So Happy To Say That My Winning Streak In Ohio Stadium Remains Intact!

I must confess - I went into last evening's contest between Ohio State and Wisconsin believing Ohio State would come out on the losing end, 24-14. I felt Ohio State would battle, but Wisconsin would have too much for the Buckeyes.

What made me truly despondent was I was attending the game with my brother-in-law Kevin and my cousin John, and I had never experienced a loss in Ohio Stadium. I have witnessed many classic games, going back to 1983, and have never left the stadium after an Ohio State loss.

I can proudly say that my winning streak remains intact, thanks to the miraculous play of Braxton Miller with only thirty seconds remaining. The pass Miller launched seemed to defy the laws of gravity, hanging in the air for what seemed an eternity, before Devin Smith caught it for the deciding touchdown.

The 2002 Ohio State/Michigan game, which sent Ohio State to the national championship game, still ranks as my all-time favorite game I have witnessed in Ohio Stadium. Last night's contest ranks second, and will always be remembered for its wild and unforeseen finish (John, thanks again for the great tickets).

OSU: "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" Badgers

Game Eight: Wisconsin Badgers

Coach: Bret Bielema

Location: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH). 8pm EST, ESPN

Wisconsin Offense vs. Ohio State Defense: Wisconsin's offense leads The Big Ten, averaging 47 points a game. Ohio State's defense ranks fifth in the conference, allowing only 16 points a game. Something has to give, and Ohio State fans can only hope that it is not the Buckeye defense. If Ohio State cannot slow down Wisconsin's balanced attack, it could be a long evening in Columbus.

RB Montee Ball keys Wisconsin's historically strong rushing attack, while WRs Nick Toon, Jared Abbrederis, and TE Jacob Pedersen lead Wisconsin's receiving corps. Toon had a big game last season against Ohio State - it could be CB Brad Roby's assignment to cover Toon in this contest.

QB Russell Wilson's dual threat capabilities will be the key to Ohio State's chances in this game. If Ohio State effectively forces Wilson into turnovers, or if Ohio State can neutralize Wilson's scrambling, Ohio State has a chance. I will be curious to see if Ohio State spies on Wilson with DB Tyler Moeller, or even freshman LB Ryan Shazier, in order to stop Wilson from running all over Ohio State during passing downs.

While I respect Ohio State's John Simon and Johnathan Hankins in the defensive interior, Ohio State's linebackers will need to step up in this game much better than they have all season so far. Wisconsin's offensive line, despite losing three starters to the NFL, is just as strong as ever.

Edge: Wisconsin.

Ohio State's Offense vs. Wisconsin's Defense: Ohio State's offensive performance two weeks ago may have made Coach Hayes smile somewhere, but made most Ohio State fans cringe with the overly-conservative attack. The 1 of 4 passing may have worked against Illinois, but Ohio State needs to open it up in order to stand a chance against Wisconsin in Ohio Stadium.

Wisconsin comes into this game ranked third in The Big Ten in total defense, while Ohio State ranks eleventh in total offense. QB Braxton Miller played well against Nebraska in a losing effort three weeks ago, but sustained a sprained ankle in the contest. Miller will need to scramble for positive yardage against the Badgers on Saturday night.

The return of RB Daniel "Boom" Herron was the boost Ohio State needed to escape with a victory over Illinois. Herron, if combined with RB Carlos Hyde, can help to control the clock against Wisconsin. It would not surprise me if Ohio State uses TEs Jake Stoneburner and Reid Fragel as safe outlet passes for Miller.

Edge: Wisconsin. Look for the Badgers to stack eight men in the box, daring Ohio State to throw on their strong secondary. If Ohio State does not come out and attack Wisconsin through the air, as Michigan State did in their miracle victory last weekend, Ohio State will be out of the game by halftime.

Intangibles: Finally, a possible area for Ohio State to have the edge. A night game in Ohio Stadium means the home crowd will be adequately hydrated for this contest. Ohio State fans will come out in full force for revenge against the only team that defeated the Buckeyes last season. Former Buckeye legend RB Eddie George will be honored at halftime; it's too bad George is out of eligibility. I will be at this contest with my brother-in-law Kevin and my cousin John - I have never been to an Ohio State game where the Buckeyes have lost. And do not forget about the atrocious, I mean, special Nike combat uniforms Ohio State will get to wear for this contest.

Edge: Ohio State.

Prediction: I truly want to pick Ohio State to pull off the upset in this one, but Wisconsin's balanced offense, and Ohio State's sputtering offense, make it impossible for me to do so. Months ago, I wrote this was going to be Ohio State's most difficult game, and nothing has made me change my mind about that prediction. As I wrote up above, I have never been to an Ohio State home game where the Buckeyes have lost, so it pains me to go against my winning streak in this prediction - we are talking games back to 1983. Still, as Elton John says, "It's seven o'clock and I wanna rock, wanna get a bellyful of beer..." - that, I will accomplish Saturday evening in Columbus with Kevin, John, and hopefully many other loyal Ohio State fans. My prediction ~ Wisconsin 24, Ohio State 14.

Will Zook & Illini Cook The Buckeyes Below .500?

Game Seven: Illinois Fighting Illini

Location: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL. 3:30pm kickoff, ABC

Head Coach: Ron Zook

Illinois Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: CB Justin Green.

Overview: Ohio State traditionally struggles whenever they visit Champaign, IL. In 2002, Ohio State was fortunate to escape with an overtime victory that allowed the Buckeyes to remain undefeated. In 2006, Ohio State barely held on against the Illini. In 2008, with revenge on their minds and Terrelle Pryor at the offensive controls, Ohio State traveled to Illinois and won in a close contest. And last season, Ohio State was able to leave with a victory, despite Terrelle Pryor's injury that was a bitter 2011 foreshadowing for Ohio State's fans of Pryor's importance to the Buckeye offense.

Offensively, Ohio State seemed to figure out what QB Braxton Miller can do, and played to his strengths. As soon as Joe Bauserman entered the game, the offensive game plan moved to a pass first mindset, and everything seemed to unravel. Considering how ineffective Bauserman has been since the Miami (FL) game, it would not be surprising if Kenny Guiton is the backup quarterback. Guiton would allow the coaching staff to maintain the same type of game plan as they have devised for Braxton Miller, as Guiton is a mobile quarterback as well.

Defensively, Ohio State wilted in the second half against Nebraska. Whether it was a psychological collapse due to the offensive ineffectiveness under Joe Bauserman, or fatigue from being on the field for most of the second half, the Buckeyes' defense needs to regroup for this battle against Illinois.

The weather forecast for Champaign on game day is a sunny and high 60 degrees. It will be interesting to see how Ohio State comes out after blowing the big lead against Nebraska last week...I will say Illinois 24, Ohio State 14.

Does Bo Know How To Beat The Buckeyes?

Game Six: Nebraska Cornhuskers

Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE. 8:00pm kickoff, ABC

Head Coach: Bo Pelini


Nebraska Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: RB Braylon Heard. As Nebraska is in its first year in The Big Ten, look for Nebraska to concentrate more on recruiting Ohio talent.

When Nebraska Is On Offense VS. Ohio State's Defense: Throughout its history, Nebraska has been known for running the ball. RB Rex Burkhead is a tough runner in the mold of current Cleveland Browns RB Peyton Hillis. QB Taylor Martinez has struggled as a passer, but can rival Michigan QB Denard Robinson as being arguably the most athletic quarterback in the conference. Martinez can be deadly running the option.

WR Jamal Turner is a deep threat that Ohio State defenders need to respect, despite Martinez's struggles passing the ball. If Ohio State's Travis Howard can rebound from his tough game last week against Michigan State, Ohio State should be able to cover Turner well enough to make it tough for Nebraska to move the ball consistently against the Buckeyes. Ohio State will sell out against the run, daring Martinez to throw the ball.

Edge: Ohio State.


When Ohio State Is On Offense VS Nebraska's Defense: Unfortunately, Ohio State's offense is its own worst enemy, ranking near the bottom in the nation. Ohio State's offense is truly offensive, in other words.

Look for Nebraska, like Michigan State last week, to put eight or nine in the box, daring true freshman QB Braxton Miller to throw. Nebraska's Jared Crick versus Ohio State's Michael Brewster may be a battle to keep an eye upon. Ohio State can only go up offensively after such dreadful performances against Miami (FL) and Michigan State...right?

Edge: Nebraska. Until the Buckeyes prove me wrong, I have to give the opposition the benefit of the doubt.

Intangibles: Both Nebraska and Ohio State were embarrassed in their conference openers last week. Considering this is a home game for Nebraska, the edge is given to the Cornhuskers.

Edge: Nebraska

Prediction: I really want to pick Ohio State in this one. My cousin John, and his friend Scott, are going to be in attendance for this one (safe travels), and it would be great to go into Lincoln and leave with a victory. Ohio State's woeful offense just cannot make me pull the trigger for the Buckeyes. I am saying Nebraska 17, Ohio State 10.