Preview: Ohio State at Wisconsin - October 4, 2008

By Dark Horse Sports

Ohio State versus Wisconsin is one of the biggest games on the Big Ten schedule annually.  Extra emphasis will be placed on the match-up this time around.  Wisconsin’s Big Ten Championship hopes will suffer a death nail without a win on Saturday, due to last week’s collapse at Michigan.  On Ohio State’s side, this is their first true conference test, and they will have to do it against a Wisconsin team that has never lost a home game under Brett Bielema.  Look for that trend to come to an end, though, on Saturday.

Two main reasons for an Ohio State victory come to mind.  Wisconsin gave up 172 rushing yards on 5.1 yards per carry to Michigan last week.  The run defense’s task will be much tougher going up against Ohio State.  How many yards rushing are they going to give up against Chris Wells and dual threat quarterback Terrelle Pryor?  Look for Ohio State’s rushing offense to rack up well over 200 yards rushing, a crushing and deflating number if you’re rooting for Wisconsin.

Big reason number two for an Ohio State victory - Allan Everidge.  The Wisconsin quarterback looks lost at times, out of sync, and unreliable.  If this game is tight or Wisconsin is trailing, which will be the case, Everidge is not a guy I trust when it comes to pulling out a win.  Wisconsin needs to take an early lead and then rely on PJ Hill and their strong running game to win games.  That formula will be difficult to pull off against an elite team like Ohio State.

Free winner from Dark Horse Sports: Take Ohio State -1.5 over Wisconsin.