Ohio State Football: Buckeyes and Badgers clearly Big Ten favorites
The Ohio State Buckeyes and Wisconsin Badgers are off to impressive starts in 2019. Here is why the Buckeyes and Badgers are clear Big Ten favorites.
After four weeks, Ohio State and Wisconsin have emerged as the clear-cut Big Ten favorites. Who would have seen this coming? A question that, based on preseason polling, is surprising yet oozing with overwhelming sarcasm.
The Buckeyes rolled another opponent for their third straight victory by more than 40 points. However, for the first time since the Maryland game last year, Ohio State found themselves trailing.
The 5-0 Miami lead lasted only long enough to read the score as the Buckeyes quickly jumped to a 49-5 halftime lead and eventual final of 76-5.
Wisconsin flat-out embarrassed the Michigan defense with over 350 yards on the ground en route to a 35-14 pummeling. The outcome of this top-20 matchup has left the Wolverine faithful in disarray.
The Badgers dominated the line of scrimmage and forced turnovers as they led 35-0 before surrendering their first points of the season.
What Ohio State and Wisconsin have done well so far to solidify themselves as the Big Ten favorites is a long list, but it starts with handling their business against lesser opponents. The Buckeyes and Badgers haven’t flirted with upsets or shaky starts, they have outplayed their opponents from the opening whistle.
Secondly, both teams have been extremely well-coached and disciplined playing assignment football, especially defensively where neither team was strong a year ago. Ohio State have given up a total of 36 points in four games whereas Wisconsin surrendered its first scores yesterday afternoon.
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Another area that has bolstered the two teams’ fast starts has been the protection and push from the offensive line and pressure from the defensive line, namely Chase Young who has totaled seven sacks already.
Being stout up front has allowed both JK Dobbins and Jonathan Taylor to enjoy great success with occasional bus lanes to run through. Justin Fields has also enjoyed the freedom on the ground this year.
Ohio State and Wisconsin are set to collide in a month in Columbus in what could be the first of two meetings between these two powers this season. I expect both the Buckeyes and Badgers to hold secure spots well within the Top 10 come game day which will have the country watching.
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This matchup will be one of the biggest of the season for the Big Ten and even college football if both teams can maintain their fast starts. One thing is clear, after four weeks Ohio State and Wisconsin have set themselves apart as favorites in their divisions and in the Big Ten as well, and are legitimate playoff contenders.