In what has become a very bizarre or mediocre year (whatever you would like to call it) in the Big Ten, one of the conference’s perceived best received their second loss. Dan “Boom” Herron and Braxton Miller ran wild as the Ohio State Buckeyes shocked the Wisconsin Badgers in a 33-29 win.
Ohio State’s (5-4, 2-2) offense methodically out-played Wisconsin’s (6-2, 2-2) offense and took advantage of many defensive miscues from the Badgers. None bigger than the secondary’s blown coverage with 20 seconds in the fourth quarter when Miller connected with Devin Smith for a wide-open and game-winning 40 yard touchdown.
For most of the game, the Buckeyes defensive front dominated the Badgers offensive line and absolutely smothered the running game. Take away a late 40 yard scamper from Montee Ball and Wisconsin’s rushing attack was held to 49 yards on 28 carries.
On the other side of the ball, Ohio State capitalized with what the Badgers could not do. Herron and Miller combined to run for 259 yards including a 44 yard touchdown from Miller in the fourth quarter.
After the touchdown from Miller, it appeared the Badgers were done for the night, but for the second consecutive week, something clicked for Russell Wilson. Wilson threw two touchdowns in the next two drives to Jared Abbrederis to give the Badgers a 29-26 lead with a little over a minute left.
But, the lead wouldn’t be enough as Ohio State came down the field in a hurry and launched a deja-vu-like deep pass to bury the Badgers. It could be argued that this pass hurts more because Ohio State has yet to prove they can effectively put together any kind of passing game.
In addition to the Badgers living a nightmare on the road, the Buckeyes win makes for a mess in the Leaders Division of the Big Ten. If the Buckeyes can win out and the Badgers knock off Penn State at home, Ohio State can end up in the Big Ten Championship Game. Who would have thought after they collapsed in their game with Nebraska?
It’s not time for Badgers fans to panic as they still have a decent shot at making the title game. Ohio State has games with Penn State and at Michigan (neither one is an easy win) while the Badgers have Illinois and Penn State on their slate. However, the Badgers do need the Nittany Lions to start losing as they are the only team undefeated in conference play.
Do you think the Badgers chances at a BCS bowl are over? Will they make it to the Big Ten Championship Game? Let me know by commenting below.
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.