Ohio State Football: Wisconsin Expert’s take on the BIG Game

Ohio State football fans are expecting a third straight conference championship and a trip to the College Football Playoff, but what are Wisconsin fans thinking before the BIG Game?

I know how Ohio State football fans feel heading into the Big Ten Championship Game but I always like to find out what fans of the opposing team are thinking before a big game. I reached out to Dairyland Express Expert Paul Bretl to get a perspective from someone who follows Wisconsin sports closely.

I think you will find Paul’s take on the BIG matchup very interesting.

Q:  What are the thoughts and feelings of Wisconsin fans heading into the Big Ten Championship Game?

Paul:  At least for myself and the fans that I’ve interacted with, it’s exciting! Any time we can go into Minnesota and win, it’s always fun, but spoiling their best season in recent memory and going to the Big Ten Title game instead of them, that is just simply fantastic.

I also think that most fans know Wisconsin is a huge underdog on Saturday and coming away with a win is a long shot, but it beats being at home and watching the Gophers play in Indy.

Q:  The Badgers have been a roll lately. Have there been new wrinkles on either side of the ball or is the same style of football we are used to seeing just being played at a high level?

Paul:  Really this is the same team, the last four games they’ve just executed much better. In three of the four games Jonathan Taylor rushed for over 200 yards, Jack Coan was much more efficient as a passer, and not to mention, they were the better coached and more talented team.

However, two big issues that still persist are that they are losing the turnover battle and on defense they are giving up a big play or two every game, which has been an issue all season long. If they are going to have any sort of chance on Saturday, those two areas must be cleaned up.

Q:  There are usually players who were under the radar early on who step up late in the season. Are there Wisconsin players who fit that mold Ohio State fans should keep their eyes on?

Paul:  On offense, Wisconsin fans know Jake Ferguson quite well, but opposing fans who are familiar with Jonathan Taylor and Quintez Cephus might not know much about Ferguson. The tight end put together a nice 2018 season and he is on pace for a similar season once again with 27 receptions for 328 yards (12.1 yards per catch) and two touchdowns.

He is also Jack Coan’s safety blanket when things get dicey in the pocket or on third downs. While he isn’t the type of player that is going to take over the game by any means, he is still someone to keep an eye out for.

Defensively, the Badgers have a very good linebacking trio led by Zack Baun and Chris Orr, but the lesser known Jack Sanborn has been excellent this season. So far he’s totaled 40 tackles, 8 of which were for a loss, with 4.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Q:  It will be another matchup between two of the top backs in the country. Do you see Jonathan Taylor or J.K. Dobbins having a leg up on the other?

Paul:  These two backs have put up very similar numbers this season. Taylor has 1,761 rushing yards at 6.3 yards per carry with 20 touchdowns, while Dobbins has totaled 1,657 on the ground with a 6.6 average and 19 touchdowns.

However in their previous matchup, it was Dobbins who had the much better day rushing for 163 yards to Taylor’s 52. After three years of watching Taylor, I’m never going to underestimate what he can do or the numbers he can put up, but to answer your question, I give the edge to Dobbins given that Ohio State has the better overall team, which will benefit J.K.

Q:  Which Ohio State players or units are of most concern to you?

Paul:  Of course I have to discuss Chase Young who absolutely wrecked the Badgers the last time these two teams met. Young totaled six tackles, five of which were for a loss, with four sacks and two forced fumbles. Just an incredible game.

This time around I’m really hoping that Wisconsin double teams him or at least tries to chip him at the line of scrimmage in an effort to slow him down. I also have to mention that the overall speed of the Ohio State offense is very worrisome.

Q:  How do you see the game playing out and what is your final score?

Paul:  I think that Wisconsin will be more prepared this time around but ultimately, Ohio State just has too much talent and too many playmakers for them to overcome. I expect it to be a close game into the second half, much like the last time they met, but the Buckeyes will pull away in the end.

Wisconsin 20, Ohio State 34

There you have it, a view from one who follows the Wisconsin football program closely. I want to thank Paul for taking the time to share his thoughts on the Big Ten Championship Game.