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

C.L.

With the two best running backs in the country going up against the two best defenses it was expected this game would be a slugfest. Now that it’s expected to rain even more so.

But since it’s supposed to be wet and nasty tomorrow, the Buckeyes have the advantage over the Badgers.

On a slippery field skill position players have the advantage over the defenders. They know where they are going but guys trying to guard them in pass routes or trying to tackle them don’t.

Of course Wisconsin has running back Jonathan Taylor (957 yards rushing) who will make you pay if you miss a tackle. And the Badgers have several good receivers as well. Quintez Cephus (24 receptions for 353 yards) and Kendrik Pryor (9-158) can be explosive in space.

However, the Buckeyes have a big advantage with skill position players.

J.K. Dobbins (944 yards rushing) and Master Teague (512) lead the way in the running game. And Justin Fields can make a team pay in the running game as well.

Senior receivers K.J. Hill, Austin Mack and Binjimen Victor have had nice seasons so far, and with their experience should have the advantage over Wisconsin’s defensive backs.

Add in Chris Olave who plays like a senior and true freshman Garrett Wilson who is a big play waiting to happen and it will be a problem for the back-end of the Badger defense to hold this group in check.

I see this as a battle in the beginning but coach Day will find ways to get the ball to the skill position players in space and the Buckeyes will pull away.

Ohio State wins 38-17.

There you have it, our Scarlet And Game predictions for Week 9. I hope I build on my lead, but more important I would like to see the Buckeyes pull out the victory and continue on their run to the CFP.