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Ohio State Football: Week 9 predictions, Buckeyes vs. Badgers

By Charlie Lockhart

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Running back Jonathon Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs up the field in the first half in front of defensive back Jake Gervase #30 of the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Running back Jonathon Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs up the field in the first half in front of defensive back Jake Gervase #30 of the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Tom:

For the first time all season Ohio State is playing a team that can match them toe-to-toe on both sides of the ball.

Despite Wisconsin’s loss to Illinois last week, this game has huge implications.

The Buckeyes are aiming for more than a Big Ten Championship.  The College Football Playoff is the target and winning this game keeps them in the top four.

A loss puts the goal at risk.

The Badgers need a win to get back in the CFP conversation.  A loss puts them on the outside in the West and kills any chance at making the playoff.

The game plan for the Buckeyes’ defense is not a secret.  Stop Jonathan Taylor.

Gap integrity, discipline and solid tackling should keep him in check.  The defense has been doing it well all season. I expect it to continue.

It will be interesting to see how the offense executes against the No. 1 scoring defense in the FBS.  It hasn’t been tested outside of the Michigan State game.

Ryan Day has been masterful in his play calling.  I think he’ll find ways to get mismatches as long as the line is doing its job.

Games like these are typically won with fundamentals.  Tackle well, dominate the trenches, limit penalties and turnovers, convert on third down and win field position.

These factors might be even more important in the rainy weather.

In the end, Ohio State will make a few more big plays in the second half to win 34-23.

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