Ohio State Football: Breaking down the Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin will be on the road again to take on a hot Ohio State football team after a shocking loss at Illinois last Saturday. How do the Badgers stack up against the Buckeyes?

Led by running back Johnathan Taylor and a stout defense, the Badgers (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) head into Columbus for a game that will determine their playoff survival.

Simply put, as no team has yet made the College Football Playoff with two losses Wisconsin would be out with a loss to Ohio State.

In the biggest game of Ryan Day’s young coaching career, the Buckeyes face a tough team that could easily send them into their own must-win scenario.

With the stage set for how important this matchup is for both teams, let’s break down Wisconsin on both sides of the ball.

Defense

Starting with defense, it’s difficult to pick a weak spot on a unit that ranks first in the FBS in both points and yards allowed per game – Ohio State ranks second in both.

Against every opponent but the Fighting Illini, the Badgers’ defense, led by a three-headed monster at linebacker, has allowed 15 points or less.

That three-headed monster includes Jack Sanborn who has 40 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an INT and a forced fumble; Chris Orr who has 38 tackles, eight sacks and two forced fumbles; and Zack Brun who has 30 tackles, 6.5 sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles.

The rest of the defense has only nine of the team’s 27 sacks, but has accounted for six interceptions – safety Eric Burrell has two – six forced fumbles and for an astounding four defensive touchdowns.

Their one shortcoming, particularly against Illinois, is giving up big chunks of yardage in short amounts of time. All three of the Fighting Illini’s TD drives happened in 1:51 or less.

With Justin Fields and the Buckeyes’ impressive receiving core, these quick drives could be a way to jump out in front if the offensive line can limit the penetration of the three-headed linebacker monster.

Now, lets look at Wisconsin’s offense.