Wisconsin vs Ohio State

Wisconsin vs. Ohio State

Hmm, let’s jump into this with two questions: who will win, and why is Wisconsin, with a perfect record, not ranked?

Let’s start there first.

The Badgers were 7-6 last year, in a most disappointing season which had a 4 game losing streak in the middle of that year. Much was expected of this team, and little returned. But why no love for the Badgers?

Ok, they beat Northern Illinois 28-20, ok I get it, a little too close but a win is a win, right?

They beat Fresno State in overtime 34-31 at home… not bad, I mean, Fresno is a quality team, but still, an overtime win is kinda close.

Beating Wofford 44-14? Now that’s just wrong!

But beating Michigan State at home 38-30 is better…still close for comfort.

And beating Minnesota on the road 31-28 is still close, but again, a win is a win.

These are some wins that many would wonder about, and considering that Minnesota is their best win so far, I can see why the jury is still out on the Badgers. But five wins is still a heck of a lot, I think they deserved to get on the top 25 because those are decent wins…except that Wofford one.

(oh, and just to throw this in, Wisconsin lost 4 games on the road…)

So now we have Ohio State, ranked in the top 10, with that embarrassing loss to USC, one I really thought they could win. They were scared at the beginning of the season to Navy, but since those first two games, have taken charge. Shutting out Toledo and Illinois, the defense of the Buckeyes are proving that they are taking no prisoners. And a 33-14 win over Indiana on the road helps their conference record…

(on a side note, why don’t the Big 10 add one more team and create a conference championship…)

Do I think Ohio State can lose… sure. This Wisconsin team is clearly better than last year, but I don’t see them going undefeated…that mantle rested with Penn State and they dropped it. Ohio State has far more to gain with a win, even though a possible 6-0 Wisconsin team will vault them in the standings. And remember, Ohio State beat them last year only by 3 points…but it was a road game for the Buckeyes. OSU by 8.