What a first-half by the Buckeyes.
Despite trailing the Badgers 7-3 at halftime, this game has upset written all over it for the Buckeyes. It’s really been a battle between two stellar defenses, though Ohio State’s offense appears to have worked on things during the off-week. Here’s what I’ve seen so-far in the first half from our beloved Buckeyes…
Creative on Offense
The pistol in Columbus? I think so. A good portion of the offensive plays have come from some form of the pistol formation, and it’s working – somewhat. Wisconsin’s defense is playing at an extremely high level, but the Buckeyes are at least showing balance on offense with their play calling.
Braxton Miller is playing with a bit of confidence, and I think it’s a direct result of the play calling (at least so far) by offensive coordinator Jim Bollman. I do think they need to throw more on first down, right now Wisconsin is loading 8-9 guys in the box and just daring Miller to throw the ball. Some of Bollman’s play calling has forced the Buckeyes into third and long situations, but the freshman has been able to convert a few of those with his arm, as well as his legs. I said in my game preview that the Badgers would force Miller to beat them with his arm. His stats don’t show it (4/7 35 yards), but his ability to run the ball (11 rushes for 39 yards) has been the difference.
I also thought the Bucks had to win the time of possession battle, and they’ve managed to do so up to this point, holding an 18:21-11:39 edge over Wisconsin. They’ll need to continue to control the clock, and rely on their defense to contain Russell Wilson and Montee Ball.
Our Defense – One of the Nation’s Best
Let’s just get this out of the way right now, John Simon is an absolute stud on the defensive side of the ball. Whether it’s inside, or outside, Simon has been in Wilson’s face all game long. Aside from the one scoring drive, Wisconsin’s offense has yet to look like one of the nation’s highest scoring offenses up to this point.
Ohio State’s ‘D’ is playing lights-out, and not just Simon, but as a collective unit. The secondary has done a good job containing Nick Toon and Montee Ball (despite his score), and has done an incredible job against the run. They’ve been in Russell Wilson’s face all night, and have pressured the Badgers’ star QB on nearly every play. Wilson is having a superb game throwing the ball (11/15 118 yards 1 TD) but the Bucks have contained the other two stars on the Wisconsin offense, Ball (6 carries 11 yards) and Toon (2 receptions 25 yards). Ball does have a touchdown reception, but hasn’t hurt the Buckeyes with a big play (his TD came deep in Ohio State territory).
Potential Upset
Knock on wood, but this has all the makings of a big-time upset.
Ohio State’s defense has contained the Badgers high-powered offense thus far, and will need to continue to play at an extremely high level in the second half. They can hardly to afford to have a meltdown ala Nebraska. Offensively they need to throw the ball more on first down. I think doing so will give them more options on second and third. Wisconsin is playing extremely well against the run, and Miller has been “soft” at times during the season. Continuing to run like he is will make him more susceptible to a big hit.
The atmosphere in Columbus Stadium is electric, and the fans will be a big part of the game. Here’s to a second half comeback, and a season defining win over the Badgers!
Go Bucks!
