? The sophomore from Deerfield Beach, FL still has a ridiculous statistics: 1,509 passing yards with 10 passing touchdowns and 1,287 rushing yards coupled with 12 rushing touchdowns.

The Bad: Michigan has once again floundered after a hot start (5-0 this year and 4-0 in 2009). The problem is clearly in their defense. They simply can’t stop anybody.

They aren’t physical enough or fast enough to control anyone’s offense (giving up 41 points to Penn State and their backup, walk-on quarterback is a major red flag).

While they might stand a good chance of beating Illinois and Purdue, the Wolverines will surely fall to Wisconsin and OSU to close out their regular season at a probable 7-5.

The OSU Result: The Wolverines may put some numbers and even a few points against OSU, but the “Silver Bullets” will hit Robinson like he hasn’t been yet this season. Plus, Michigan won’t be able to contain Terrelle Pryor with their wet-paper-towel defense.

48-17, Ohio State.


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Ohio State—Purdue: HQ Highlights of OSU's Excellent Bounce-Back Performance

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Ohio State—Wisconsin: Gameday Preview, History Lesson, and Prediction

The last time Ohio State traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to face the Badgers, then-freshmen Terrelle Pryor won the game with his legs in the final minute.

This time around, Wisconsin will likely try to force Pryor and the Buckeyes to have to rely on Pryor's arm.

That may prove to be a tough road-to-hoe for the 18th-ranked Badgers, as the No. 1 ranked Buckeyes are prolific in both running and throwing the ball.

The same may also hold true for a banged-up Buckeye defense when it comes to stopping Wisconsin's passing game led by QB Scott Tolzien, and their very talented running back duo of John Clay and James White.

Camp Randall is always a tough environment to play in, so the Buckeyes will want to take the crowd out of the game early.

The best way to do that is by controlling the ball, taking the early lead, shutting down the running game and forcing the Badgers to throw, and by forcing Wisconsin into turnovers.

That formula worked to the tune of 31-13 in favor of the Buckeyes last season, and it should work again Saturday night.


Wisconsin—By the Numbers


Scott Tolzien, QB

92/132 passing, 1,201 yards, 69.7% completion percentage, 7 TDs/2INTs, 160.6 QB Rating


John Clay, RB

115 carries, 692 yards, 6.0 yards per carry, 9 TDs


James White, RB

63 carries, 458 yards, 7.7 yards per carry, 8 TDs


Montee Ball, RB

46 carries, 201 yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 3 TDs


Lance Kendricks, TE

25 receptions, 391 yards, 3 TDs


Jared Abbrederis, WR

15 receptions, 172 yards, 1 TD


David Gilreath, WR

8 receptions, 148 yards, 0 TDs


Nick Toon, WR

11 receptions, 134 yards, 0 TDs


Isaac Anderson, WR

12 receptions, 117 yards, 0 TDs


Jacob Pederson, TE

5 receptions, 69 yards, 2 TDs


Philip Welch, K

27/27 PATs, 7/9 FGs


Nationally, Wisconsin is 67th in passing (209 yards per game), 11th in rushing (241 yards per game), 16th in scoring (37 points per game), and 32nd in points allowed (19 points per game).


Ohio State—By the Numbers

Terrelle Pryor, QB

104/153 passing, 1,349 yards, 68% completion percentage, 15 TDs/3INTs, 354 yards rushing, 6.2 yards per carry, 3 rushing TDs, 1 receiving TD, 170.47 QB Rating


Dan Herron, RB

77 carries, 355 yards, 4.6 yards per carry, 7 TDs, 8 receptions, 115 receiving yards


Jaamal Berry, RB

20 carries, 219 yards, 11.0 yards per carry, 1 TD


Brandon Saine, RB

44 carries, 183 yards, 4.2 yards per carry, 2 TDs, 13 receptions, 159 receiving yards, 4 TDs


Jordan Hall, RB

14 carries, 75 yards, 5.4 yards per carry, 0 TDs, 5 receptions, 61 yards, 1 receiving TD, 1 passing TD


Dane Sanzenbacher, WR

27 receptions, 411 yards, 7 TDs


DeVier Posey, WR

26 receptions, 364 yards, 3 TDs


Jake Stoneburner, TE

9 receptions, 110 yards, 1 TD


Devin Barclay, K

32/32 PATs, 11/12 FGs


Nationally, Ohio State is 37th in passing (249 yards per game), 20th in rushing (217 yards per game), 6th in scoring (43 points per game), and 7th in points allowed (13.5 points per game).


Ohio State—Wisconsin History Lesson

• Ohio State leads the all-time head-to-head series 53-17-5.

• Ohio State is 6-3-1 vs. Wisconsin in the last 10 meetings in Madison.

• Ohio State's last road loss at Wisconsin was in 2003.

• Ohio State is 19-1 in their last 20 Big 10 road games.

• Ohio State is 18-8 (including bowl games) vs. top 25 teams since 2005.

• Ohio State boasts an all-time record of 362-126-28 in October games.

• Ohio State's defense has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in their last 29 games.

• Since the beginning of the 2005 season, the Buckeyes have allowed only seven 100-yard rushers during a span of 70 games, the fewest among FBS teams.

• Terrelle Pryor is now 25-3 as Ohio State's starting quarterback.

• Coach Jim Tressel (100-21) became the 3rd fastest coach to 100 wins in Big Ten history with last weeks win over Indiana.

• Tressel is 4-3 overall vs. Wisconsin, with a 2-1 mark on the road in Madison.

• Wisconsin is the only team to have beaten Ohio State three times in the last decade.

• Wisconsin has lost three straight games to Ohio State and they are 1-4 in the last five meetings at home.

• Since 2005, Wisconsin is 6-11 (including bowl games) vs. top 25 teams.

• Since 2005, Wisconsin is 1-5 (including bowl games) vs. top 10 teams.

• Wisconsin coach Brett Bielema is 0-3 against Ohio State, losing by an average of score of 30-16.

• Wisconsin last won the Big 10 conference title in 1999.

• Wisconsin is 21-4 in Big 10 games at Camp Randall since 2004.


Summary

Both teams will want to run the ball, and while the edge at running back goes to the Badgers, the edge at run defense goes to Ohio State, hands-down. A 30th-straight game without allowing a 100-yard-rusher could be on tap for the Buckeyes.

Whichever team protects the football should win this game.

This too bodes well for Ohio State, which leads all BCS AQ-schools with a turnover margin of plus 10 (17 take-aways, seven turnovers).

Wisconsin has a turnover margin of plus two (six take-aways, four turnovers).

The Badgers lost, 34-24, to a very good Michigan State team two weeks ago. Most knowledgeable fans would agree that Ohio State is the better overall team when comparing them to the Spartans.

Combine that with the trends and stats that are in Ohio State's favor and it seems as though if the Buckeyes and Badgers both play up to their capabilities on both sides of the ball, Ohio State should still easily cover the three-and-a-half point spread, and then some.


Final Score Prediction

Ohio State 38
Wisconsin 24


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