Wisconsin is at the center of another Big Ten top-10 matchup this week. The Badgers host Ohio State in their second of three games against ranked opponents in the month of October.
They're hoping to improve to 2-1 against ranked opponents this season (win over then-No. 5 LSU, loss to No. 4 Michigan) and build on its Big Ten West lead. The Buckeyes are looking to keep steamrolling opponents all the way to a potential showdown with Michigan at the end of the season.
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Here's how you can watch Ohio State-Wisconsin, and the keys to victory for both teams.
Ohio State at Wisconsin
When: Saturday, Oct. 15, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisc.
TV: ABC
Online: Watch ESPN
Ohio State-Wisconsin all-time series
Ohio State holds a serious series lead over Wisconsin, 57-18-5, and has won seven of the last eight matchups between the teams. But the Badgers' most recent victory was a special one, a 31-18 primetime win over the top-ranked Buckeyes back in 2010. The situation this year is eerily similar...
Numbers that matter
266
Ohio State has scored 266 points through its first five games, the most in program history and good for 53.2 points per game, third best in the nation. The Buckeyes have a trio of offensive studs in quarterback J.T. Barrett, and running backs Curtis Samuel and Mike Weber who have accounted for 174 of those 266 points. They haven't had a down game yet but will have to solve Wisconsin's defense if they want to keep putting up video game-like numbers.
.230
Wisconsin's defense is good. So good, that it holds opponents to just a 23 percent third-down converstion rate (14 for 16), the fifth-best percentage in the country. Two weeks ago, the Badgers held Michigan, who converts 54.4 percent of its third downs, to just 3 for 15 on third downs. Wisconsin will have to have a similar performance against Ohio State, which converts 52.9 percent of its third downs.
323.6
The Buckeyes' rushers are so, so dominant, averaging 323.6 rush yards per game, the third-best average in the nation. Weber leads the Big Ten with 113.2 yards per game and Samuel adds 82 ypg. However, the Badgers are 8-0 when holding an opponent to less than 100 yards rushing. Not getting the ground game going could be a tricky situation for Ohio State.
Social buzz
Wisconsin is the focus of yet another big game in October after its top 10 tilt against Michigan two weeks ago. The storyline then was two powerhouse defenses facing off in the trenches, but Saturday's game against Ohio State will be a little different, with the high-powered Buckeyes' offense against one of the nation's best defenses. The biggest plays will be when the Buckeyes try to move the ball against the Badgers defense.
The big question
How will Ohio State fare against a tough defense? The Buckeyes' first five opponents (Bowling Green, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rutgers, Indiana) give up an average of 35.9 points per game, and three of them are in the bottom 20 in scoring defense in the nation (Bowling Green is last). Ohio State's had it pretty easy so far, but showed signs of struggling in the passing game againsat Indiana. Facing a Wisconsin defense that gives up 12.2 points per game and held Michigan to just 14 points will be much tougher.
