Perhaps you’re a Big Ten alumnus but not of Wisconsin or Ohio State. You’re sulking over your team’s upcoming appearance in the TaxSlayer Foster Farms Quick Lane Bowl.
More Top Picks Best Shoes Without Laces For Men
Why should you care about Saturday’s Big Ten title game between Ohio State and Wisconsin?
Listen to Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Bennett on the subject of the Badgers’ Melvin Gordon, who already has rushed for a league-record 2,260 yards: “I honestly cannot wait for this game. Games like this bring out the fighter in everybody. You find out who’s the meanest guy on the field and who is going to quit. Being able to go against Melvin Gordon and his O-line is a blessing.”
Hear, hear. So who has the edge?
Running game: No team other than Western Illinois has kept Gordon below 122 yards. And why should this game be any different? The Buckeyes gave up 145 yards to Minnesota’s David Cobb, 228 to Indiana’s Tevin Coleman and 74 on 15 carries to Michigan’s Drake Johnson before his ACL tear. Ohio State’s defensive line is sensational, but the Buckeyes are vulnerable at linebacker. And even if Gordon went down, the Badgers could survive with Corey Clement, a north-south bulldozer averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Wisconsin has to be wary of Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott, who has amazing quickness for a 225-pound back, and H-back Jalin Marshall, who will take direct snaps. Edge: Wisconsin.
Passing game: The Buckeyes had the league’s best passer until J.T. Barrett broke his right ankle. Replacement Cardale Jones lacks experience — but perhaps not much else. “I’ve seen him throw it, I think, 70 or 75 (yards),” Barrett said. But Jones’ decision-making and accuracy are wild cards. Joel Stave went in the tank after Tanner McEvoy was named Wisconsin’s starter before the season. He overcame the so-called “yips” and a three-pick game at Northwestern to flourish in the Badgers’ last game, against Minnesota. Edge: Even.
Defense: Coach Gary Andersen calls this a “no-name” unit, and that was proved when the All-Big Ten teams were announced. The media selected zero Badgers for the first team, and the coaches only cited linebacker Derek Landisch. Safety Michael Caputo has the most tackles (93) — but he’s just tied for 94th in the nation. The Buckeyes have gotten superb play from Joey Bosa — the league sack leader with 13-1/2 — and Bennett and Adolphus Washington are solid up the middle. But the Buckeyes were mediocre in their final games against Indiana (27 points) and Michigan (28). Edge: Wisconsin.
Special team: Wisconsin has the edge at kicker given that Rafael Gaglianone nailed 17 of 20 field-goal tries. Buckeyes punter Cameron Johnston is terrific, and Marshall averaged 14.1 yards per punt return. Edge: Even.
Intangibles: Buckeyes players might draw motivation from the tragic death of well-liked defensive tackle Kosta Karageorge. The Buckeyes have more to play for — a potential College Football Playoff spot — but that could make them tight. Edge: Ohio State.
Coaching: Andersen’s patient, steady hand with Stave paid enormous dividends, and he had to rebuild a front-seven from scratch. Urban Meyer is a big-game coach who has experience in this venue, having lost to Michigan State last year at Lucas Oil Stadium. Edge: Ohio State.
Teddy Greenstein’s pick: Minus Barrett, Jones will have to step in and thrive against a top-notch defense. That’s too much to ask. Wisconsin 34, Ohio State 24.