3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
2007 Wisconsin Badgers Game Preview
written by: BB73, BuckeyeRyn, Buckeyeskickbuttocks, Bucklion, DaddyBigBucks, Hubbard, jwinslow, OSUBucks22, and 3yardsandacloud
Preface
After an impressive performance in Happy Valley, here is the status of some current Buckeye streaks:
Longest regular season winning streaks by Big Ten football teams:
28 games - 1950-53, Michigan State (joined conference in 1953)
28 games - 1901-03, Michigan
27 games - 2005-07, Ohio State
26 games - 1903-05, Michigan
Longest Big Ten winning streaks, conference games only:
19 games - 2005-07, Ohio State
19 games - 1990-92, Michigan
Wisconsin comes to the 'Shoe this Saturday, having won their three most recents contest there. tOSU's all-time record against the Badgers is 50-17-5, with a 26-7-3 mark for games in Columbus.
Since the AP weekly poll started in 1936, Ohio State has been ranked #1 ninety-one times over 18 different seasons. The first time was in 1942 under Paul Brown, and after winning two games to maintain the ranking, the Buckeyes went on the (rail)road to Madison. The team didn't take along its own water on that trip (as they had the previous year via the train to the USC game in Los Angeles), and the majority of the team came down with dysentery from contaminated water on the train. Ohio State lost 17-7 to a Wisconsin team led by Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch in what was dubbed the "Bad Water Game"; but won their remaining games to claim tOSU's first national championship. The Badgers finished the year 8-1-1 and ranked #3.
One member of that 1942 Buckeye team was Bill Willis, who will be honored at halftime this weekend with the announcement that his #99 will be retired. His jersey number will be given a place of honor with those of the legendary Chic Harley and the first 5 Buckeyes to win the Heisman Trophy:
The 5 other times that the Buckeyes carried a #1 ranking into a game against the Badgers were all against Woody Hayes squads between 1964 to 1975. The average score in those games was 44-3, with the closest game being a 24-0 game in Madison in 1973.
Wisconsin was an inaugural member of the Western Conference, which evolved into the Big Ten. They won the first two conference championships in football, with a 2-0-1 mark in 1896 and a 3-0 record in 1897. They also claimed conference crowns in their only perfect seasons: 1901, 1906, and 1912. After that period, their next crown was 40 years away.
Ohio State is the only opponent that has ever faced a Wisconsin team ranked #1 in the AP football poll. In 1952, after #8 Wisconsin defeated a #2 Illinois team 20-6 in Madison, the team was vaulted to the #1 ranking for the only time in their football history. The next week the Badgers visited the 'Shoe and fell 23-14 to the Buckeyes. Wisconsin finished that season as co-Big Ten champions with Purdue. They also won Big Ten titles in 1959 and 1962, but lost the Rose Bowl in each of their 3 appearances between '52 and '62, and would not return until the 1990's under Barry Alvarez.
Those who have coached the Badgers include Harry Stuhldreher, one of Notre Dame's "Four Horsemen" in the 1920s. His teams went 45-62-6 (.425) between 1936-48. Similar to Paul Brown at Ohio State, the enlistments of World War II dramatically changed the fortunes of Stuhldreher's teams. After the 8-1-1 mark and #3 ranking in 1942, their record fell to 1-9 in 1943 due to many players having left the team; including Elroy Hirsch (who then lettered in 4 different sports at Michigan, where he was getting military training). Hirsch went on to a Hall-of-Fame career as an NFL receiver, and later spent 18 years as Wisconsin's Athletic Director.
From 1978 until 1985, the head man in Madison was Dave McClain, whose teams went 46-42-3 (.522). After a fatal heart attack in 1986 cut short his career at the age of 48, the Big Ten dedicated it's football Coach of the Year award in his honor.
Barry Alvarez, currently the Athletic Director in Madison, was the head football coach from 1990 through 2005. Prior to that, he was on Hayden Fry's staff at Iowa, and he was the DC on Lou Holtz's 1988 national championship team at Notre Dame. Barry's Badgers won the Rose Bowl in each of the seasons they garnered a Big Ten title: '93, '98, and '99.
1993 was a shared title with tOSU; the teams tied in Madison, and the Badgers claimed their share after they won their last conference game against Michigan State in a game called the Coca-Cola Classic in Tokyo. Barry is the only Big Ten coach to win Rose Bowls in consecutive seasons, and last year a bronze statue of Alvarez was unveiled outside Camp Randall stadium.
Before stepping down as head coach, Barry (already the AD) named Bret Bielema to be his successor. Bielema's first year was an excellent 12-1 campaign, including a Capital One Bowl win over Arkansas. Although ranked as high as 5th in the AP poll earlier this season, they are currently the top team outside the AP's top 25. They do rank #21 in the BCS standings, however, which no longer utilize the AP poll.
Longest regular season winning streaks by Big Ten football teams:
28 games - 1950-53, Michigan State (joined conference in 1953)
28 games - 1901-03, Michigan
27 games - 2005-07, Ohio State
26 games - 1903-05, Michigan
Longest Big Ten winning streaks, conference games only:
19 games - 2005-07, Ohio State
19 games - 1990-92, Michigan
Wisconsin comes to the 'Shoe this Saturday, having won their three most recents contest there. tOSU's all-time record against the Badgers is 50-17-5, with a 26-7-3 mark for games in Columbus.
Since the AP weekly poll started in 1936, Ohio State has been ranked #1 ninety-one times over 18 different seasons. The first time was in 1942 under Paul Brown, and after winning two games to maintain the ranking, the Buckeyes went on the (rail)road to Madison. The team didn't take along its own water on that trip (as they had the previous year via the train to the USC game in Los Angeles), and the majority of the team came down with dysentery from contaminated water on the train. Ohio State lost 17-7 to a Wisconsin team led by Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch in what was dubbed the "Bad Water Game"; but won their remaining games to claim tOSU's first national championship. The Badgers finished the year 8-1-1 and ranked #3.
One member of that 1942 Buckeye team was Bill Willis, who will be honored at halftime this weekend with the announcement that his #99 will be retired. His jersey number will be given a place of honor with those of the legendary Chic Harley and the first 5 Buckeyes to win the Heisman Trophy:
The 5 other times that the Buckeyes carried a #1 ranking into a game against the Badgers were all against Woody Hayes squads between 1964 to 1975. The average score in those games was 44-3, with the closest game being a 24-0 game in Madison in 1973.
Wisconsin was an inaugural member of the Western Conference, which evolved into the Big Ten. They won the first two conference championships in football, with a 2-0-1 mark in 1896 and a 3-0 record in 1897. They also claimed conference crowns in their only perfect seasons: 1901, 1906, and 1912. After that period, their next crown was 40 years away.
Ohio State is the only opponent that has ever faced a Wisconsin team ranked #1 in the AP football poll. In 1952, after #8 Wisconsin defeated a #2 Illinois team 20-6 in Madison, the team was vaulted to the #1 ranking for the only time in their football history. The next week the Badgers visited the 'Shoe and fell 23-14 to the Buckeyes. Wisconsin finished that season as co-Big Ten champions with Purdue. They also won Big Ten titles in 1959 and 1962, but lost the Rose Bowl in each of their 3 appearances between '52 and '62, and would not return until the 1990's under Barry Alvarez.
Those who have coached the Badgers include Harry Stuhldreher, one of Notre Dame's "Four Horsemen" in the 1920s. His teams went 45-62-6 (.425) between 1936-48. Similar to Paul Brown at Ohio State, the enlistments of World War II dramatically changed the fortunes of Stuhldreher's teams. After the 8-1-1 mark and #3 ranking in 1942, their record fell to 1-9 in 1943 due to many players having left the team; including Elroy Hirsch (who then lettered in 4 different sports at Michigan, where he was getting military training). Hirsch went on to a Hall-of-Fame career as an NFL receiver, and later spent 18 years as Wisconsin's Athletic Director.
From 1978 until 1985, the head man in Madison was Dave McClain, whose teams went 46-42-3 (.522). After a fatal heart attack in 1986 cut short his career at the age of 48, the Big Ten dedicated it's football Coach of the Year award in his honor.
Barry Alvarez, currently the Athletic Director in Madison, was the head football coach from 1990 through 2005. Prior to that, he was on Hayden Fry's staff at Iowa, and he was the DC on Lou Holtz's 1988 national championship team at Notre Dame. Barry's Badgers won the Rose Bowl in each of the seasons they garnered a Big Ten title: '93, '98, and '99.
1993 was a shared title with tOSU; the teams tied in Madison, and the Badgers claimed their share after they won their last conference game against Michigan State in a game called the Coca-Cola Classic in Tokyo. Barry is the only Big Ten coach to win Rose Bowls in consecutive seasons, and last year a bronze statue of Alvarez was unveiled outside Camp Randall stadium.
Before stepping down as head coach, Barry (already the AD) named Bret Bielema to be his successor. Bielema's first year was an excellent 12-1 campaign, including a Capital One Bowl win over Arkansas. Although ranked as high as 5th in the AP poll earlier this season, they are currently the top team outside the AP's top 25. They do rank #21 in the BCS standings, however, which no longer utilize the AP poll.
Date and Time
Date: Saturday, November 3rd, 2007
Time: 12:00 Noon EDT Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 101,568 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events:
Broadcast Information:
TV Broadcast: The Big Ten Network: Tom Brennaman (Play-by-play), Charles Davis (Analysis), and Charissa Thompson (Sideline)
Local Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS 1460TheFan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline)
Time: 12:00 Noon EDT Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 101,568 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events:
Broadcast Information:
TV Broadcast: The Big Ten Network: Tom Brennaman (Play-by-play), Charles Davis (Analysis), and Charissa Thompson (Sideline)
Local Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS 1460TheFan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline)
2007 Wisconsin Badgers Offensive Preview
Returning starters: 9
Well, after successfully keeping the rails attached in Happy Valley, the Buckeyes return home to face a Wisconsin team they've had trouble beating at home recently. The Buckeyes have dropped their last 3 home contests to the Badgers, and it doesn't look like this year's game is going to be an easy occasion either. The Badgers have shaken off a couple of bad performances to be playing pretty solid ball in recent weeks, leading to their showdown in Columbus this weekend.
Offensively, the Badgers have been solid for the most part, and excel in the usual statistics that make Wisconsin a successful, if not always pretty, football team. The Badgers are usually respectable but not world-beaters in terms of total yardage, and this year is very similar in that they are a respectable 40th nationally with 432.8 yards a game. Were Wisconsin makes their proverbial living is running the ball, and this year has been no different, averaging 205.4 yards a game, 22nd nationally. Their passing rankings will never remind anyone of a WAC team (73rd nationally), but at 213 yards a game their excellent balance with the ball can create serious matchup problems and enables the Badgers to grind out victory after victory seemingly every season. The 30.1 points per game they put up is 47th nationally, but they are 2nd in the country in time of possession with over 34 minutes a game. And though their overall 1st down totals are consistent with their general offensive rankings (21.8 per game, 44th), they convert an impressive 47.7% of their 3rd downs, good for 12th in the country. So ball control, play action, and ground and pound are what Wisconsin is about ... no surprises here.
Quarterbacks
QB #12 Tyler Donovan (6-1, 185, SR, Arrowhead HS, Hartland, WI)
Donovan took over for Wisconsin stalwart John Stocco and has played, for the most part, reasonably well. Wisconsin uses a lot of play action and vertical passing, so he isn't going to throw for a particularly high percentage, but he has thrown for 1855 yards and 12 TDs, which is impressive for a team that basically runs first and usually second. He's thrown for 200 yards 5 times so far, but his team is only 3-2 in those games. His biggest day by far came in the loss to Illinois where he threw for 392 yards and 2 TDs. But on average, when he's playing well, he's good for what a Wisconsin QB is usually good for, 20-25 attempts, 200 yards, and a TD or two. He can also scramble for some big gains, having totaled 188 yards and 2 TDs on the ground so far. On the downside, he has been sacked 19 times so far, which is too many for a team that doesn't throw the ball much, and he has thrown at least one interception in 6 straight games, including a stretch that included the two Wisconsin losses where he threw 2 apiece against Michigan State, Illinois, and Penn State. In that same 6 game span he's thrown only 6 TDs. Certainly, he's had some growing pains as a first year starter, and the decimation of the receiving corps due to injury hasn't helped. But he has played reasonably well overall, and expect him to hold up well in the pocket and deliver some solid throws.
Backing up Donovan is junior Allan Evridge (#4), who has attempted only 8 passes this season. He started 6 games at Kansas State in 2005, throwing for 1365 yards, before transferring to Wisconsin and sitting out last year, so he does have significant game experience if Donovan gets hurt.
QB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus Ohio State QBs
Donovan (P/R): 142/240 (59.2%), 1855 yards, 12 TDs, 9 INTs, 133.1 rating; 73/188, 2 TDs
Boeckman (P/R): 139/209 (66.5%), 1799 yards, 21 TDs, 8 INTs, 164.3 rating; 25/-19, 0 TDs
Donovan has done a solid job, and has put up some good yardage totals in stretches this year. Boeckman, however, has been huge for the Buckeyes, and he torched a team last week, at night, on the road, that blew out Wisconsin 3 weeks ago. He's been incredibly efficient, and the key to the amazing run Ohio State has had so far, and has been one of the country's most underrated players.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
TB #39 P.J. Hill (5-11, 227, SO, Brooklyn-Poly Prep, East Elmhurst, NY)
FB #44 Chris Pressley (6-1, 259, JR, Woodbury HS, Woodbury, NJ)
Hill is a battering ram of a runner who is the latest in a long line of powerful Wisconsin backs. He gained over 1500 yards and scored 15 times last season, and he has over 1000 this year despite nagging injuries. His health is of utmost concern and primary importance to this game for the Badgers, but the coaches seem to think he'll be ready to go. He's gained over 100 yards 5 times this year, including 155 against Michigan State. He scored 4 TDs against The Citadel and has scored at least one TD in 7 straight games. He was limited last week against Indiana by injury after gaining 184 yards on 21 carries against Northern Illinois the previous week. If all systems are go, the Buckeyes will have their hands full, and the linebackers and safeties will earn their stripes on Saturday. And though Hill won't elicit memories of Roger Craig, he does have at least one catch in every game since week 2, so he can be effective as a pass receiver as well.
The backup situation is interesting. For the 2nd year in a row Lance Smith-Williams (#5) is the team's 2nd leading rusher. However, he has been suspended for all road games in 2007, so he will not see the field Saturday. In his place is freshman Zach Brown (#30), who has gained 118 yards so far in 2007. He's a smaller, shiftier back who gained 40 yards on 14 carries and scored a TD against Indiana last week.
Pressley redshirted after an injury in 2006 and is a fine blocker who often springs Hill into the secondary. He has 8 carries and a TD so far in 2007, so he does occasionally get the ball too.
RB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus Ohio State RBs
Hill: 212/1066 yards, 14 TDs, 5.0 YPC; 14 rec/89 yards, 1 TDs, 6.4 YPR
Smith-Williams: 55/354 yards, 3 TDs, 6.4 YPC; 1 rec/6 yards, 0 TDs, 6.0 YPR
Brown: 35/118 yards, 1 TD, 3.4 YPC; 3 rec/15 yards, 0 TDs, 5.0 YPR
C Wells: 174/996 yards, 7 TDs, 5.7 YPC; 5 rec/21 yards, 0 TDs, 4.2 YPR
M Wells: 93/325 yards, 2 TDs, 3.5 YPC; 9 rec/49 yards, 1 TD, 5.4 YPR
Saine: 49/249 yards, 2 TDs, 5.1 YPC: 8 rec/84 yards, 1 TD, 10.5 YPR
Both teams have quality players at the top of the board, with Hill and Wells having phenomenal seasons. Hill has a slight statistical edge, but Wells has meant as much to the success of the Buckeyes. Depth goes to the Bucks, particularly since Smith-Williams will not be allowed to play in this game. Given the Buckeyes have 3 options and Hill has health concerns, give the edge to the home team.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR #19 Paul Hubbard (6-4, 213, SR, Widefield HS, Colorado Springs, CO)
WR #14 Kyle Jefferson (6-5, 195, FR, Glenville HS, Cleveland, OH)
This unit has been hurt by injuries, particularly to talented playmaker Luke Swan. Jefferson, another in a long line of burners from Glenville that seem to make immediate and significant impacts in college, has been a good option and has taken advantage of his opportunities to the tune of 374 yards receiving to give the team a much-needed threat at the wideout position. He's especially come on in Big Ten play, picking up over 60 yards and a TD in each game against Michigan State and Illinois before hitting Penn State for 6 catches and 124 yards. He had 3 grabs for 50 yards last week in an easy win over the Hoosiers.
Hubbard started every game in 2006 and was 2nd on the team with 38 catches and 627 receiving yards. This year he was injured against UNLV and missed the next 5 games. His return has been fortuitous for the Badgers given the loss of Swan in the Illinois game. He's caught only 2 passes since returning to action, so it's unclear what kind of impact he will have.
There isn't much in the way of back-up production...David Gilreath (#85), Xavier Harris (#2), Marcus Randle El (#13), and Maurice Moore (#22) have combined for a total of 4 catches.
WR Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus Ohio State WRs
Hubbard: 4 catches, 77 yards, 0 TDs, 19.3 YPR
Jefferson: 21 catches, 374 yards, 2 TDs, 17.8 YPR
Harris: 2 catches, 30 yards, 0 TDs, 15.0 YPR
Robiskie: 41 catches, 787 yards, 8 TDs, 19.2 YPR
Hartline: 34 catches, 429 yards, 5 TDs, 12.6 YPR
Small: 15 catches, 216 yards, 2 TDs, 14.4 YPR
No contest here. The Buckeyes have developed a special pair of wideouts, and though Jefferson has been a much-needed weapon, the Badgers don't have the talent or depth to match.
Edge: Ohio State
Tight Ends
TE #9 Travis Beckum (6-4, 224, JR, Oak Creek HS, Milwaukee, WI)
TE #89 Garrett Graham (6-4, 227, SO, Memorial HS, Brick, NJ)
This might be the best unit in the country. Beckum was a Mackey award semifinalist last year, and is a superstar at catching passes from the TE position. He led the team last season with 61 catches for 903 yards and 5 TDs, and leads the team this year with 53 catches for 625 yards and 3 TDs. His highlights include 10 catches for 132 yards and a score against Michigan State and 11 catches for 160 yards against Illinois. Graham is also a star in his own right, having caught 19 passes for 216 yards and a team-high 4 TDs this year so far. Given that Wisconsin runs a lot of double-TE formations, both players can be considered starters, both are decent blockers, and both are lethal over the middle catching passes.
TE Rating: A+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus Ohio State TEs
Beckum: 53 catches, 625 yards, 3 TDs, 11.8 YPR
Graham: 19 catches, 216 yards, 4 TDs, 11.4 YPR
Nicol: 14 catches, 82 yards, 0 TDs, 5.9 YPR
Ballard: 9 catches, 114 yards, 2 TDs, 12.7 YPR
Nicol has been solid for the Buckeyes, and Ballard has also become a nice option, catching a TD in 2 straight games. However the Badgers run a lot of their passing game over the middle and might have the best tandem in the nation.
Edge: Wisconsin
Offensive Line
LT #68 Gabe Carimi (6-8, 292, FR, Monona Grove HS, Cottage Grove, WI)
LG #75 Andy Kemp (6-6, 324, JR, Menasha HS, Menasha, WI)
C #65 Marcus Coleman (6-6, 295, SR, Wayzata HS, Plymouth, MN)
RG #63 Kraig Urbik (6-6, 332, JR, Hudson HS, Hudson, WI)
RT #71 Eric Vanden Heuvel (6-7, 325, JR, Hudson HS, Hudson, WI)
This is a big and ultra-physical group, as one would expect from a Wisconsin team of late, and they are heavily experienced. Coleman is the leader in the middle, having started 22 straight games at center over the past 2 seasons and being named to the Rimington watch list. The right side of the line is talented, experienced, and features a pair of gargantuan former high school teammates. Urbik started 13 games at right tackle as a freshman before moving to guard, where he has started 22 straight games the past 2 seasons, for a total of 35 straight starts. Vanden Heuvel was honorable mention all-Big Ten last year, and has started 22 straight games at right tackle. On the left side, Carimi has taken over for Badger icon Joe Thomas and had done a solid job, starting all 9 games this season. Kemp started all 13 games at left guard last season and was well on his way to extending his streak similar to his teammates on the right side, but an injury against Penn State caused him to miss the last 2 contests, so his starts streak was broken at 20. If he can't go, freshman John Moffitt (#74, 6-4, 307) will start in his place, as he has the past 2 weeks.
The stalwart line doesn't allow for a lot of extra players to see significant action, but in addition to Moffitt, tackles Danny Kaye (#64) and Jake Bscherer (#78), guard Bill Nagy (#76), and center Brad Thorson (#58) could see time.
OL Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus Ohio State OL
The Buckeyes have been plowing open holes and protecting their QB all season en route to an undefeated record. The Badgers are maulers who are run-blocking machines and have an incredible amount of starting experience. In star power, the Buckeyes might lead, but in cohesiveness as a unit, it's hard to argue against a line that has 4 players that have started at least 20 games. Call it even, as both lines do a very good job.
Edge: Even
Overall Offensive Analysis
Wisconsin offenses have never been all that hard to figure out, they've just been hard to stop for 4 quarters. The size of their line, the power of their backs, and the threat of the vertical passing game have often led to the wearing down of defenses in the 2nd half of games, as recent Buckeye teams can attest to. They Badgers also aren't intimidated by playing at Ohio Stadium, having had a large amount of success there in recent seasons. Despite all of that, the 3 road games the Badgers have played have resulted in a squeaker over UNLV, a loss at Illinois and a blowout at Penn State. In those three games the offense failed to control the game as the Badgers plan to do each time out. For Wisconsin to be successful, they'll have to stick with the run and weather the storm of a few punts early, try and hit a couple of big passing plays, get their TEs open over the middle, and grind down the Buckeyes in the 4th quarter if the game is close. All of that is easier said than done, of course, against what is arguably the nation's best defense. The Badgers did little against Penn State, and the Buckeyes humbled them last weekend. It will be interesting to see how healthy Hill is and how poised Donovan is ...getting a pounding running game going and avoiding turnovers are key if the Badgers are going to have any chance of pulling off the shocker.
Overall Offensive Rating: B
Well, after successfully keeping the rails attached in Happy Valley, the Buckeyes return home to face a Wisconsin team they've had trouble beating at home recently. The Buckeyes have dropped their last 3 home contests to the Badgers, and it doesn't look like this year's game is going to be an easy occasion either. The Badgers have shaken off a couple of bad performances to be playing pretty solid ball in recent weeks, leading to their showdown in Columbus this weekend.
Offensively, the Badgers have been solid for the most part, and excel in the usual statistics that make Wisconsin a successful, if not always pretty, football team. The Badgers are usually respectable but not world-beaters in terms of total yardage, and this year is very similar in that they are a respectable 40th nationally with 432.8 yards a game. Were Wisconsin makes their proverbial living is running the ball, and this year has been no different, averaging 205.4 yards a game, 22nd nationally. Their passing rankings will never remind anyone of a WAC team (73rd nationally), but at 213 yards a game their excellent balance with the ball can create serious matchup problems and enables the Badgers to grind out victory after victory seemingly every season. The 30.1 points per game they put up is 47th nationally, but they are 2nd in the country in time of possession with over 34 minutes a game. And though their overall 1st down totals are consistent with their general offensive rankings (21.8 per game, 44th), they convert an impressive 47.7% of their 3rd downs, good for 12th in the country. So ball control, play action, and ground and pound are what Wisconsin is about ... no surprises here.
Quarterbacks
QB #12 Tyler Donovan (6-1, 185, SR, Arrowhead HS, Hartland, WI)
Donovan took over for Wisconsin stalwart John Stocco and has played, for the most part, reasonably well. Wisconsin uses a lot of play action and vertical passing, so he isn't going to throw for a particularly high percentage, but he has thrown for 1855 yards and 12 TDs, which is impressive for a team that basically runs first and usually second. He's thrown for 200 yards 5 times so far, but his team is only 3-2 in those games. His biggest day by far came in the loss to Illinois where he threw for 392 yards and 2 TDs. But on average, when he's playing well, he's good for what a Wisconsin QB is usually good for, 20-25 attempts, 200 yards, and a TD or two. He can also scramble for some big gains, having totaled 188 yards and 2 TDs on the ground so far. On the downside, he has been sacked 19 times so far, which is too many for a team that doesn't throw the ball much, and he has thrown at least one interception in 6 straight games, including a stretch that included the two Wisconsin losses where he threw 2 apiece against Michigan State, Illinois, and Penn State. In that same 6 game span he's thrown only 6 TDs. Certainly, he's had some growing pains as a first year starter, and the decimation of the receiving corps due to injury hasn't helped. But he has played reasonably well overall, and expect him to hold up well in the pocket and deliver some solid throws.
Backing up Donovan is junior Allan Evridge (#4), who has attempted only 8 passes this season. He started 6 games at Kansas State in 2005, throwing for 1365 yards, before transferring to Wisconsin and sitting out last year, so he does have significant game experience if Donovan gets hurt.
QB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus Ohio State QBs
Donovan (P/R): 142/240 (59.2%), 1855 yards, 12 TDs, 9 INTs, 133.1 rating; 73/188, 2 TDs
Boeckman (P/R): 139/209 (66.5%), 1799 yards, 21 TDs, 8 INTs, 164.3 rating; 25/-19, 0 TDs
Donovan has done a solid job, and has put up some good yardage totals in stretches this year. Boeckman, however, has been huge for the Buckeyes, and he torched a team last week, at night, on the road, that blew out Wisconsin 3 weeks ago. He's been incredibly efficient, and the key to the amazing run Ohio State has had so far, and has been one of the country's most underrated players.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
TB #39 P.J. Hill (5-11, 227, SO, Brooklyn-Poly Prep, East Elmhurst, NY)
FB #44 Chris Pressley (6-1, 259, JR, Woodbury HS, Woodbury, NJ)
Hill is a battering ram of a runner who is the latest in a long line of powerful Wisconsin backs. He gained over 1500 yards and scored 15 times last season, and he has over 1000 this year despite nagging injuries. His health is of utmost concern and primary importance to this game for the Badgers, but the coaches seem to think he'll be ready to go. He's gained over 100 yards 5 times this year, including 155 against Michigan State. He scored 4 TDs against The Citadel and has scored at least one TD in 7 straight games. He was limited last week against Indiana by injury after gaining 184 yards on 21 carries against Northern Illinois the previous week. If all systems are go, the Buckeyes will have their hands full, and the linebackers and safeties will earn their stripes on Saturday. And though Hill won't elicit memories of Roger Craig, he does have at least one catch in every game since week 2, so he can be effective as a pass receiver as well.
The backup situation is interesting. For the 2nd year in a row Lance Smith-Williams (#5) is the team's 2nd leading rusher. However, he has been suspended for all road games in 2007, so he will not see the field Saturday. In his place is freshman Zach Brown (#30), who has gained 118 yards so far in 2007. He's a smaller, shiftier back who gained 40 yards on 14 carries and scored a TD against Indiana last week.
Pressley redshirted after an injury in 2006 and is a fine blocker who often springs Hill into the secondary. He has 8 carries and a TD so far in 2007, so he does occasionally get the ball too.
RB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus Ohio State RBs
Hill: 212/1066 yards, 14 TDs, 5.0 YPC; 14 rec/89 yards, 1 TDs, 6.4 YPR
Smith-Williams: 55/354 yards, 3 TDs, 6.4 YPC; 1 rec/6 yards, 0 TDs, 6.0 YPR
Brown: 35/118 yards, 1 TD, 3.4 YPC; 3 rec/15 yards, 0 TDs, 5.0 YPR
C Wells: 174/996 yards, 7 TDs, 5.7 YPC; 5 rec/21 yards, 0 TDs, 4.2 YPR
M Wells: 93/325 yards, 2 TDs, 3.5 YPC; 9 rec/49 yards, 1 TD, 5.4 YPR
Saine: 49/249 yards, 2 TDs, 5.1 YPC: 8 rec/84 yards, 1 TD, 10.5 YPR
Both teams have quality players at the top of the board, with Hill and Wells having phenomenal seasons. Hill has a slight statistical edge, but Wells has meant as much to the success of the Buckeyes. Depth goes to the Bucks, particularly since Smith-Williams will not be allowed to play in this game. Given the Buckeyes have 3 options and Hill has health concerns, give the edge to the home team.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR #19 Paul Hubbard (6-4, 213, SR, Widefield HS, Colorado Springs, CO)
WR #14 Kyle Jefferson (6-5, 195, FR, Glenville HS, Cleveland, OH)
This unit has been hurt by injuries, particularly to talented playmaker Luke Swan. Jefferson, another in a long line of burners from Glenville that seem to make immediate and significant impacts in college, has been a good option and has taken advantage of his opportunities to the tune of 374 yards receiving to give the team a much-needed threat at the wideout position. He's especially come on in Big Ten play, picking up over 60 yards and a TD in each game against Michigan State and Illinois before hitting Penn State for 6 catches and 124 yards. He had 3 grabs for 50 yards last week in an easy win over the Hoosiers.
Hubbard started every game in 2006 and was 2nd on the team with 38 catches and 627 receiving yards. This year he was injured against UNLV and missed the next 5 games. His return has been fortuitous for the Badgers given the loss of Swan in the Illinois game. He's caught only 2 passes since returning to action, so it's unclear what kind of impact he will have.
There isn't much in the way of back-up production...David Gilreath (#85), Xavier Harris (#2), Marcus Randle El (#13), and Maurice Moore (#22) have combined for a total of 4 catches.
WR Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus Ohio State WRs
Hubbard: 4 catches, 77 yards, 0 TDs, 19.3 YPR
Jefferson: 21 catches, 374 yards, 2 TDs, 17.8 YPR
Harris: 2 catches, 30 yards, 0 TDs, 15.0 YPR
Robiskie: 41 catches, 787 yards, 8 TDs, 19.2 YPR
Hartline: 34 catches, 429 yards, 5 TDs, 12.6 YPR
Small: 15 catches, 216 yards, 2 TDs, 14.4 YPR
No contest here. The Buckeyes have developed a special pair of wideouts, and though Jefferson has been a much-needed weapon, the Badgers don't have the talent or depth to match.
Edge: Ohio State
Tight Ends
TE #9 Travis Beckum (6-4, 224, JR, Oak Creek HS, Milwaukee, WI)
TE #89 Garrett Graham (6-4, 227, SO, Memorial HS, Brick, NJ)
This might be the best unit in the country. Beckum was a Mackey award semifinalist last year, and is a superstar at catching passes from the TE position. He led the team last season with 61 catches for 903 yards and 5 TDs, and leads the team this year with 53 catches for 625 yards and 3 TDs. His highlights include 10 catches for 132 yards and a score against Michigan State and 11 catches for 160 yards against Illinois. Graham is also a star in his own right, having caught 19 passes for 216 yards and a team-high 4 TDs this year so far. Given that Wisconsin runs a lot of double-TE formations, both players can be considered starters, both are decent blockers, and both are lethal over the middle catching passes.
TE Rating: A+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus Ohio State TEs
Beckum: 53 catches, 625 yards, 3 TDs, 11.8 YPR
Graham: 19 catches, 216 yards, 4 TDs, 11.4 YPR
Nicol: 14 catches, 82 yards, 0 TDs, 5.9 YPR
Ballard: 9 catches, 114 yards, 2 TDs, 12.7 YPR
Nicol has been solid for the Buckeyes, and Ballard has also become a nice option, catching a TD in 2 straight games. However the Badgers run a lot of their passing game over the middle and might have the best tandem in the nation.
Edge: Wisconsin
Offensive Line
LT #68 Gabe Carimi (6-8, 292, FR, Monona Grove HS, Cottage Grove, WI)
LG #75 Andy Kemp (6-6, 324, JR, Menasha HS, Menasha, WI)
C #65 Marcus Coleman (6-6, 295, SR, Wayzata HS, Plymouth, MN)
RG #63 Kraig Urbik (6-6, 332, JR, Hudson HS, Hudson, WI)
RT #71 Eric Vanden Heuvel (6-7, 325, JR, Hudson HS, Hudson, WI)
This is a big and ultra-physical group, as one would expect from a Wisconsin team of late, and they are heavily experienced. Coleman is the leader in the middle, having started 22 straight games at center over the past 2 seasons and being named to the Rimington watch list. The right side of the line is talented, experienced, and features a pair of gargantuan former high school teammates. Urbik started 13 games at right tackle as a freshman before moving to guard, where he has started 22 straight games the past 2 seasons, for a total of 35 straight starts. Vanden Heuvel was honorable mention all-Big Ten last year, and has started 22 straight games at right tackle. On the left side, Carimi has taken over for Badger icon Joe Thomas and had done a solid job, starting all 9 games this season. Kemp started all 13 games at left guard last season and was well on his way to extending his streak similar to his teammates on the right side, but an injury against Penn State caused him to miss the last 2 contests, so his starts streak was broken at 20. If he can't go, freshman John Moffitt (#74, 6-4, 307) will start in his place, as he has the past 2 weeks.
The stalwart line doesn't allow for a lot of extra players to see significant action, but in addition to Moffitt, tackles Danny Kaye (#64) and Jake Bscherer (#78), guard Bill Nagy (#76), and center Brad Thorson (#58) could see time.
OL Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus Ohio State OL
The Buckeyes have been plowing open holes and protecting their QB all season en route to an undefeated record. The Badgers are maulers who are run-blocking machines and have an incredible amount of starting experience. In star power, the Buckeyes might lead, but in cohesiveness as a unit, it's hard to argue against a line that has 4 players that have started at least 20 games. Call it even, as both lines do a very good job.
Edge: Even
Overall Offensive Analysis
Wisconsin offenses have never been all that hard to figure out, they've just been hard to stop for 4 quarters. The size of their line, the power of their backs, and the threat of the vertical passing game have often led to the wearing down of defenses in the 2nd half of games, as recent Buckeye teams can attest to. They Badgers also aren't intimidated by playing at Ohio Stadium, having had a large amount of success there in recent seasons. Despite all of that, the 3 road games the Badgers have played have resulted in a squeaker over UNLV, a loss at Illinois and a blowout at Penn State. In those three games the offense failed to control the game as the Badgers plan to do each time out. For Wisconsin to be successful, they'll have to stick with the run and weather the storm of a few punts early, try and hit a couple of big passing plays, get their TEs open over the middle, and grind down the Buckeyes in the 4th quarter if the game is close. All of that is easier said than done, of course, against what is arguably the nation's best defense. The Badgers did little against Penn State, and the Buckeyes humbled them last weekend. It will be interesting to see how healthy Hill is and how poised Donovan is ...getting a pounding running game going and avoiding turnovers are key if the Badgers are going to have any chance of pulling off the shocker.
Overall Offensive Rating: B
2007 Wisconsin Badgers Defensive Preview
Returning Starters: 7
Seven starters return to a Badger Defense which was 3rd in the nation in points against in 2006 (11.9) and total yards per game (243.5), 2nd in passing yards per game (138.5) and 22nd in rushing yards per game (105). Playing the familiar 4-3, Wisconsin has a recent history of fielding a strong defensive front and a talented secondary.
In 2007, the Badger Defense has had some struggles. While still a statistically formidable group, Wisconsin has surrendered 20.8 points per game (34th in the nation, 6th in the Big Ten), affording 31 points or more in 4 of 9 games, including 31 to the Citadel. Ohio State, by contrast, continues to lead the nation at 8.9 per game - even if several of those points have come while the Defense has been on the bench. Wisconsin gives up a respectable 334.1 Total yards a game (34th in the nation, 4th in the Big Ten). Ohio State continues to lead the nation, affording opponents only 214.6 per contest.
The Badgers have allowed opponents 141.1 yards on the ground (52nd/ 8th) and 193.0 through the air (30th/ 3rd). Ohio State, on the other hand, leads the Big Ten in both categories, giving up only 70.9 on the ground (4th nationally), and a measly 143.7 through the air (1st nationally). Wisconsin has forced 12 turnovers thus far in 2007, with 7 coming by way of interception and 5 by fumble. Ohio State has picked off 10 passes and has recovered 6 fumbles. The Badgers have 22 sacks to the Buckeyes' 27. While the Badgers have been very good on 3rd downs (35%), when an opponent gets in the red zone, they have come away with points 93% of the time (22-27, 18 TDs 4FG). Meanwhile, Ohio State loses 3rd down only 30% of the time, and in 11 red zone opportunities, opponents have managed scores on 64% of the time (7-11, 4TDs 3 FG).
Defensive Line
LE #54 Mike Newkirk (6-3 263 JR)
LT #91 Jason Chapman (6-4 289 JR)
RT #96 Nick Hayden (6-5 300 SR)
RE #92 Matt Shaughnessy (6-6 234 SO)
Now fully recovered from a ACL injurty in 2005 Shaughnessy leads the way for the Badger line with 37 Tackles, 10 of which have come behind the line and 3.5 of which have been sacks. On the other side, Mike Newkirk has had a productive 2007 which includes 25 Tackles, 3.5 TFL and 1 sack. The strength of the line comes from the interior. Chapman is a good interior pass rusher and strong against the run. He has 24 Tackles, 2.5 TFLs and and 2 sacks. Hayden provides the beef and the Senior leadership at Tackle, where he has been a starter since his Sophomore season. He has produced 31 Tackles, 5.5 TFLs and a sack.
Also in the rotation are DE's; #34 Kurt Ware (6-4 282 SR), #99 Kirk DeCremer (6-5 239 rFR), and #56 Brandon Kelly (6-4 255 SR) and DT's; #79 Jeff Stehle (6-6 293 SO), and #77 Dan Cascone (6-3 310 SO). DeCremer has been productive in this his redshirt freshman season with 24 Tackles, 5 for loss and 3.5 sakcs. The future looks bright for him. Cascone is listed as Hayden's back-up, but has not yet made his way to the stat sheet. Stehle, Kelly and Ware have 8, 5 and 4 tackles respectively with each of Stehle and Kelly recording half a tackle for loss.
DL Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus OSU DL
Vernon Gohlston - 20 Tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 6 Sacks, 1 Fumble Rec. (TD).
Doug Worthington - 16 Tackles, 1 INT
Dexter Larimore - 12 Tackles, 3 TFL, 1 Sack
Cameron Heyward - 18 Tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 2.5 Sacks
In a bit of a departure from years past, Wisconsin has been affording opponents more ground yards than is typical, nearly 35 more than the 2006 unit, and double that of Ohio State. There is talent on the line, but the Badgers have not been able to establish a dominating pass rush, nor a consistent ability to make plays behind the line. There is a good mix of experience and youth in the rotation, and it should improve as guys like DeCremer mature. Likewise, Ohio State has youth on its side, and his been more consistently disruptive, even with the early season loss of Lawrence Wilson. Cam Heyward has done nothing but get better and better and if not this year, will be considered for All Big Ten and even All American awards before he's through.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
OLB #11 DeAndre Levy (6-3 223 JR)
MLB #52 Elijah Hodge (6-1 232 SO)
WLB #2 Jonathan Casillas (6-2 212 JR)
Casillas leads the team in Tackles with 69, 3 of which have come behind the line. An honorable mention All Big Ten performer in 2006, Casillas has the ability to be a disruptive force. Levy is second on the team in Tackles with 50, 7 of which have been for loss and 3 of which have been sacks. Levy has the quicks to get the to quarterback and is decent in coverage. He has also recovered 2 fumbles in 2007. Hodge is the brother of former Iowa LB Abdul Hodge. Only a sophomore, Hodge is a smart player and a big hitter. Like Levy, he has 50 Tackles, with 6.5 for loss and half a sack.
Backups are OLB #27 Blake Sorensen (6-1 204 FR), MLB #15 Culmer St. Jean (6-1 220 FR), and WLB #47 Jaebery McFadden (6-3 224 SO). St. Jean has seen action in 8 of 9 games and has 11 Tackles and 0.5 for loss, leading the reserves. Sorensen has played in each game and has recorded 10 Tackles thus far, while McFadden has 9 Tackles and a TFL in 8 games.
LB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus OSU LBs
James Laurinaitis - 66 Tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4 Sacks, 2 INT
Marcus Freeman - 62 Tackles, 8.5 TFL, 1.5 Sacks
Larry Grant - 31 Tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 1 INT
Wisconsin's LBs are more quick than they are big, and this lack of size has something to do with the running yardage allowed. That said, they do make plenty of tackles, as the unit accounts for 169 of them. Still a youngish group, particularly when you take in to account the depth, there should be improvement as the individuals learn their respective roles and maximize their talents. Far from a liability, Wisconsin's LB corps is quick and able to make plays. Ohio State's unit, however, might well be the best in the land. While Laurinaitis deservedly gets most of the attention, Marcus Freeman has been playing like a man possessed of late. Able to stop the run, and very sound in coverage, the Buckeyes LBs get the edge here.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
RCB #6 Jack Ikegwuonu (6-1 201 JR)
WS #25 Shane Carter (6-5 205 SO)
SS #8 Aubrey Pleasant (6-0 206 SO)
LCB #17 Allen Langford (5-11 196 JR)
This unit is lead by Ikegwuonu who has All America type ability. Big, strong and fast, Ikegwuonu is able to keep his half of the field locked down. He has 17 Tackles and 8 pass break-ups in 2007 as teams tend to avoid him. On the other side is Allen Langford who sees most of the action as teams stay away from Ikegwuonu. He has 31 tackles, 1 TFL and an INT. Carter is the brother of former Ohio State and NFL wide reciever Cris Carter. With Cornerback speed and the ability to bring the big hit, he leads Wisconsin with 4 picks, and is the top tackler among DBS with 39. Pleasant has recorded 32 Tackles, 3 for loss with 2 sacks in 2007.
The reserves are Corners; # 7 Aaron Henry (6-0 169 FR), #28 Josh Nettles (5-10 176 SO), #3 Ben Strickland (5-9 175 SR) and Safeties; #21 Kim Royston (5-11 185 SO), and #26 Jay Valai (5-9 193 rFR). Henry, Strickland and Nettles have each seen action in all of Wisconsin's games. Henry, his first year in the program, leads the reserves with 23 Tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 3.5 Sacks, and 1 INT. Strickland has been solid in relief as well having recorded 19 Tackles. Nettles has a pick and 6 Tackles. Royston is a bit undersized and needs to be better when the ball is in the air. He has 10 tackles. Valai has seen action in 7 games and has only 2 Tackles.
DB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus OSU DBs
Malcolm Jenkins - 39 Tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 INTs (1 TD), 3 BrUp
Kurt Coleman - 42 Tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1 Sack, 2 BrUp
Anderson Russell - 41 Tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 4 BrUp
Donald Washington - 23 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 INT (TD), 1 Fumble Rec.
Ikegwuono is one of the few corners in the nation who can compare favorably with Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins. Big, physical and quick, he is always assigned the task of taking away the opponents best wide out. Teams do their best to avoid him, as they do Jenkins. Both Wisconsin and Ohio State enjoy their "second" corner being talented enough to be "the guy" on most other teams. Ohio State, however, enjoys an advantage over Wisconsin at the safety positions, where both Russell and Coleman have proven to be sure tacklers and solid in coverage. Make no mistake, Carter and Pleasant aren't poor by any stretch, but the nod goes to the Buckeyes here as the passing yards per game allowed would suggest, surrendering some 50 yards less per game and having given up only 3 TDs via the pass to Wisconsin's 11.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Wisconsin has a recent history of fielding very good to great defenses. This unit is not quite there yet, but is still a very talented and able bunch. Wisconsin could stand to improve it's ability to make plays in the offensive backfield, as well as stack up better against the run. Again, Wisconsin is no where close to awful, but if there's a place to improve, that would be it. The corners are the only tandem in the Big Ten which can seriously challenge Ohio State's corners for league best, and their safeties, just sophomores, will soon be the strength of the secondary. In years past, a line presence like Erasmus James has afforded Wisconsin the luxury of smaller but quick LBs, but in a year where the line is without a certifiable beast, Wisconsin might benefit from a bulkier LB or two to help out against the run. That said, the unit they have now has a nose for the football and is not short on toughness. All in all, Wisconsin is still one of the better Big Ten defenses, even if they are down from last year's outstanding group.
Overall Defensive Rating: B
Seven starters return to a Badger Defense which was 3rd in the nation in points against in 2006 (11.9) and total yards per game (243.5), 2nd in passing yards per game (138.5) and 22nd in rushing yards per game (105). Playing the familiar 4-3, Wisconsin has a recent history of fielding a strong defensive front and a talented secondary.
In 2007, the Badger Defense has had some struggles. While still a statistically formidable group, Wisconsin has surrendered 20.8 points per game (34th in the nation, 6th in the Big Ten), affording 31 points or more in 4 of 9 games, including 31 to the Citadel. Ohio State, by contrast, continues to lead the nation at 8.9 per game - even if several of those points have come while the Defense has been on the bench. Wisconsin gives up a respectable 334.1 Total yards a game (34th in the nation, 4th in the Big Ten). Ohio State continues to lead the nation, affording opponents only 214.6 per contest.
The Badgers have allowed opponents 141.1 yards on the ground (52nd/ 8th) and 193.0 through the air (30th/ 3rd). Ohio State, on the other hand, leads the Big Ten in both categories, giving up only 70.9 on the ground (4th nationally), and a measly 143.7 through the air (1st nationally). Wisconsin has forced 12 turnovers thus far in 2007, with 7 coming by way of interception and 5 by fumble. Ohio State has picked off 10 passes and has recovered 6 fumbles. The Badgers have 22 sacks to the Buckeyes' 27. While the Badgers have been very good on 3rd downs (35%), when an opponent gets in the red zone, they have come away with points 93% of the time (22-27, 18 TDs 4FG). Meanwhile, Ohio State loses 3rd down only 30% of the time, and in 11 red zone opportunities, opponents have managed scores on 64% of the time (7-11, 4TDs 3 FG).
Defensive Line
LE #54 Mike Newkirk (6-3 263 JR)
LT #91 Jason Chapman (6-4 289 JR)
RT #96 Nick Hayden (6-5 300 SR)
RE #92 Matt Shaughnessy (6-6 234 SO)
Now fully recovered from a ACL injurty in 2005 Shaughnessy leads the way for the Badger line with 37 Tackles, 10 of which have come behind the line and 3.5 of which have been sacks. On the other side, Mike Newkirk has had a productive 2007 which includes 25 Tackles, 3.5 TFL and 1 sack. The strength of the line comes from the interior. Chapman is a good interior pass rusher and strong against the run. He has 24 Tackles, 2.5 TFLs and and 2 sacks. Hayden provides the beef and the Senior leadership at Tackle, where he has been a starter since his Sophomore season. He has produced 31 Tackles, 5.5 TFLs and a sack.
Also in the rotation are DE's; #34 Kurt Ware (6-4 282 SR), #99 Kirk DeCremer (6-5 239 rFR), and #56 Brandon Kelly (6-4 255 SR) and DT's; #79 Jeff Stehle (6-6 293 SO), and #77 Dan Cascone (6-3 310 SO). DeCremer has been productive in this his redshirt freshman season with 24 Tackles, 5 for loss and 3.5 sakcs. The future looks bright for him. Cascone is listed as Hayden's back-up, but has not yet made his way to the stat sheet. Stehle, Kelly and Ware have 8, 5 and 4 tackles respectively with each of Stehle and Kelly recording half a tackle for loss.
DL Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus OSU DL
Vernon Gohlston - 20 Tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 6 Sacks, 1 Fumble Rec. (TD).
Doug Worthington - 16 Tackles, 1 INT
Dexter Larimore - 12 Tackles, 3 TFL, 1 Sack
Cameron Heyward - 18 Tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 2.5 Sacks
In a bit of a departure from years past, Wisconsin has been affording opponents more ground yards than is typical, nearly 35 more than the 2006 unit, and double that of Ohio State. There is talent on the line, but the Badgers have not been able to establish a dominating pass rush, nor a consistent ability to make plays behind the line. There is a good mix of experience and youth in the rotation, and it should improve as guys like DeCremer mature. Likewise, Ohio State has youth on its side, and his been more consistently disruptive, even with the early season loss of Lawrence Wilson. Cam Heyward has done nothing but get better and better and if not this year, will be considered for All Big Ten and even All American awards before he's through.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
OLB #11 DeAndre Levy (6-3 223 JR)
MLB #52 Elijah Hodge (6-1 232 SO)
WLB #2 Jonathan Casillas (6-2 212 JR)
Casillas leads the team in Tackles with 69, 3 of which have come behind the line. An honorable mention All Big Ten performer in 2006, Casillas has the ability to be a disruptive force. Levy is second on the team in Tackles with 50, 7 of which have been for loss and 3 of which have been sacks. Levy has the quicks to get the to quarterback and is decent in coverage. He has also recovered 2 fumbles in 2007. Hodge is the brother of former Iowa LB Abdul Hodge. Only a sophomore, Hodge is a smart player and a big hitter. Like Levy, he has 50 Tackles, with 6.5 for loss and half a sack.
Backups are OLB #27 Blake Sorensen (6-1 204 FR), MLB #15 Culmer St. Jean (6-1 220 FR), and WLB #47 Jaebery McFadden (6-3 224 SO). St. Jean has seen action in 8 of 9 games and has 11 Tackles and 0.5 for loss, leading the reserves. Sorensen has played in each game and has recorded 10 Tackles thus far, while McFadden has 9 Tackles and a TFL in 8 games.
LB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus OSU LBs
James Laurinaitis - 66 Tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4 Sacks, 2 INT
Marcus Freeman - 62 Tackles, 8.5 TFL, 1.5 Sacks
Larry Grant - 31 Tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 1 INT
Wisconsin's LBs are more quick than they are big, and this lack of size has something to do with the running yardage allowed. That said, they do make plenty of tackles, as the unit accounts for 169 of them. Still a youngish group, particularly when you take in to account the depth, there should be improvement as the individuals learn their respective roles and maximize their talents. Far from a liability, Wisconsin's LB corps is quick and able to make plays. Ohio State's unit, however, might well be the best in the land. While Laurinaitis deservedly gets most of the attention, Marcus Freeman has been playing like a man possessed of late. Able to stop the run, and very sound in coverage, the Buckeyes LBs get the edge here.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
RCB #6 Jack Ikegwuonu (6-1 201 JR)
WS #25 Shane Carter (6-5 205 SO)
SS #8 Aubrey Pleasant (6-0 206 SO)
LCB #17 Allen Langford (5-11 196 JR)
This unit is lead by Ikegwuonu who has All America type ability. Big, strong and fast, Ikegwuonu is able to keep his half of the field locked down. He has 17 Tackles and 8 pass break-ups in 2007 as teams tend to avoid him. On the other side is Allen Langford who sees most of the action as teams stay away from Ikegwuonu. He has 31 tackles, 1 TFL and an INT. Carter is the brother of former Ohio State and NFL wide reciever Cris Carter. With Cornerback speed and the ability to bring the big hit, he leads Wisconsin with 4 picks, and is the top tackler among DBS with 39. Pleasant has recorded 32 Tackles, 3 for loss with 2 sacks in 2007.
The reserves are Corners; # 7 Aaron Henry (6-0 169 FR), #28 Josh Nettles (5-10 176 SO), #3 Ben Strickland (5-9 175 SR) and Safeties; #21 Kim Royston (5-11 185 SO), and #26 Jay Valai (5-9 193 rFR). Henry, Strickland and Nettles have each seen action in all of Wisconsin's games. Henry, his first year in the program, leads the reserves with 23 Tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 3.5 Sacks, and 1 INT. Strickland has been solid in relief as well having recorded 19 Tackles. Nettles has a pick and 6 Tackles. Royston is a bit undersized and needs to be better when the ball is in the air. He has 10 tackles. Valai has seen action in 7 games and has only 2 Tackles.
DB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus OSU DBs
Malcolm Jenkins - 39 Tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 INTs (1 TD), 3 BrUp
Kurt Coleman - 42 Tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1 Sack, 2 BrUp
Anderson Russell - 41 Tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 4 BrUp
Donald Washington - 23 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 INT (TD), 1 Fumble Rec.
Ikegwuono is one of the few corners in the nation who can compare favorably with Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins. Big, physical and quick, he is always assigned the task of taking away the opponents best wide out. Teams do their best to avoid him, as they do Jenkins. Both Wisconsin and Ohio State enjoy their "second" corner being talented enough to be "the guy" on most other teams. Ohio State, however, enjoys an advantage over Wisconsin at the safety positions, where both Russell and Coleman have proven to be sure tacklers and solid in coverage. Make no mistake, Carter and Pleasant aren't poor by any stretch, but the nod goes to the Buckeyes here as the passing yards per game allowed would suggest, surrendering some 50 yards less per game and having given up only 3 TDs via the pass to Wisconsin's 11.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Wisconsin has a recent history of fielding very good to great defenses. This unit is not quite there yet, but is still a very talented and able bunch. Wisconsin could stand to improve it's ability to make plays in the offensive backfield, as well as stack up better against the run. Again, Wisconsin is no where close to awful, but if there's a place to improve, that would be it. The corners are the only tandem in the Big Ten which can seriously challenge Ohio State's corners for league best, and their safeties, just sophomores, will soon be the strength of the secondary. In years past, a line presence like Erasmus James has afforded Wisconsin the luxury of smaller but quick LBs, but in a year where the line is without a certifiable beast, Wisconsin might benefit from a bulkier LB or two to help out against the run. That said, the unit they have now has a nose for the football and is not short on toughness. All in all, Wisconsin is still one of the better Big Ten defenses, even if they are down from last year's outstanding group.
Overall Defensive Rating: B
2007 Wisconsin Badgers Special Teams Preview
Returning Starters: 3
This special teams unit is a senior laden group that has a lot of experience and talent. This won't be the most talented group of returners (or should I say returner) we've faced, but he is no slouch. His counterparts, the kickers are where the Badgers really shine. I really wish I would've gotten to see more of the Badgers this season prior to this, because only seeing a few minutes won't do them justice I am sure.
Special Teams
P#94 Ken Debauche (6-2 214 SR)
PK#10 Taylor Melhaff (5-11 184 SR)
PR#85 David Gilreath (5-11 160 FR)
KR#85 David Gilreath (5-11 160 FR)
LS#57 Steve Johnson (6-3 252 SR)
Kicking Game:
We see yet another Ray Guy Award watch list nominee this week in punter Ken Debauche. Debauche is a 3-year starter who is averaging 42.8 yards per punt for his career, which is impressive to say the least. This year so far he's averaging 41.1 yards with a long of 58, 10 punts downed inside the 20 with 6 touchbacks and doing all this without getting a single one blocked. He's experienced and talented and hopefully will have plenty of opportunities to showcase that on Saturday. Expect a shank now.
The kicker, Melhaff is having a fine season as well, preseason he was ranked 6th best kicker in the nation by Lindy's and 7th by The Sporting News. He's 14 of 16 on field goals with a long of 51 under his belt, which is his one and only try from 50 yards or more. He also handles the kickoff duties where he has 17 touchbacks and the opponents have brought the ball out to the 23-yard line on average.
Kicking Game Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: A.J. Trapasso & Ryan Pretorius vs. Ken DeBauche and Taylor Melhaff
Trapasso and Debauche are a watch, both on the Ray Guy Watch List, both having great years although we fortunately haven't seen Trapasso lately and those two cancel each other out. Pretorius and Melhaff are a different story, Ryan is not having a bad year by any stretch of the imagination, he's only missed three field goals so far, but the kicker is he's had two blocked. I don't mind the misses, but getting them blocked is not good especially when they have been mid-range field goals. So this one has to go to he Badgers.
Edge: Wisconsin
Return Game:
I know it's weird to only see only starting return kicker up there, but as a true freshman, Gilreath is carrying the load, he has 29 kick return attempts where he is averaging 23.2 yards per with a long of 56 (no TD's). I haven't had a chance to really catch a Badgers game so I couldn't tell you who the other official starter is back there, four others have return attempts, but nobody has more than 2 attempts. As a punt returner he is averaging a healthy 11.1 yards per return with a long of 34. That's a very good average especially for a kid right out of high school. As a freshman Gilreath is doing an outstanding job on all aspects of the return game, I expect him to be a great player from Wisconsin down the road, but so far doesn't seem to have that wow or game-changing aura about him.
Return Game Rating: C+ (I expect this to get better in the years to come)
Head-to-Head: Brian Hartline, Ray Small & Maurice Wells vs. David Gilreath
This one's tough, our premier returner is Hartline, where everyone thought is was going to be Small. Small is not having a great year on returns, but he is fast and exciting to watch. He has a paltry 15.8 yards per return on kickoffs. If it weren't for Hartline I would have to give this one to the true freshman on the Badgers.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis
They have a great tandem of kickers, one of the best in the Big Ten and an up and coming star freshman who I am sure we will hear big things from in the future. This game has me most nervous out of anyone we have played so far, OS needs to wrap on the kickoffs and punts and try and hold them to 3-pointers.
Overall Special Teams Rating: B
This special teams unit is a senior laden group that has a lot of experience and talent. This won't be the most talented group of returners (or should I say returner) we've faced, but he is no slouch. His counterparts, the kickers are where the Badgers really shine. I really wish I would've gotten to see more of the Badgers this season prior to this, because only seeing a few minutes won't do them justice I am sure.
Special Teams
P#94 Ken Debauche (6-2 214 SR)
PK#10 Taylor Melhaff (5-11 184 SR)
PR#85 David Gilreath (5-11 160 FR)
KR#85 David Gilreath (5-11 160 FR)
LS#57 Steve Johnson (6-3 252 SR)
Kicking Game:
We see yet another Ray Guy Award watch list nominee this week in punter Ken Debauche. Debauche is a 3-year starter who is averaging 42.8 yards per punt for his career, which is impressive to say the least. This year so far he's averaging 41.1 yards with a long of 58, 10 punts downed inside the 20 with 6 touchbacks and doing all this without getting a single one blocked. He's experienced and talented and hopefully will have plenty of opportunities to showcase that on Saturday. Expect a shank now.
The kicker, Melhaff is having a fine season as well, preseason he was ranked 6th best kicker in the nation by Lindy's and 7th by The Sporting News. He's 14 of 16 on field goals with a long of 51 under his belt, which is his one and only try from 50 yards or more. He also handles the kickoff duties where he has 17 touchbacks and the opponents have brought the ball out to the 23-yard line on average.
Kicking Game Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: A.J. Trapasso & Ryan Pretorius vs. Ken DeBauche and Taylor Melhaff
Trapasso and Debauche are a watch, both on the Ray Guy Watch List, both having great years although we fortunately haven't seen Trapasso lately and those two cancel each other out. Pretorius and Melhaff are a different story, Ryan is not having a bad year by any stretch of the imagination, he's only missed three field goals so far, but the kicker is he's had two blocked. I don't mind the misses, but getting them blocked is not good especially when they have been mid-range field goals. So this one has to go to he Badgers.
Edge: Wisconsin
Return Game:
I know it's weird to only see only starting return kicker up there, but as a true freshman, Gilreath is carrying the load, he has 29 kick return attempts where he is averaging 23.2 yards per with a long of 56 (no TD's). I haven't had a chance to really catch a Badgers game so I couldn't tell you who the other official starter is back there, four others have return attempts, but nobody has more than 2 attempts. As a punt returner he is averaging a healthy 11.1 yards per return with a long of 34. That's a very good average especially for a kid right out of high school. As a freshman Gilreath is doing an outstanding job on all aspects of the return game, I expect him to be a great player from Wisconsin down the road, but so far doesn't seem to have that wow or game-changing aura about him.
Return Game Rating: C+ (I expect this to get better in the years to come)
Head-to-Head: Brian Hartline, Ray Small & Maurice Wells vs. David Gilreath
This one's tough, our premier returner is Hartline, where everyone thought is was going to be Small. Small is not having a great year on returns, but he is fast and exciting to watch. He has a paltry 15.8 yards per return on kickoffs. If it weren't for Hartline I would have to give this one to the true freshman on the Badgers.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis
They have a great tandem of kickers, one of the best in the Big Ten and an up and coming star freshman who I am sure we will hear big things from in the future. This game has me most nervous out of anyone we have played so far, OS needs to wrap on the kickoffs and punts and try and hold them to 3-pointers.
Overall Special Teams Rating: B
Predictions
BB73's prediction: 27-13, Ohio State
BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 28-13, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 42-10, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 35-6, Ohio State
daddyphatsac's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State
Hubbard's prediction: 28-13, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 37-17, Ohio State
OSUBucks22's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State
OSUsushichic's prediction: 37-13, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 37-10, Ohio State
Previous Game's Results (OSU 37 - PSU 17)
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(11, 14, 10, 12, 21, 22, 9, 8, 18 = 125) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 23-13, Ohio State (14 + 4 = 18 + 107 last week)
(0, 29, 15, 22, 14, 18, 9, 14, 16 = 129) OSUSushichic's prediction: 24-14, Ohio State (13 + 3 = 16 + 113 last week)
(4, 29, 9, 23, 17, 27, 10, 10, 18 = 137) BB73's prediction: 23-13, Ohio State (14 + 4 = 18 + 119 last week)
(1, 19, 10, 18, 15, 18, 7, 18, 24 = 130) OSUBucks22's: 20-10, Ohio State (17 + 7 = 24 + 106 last week)
(2, 22, 18, 28, 17, 23, 13, 14, 23 = 150) 3yardsandacloud's prediction: 21-10, Ohio State (16 + 7 = 23 + 127 last week)
(7, 25, 14, 40, 11, 22, 17, 10, 13 = 159) Buckeyeryn's prediction: 24-17, Ohio State (13 + 0 = 13 + 146 last week)
(7, 22, 12, DNP (40), DNP (22), 28, 9, 7, 21 = 168) daddyphatsac's prediction: 20-13, Ohio State (17 + 4 = 21 + 147 last week)
(0, 33, 17, 25, 14, 21, 21, 15, 34 = 170) Hubbard's prediction: 17-3, Ohio State (20 + 14 = 34 + 136 last week)
(17, 22, 16, 27, 22, 28, 13, 11, 18 = 174) Bucklion's prediction: 23-21, Ohio State (14 + 4 = 18 + 156 last week)
(10, 30, 15, 25, 19, DNP (28), 15, 13, 21 = 176) jwinslow's prediction: 20-13, Ohio State (17 + 4 = 21 + 155 last week)
(16, 33, 10, 28, 19, 25, 17, 21, 13 = 182) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 31-10, Ohio State (6 + 7 = 13 + 169 last week)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed:
BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 28-13, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 42-10, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 35-6, Ohio State
daddyphatsac's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State
Hubbard's prediction: 28-13, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 37-17, Ohio State
OSUBucks22's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State
OSUsushichic's prediction: 37-13, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 37-10, Ohio State
Previous Game's Results (OSU 37 - PSU 17)
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(11, 14, 10, 12, 21, 22, 9, 8, 18 = 125) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 23-13, Ohio State (14 + 4 = 18 + 107 last week)
(0, 29, 15, 22, 14, 18, 9, 14, 16 = 129) OSUSushichic's prediction: 24-14, Ohio State (13 + 3 = 16 + 113 last week)
(4, 29, 9, 23, 17, 27, 10, 10, 18 = 137) BB73's prediction: 23-13, Ohio State (14 + 4 = 18 + 119 last week)
(1, 19, 10, 18, 15, 18, 7, 18, 24 = 130) OSUBucks22's: 20-10, Ohio State (17 + 7 = 24 + 106 last week)
(2, 22, 18, 28, 17, 23, 13, 14, 23 = 150) 3yardsandacloud's prediction: 21-10, Ohio State (16 + 7 = 23 + 127 last week)
(7, 25, 14, 40, 11, 22, 17, 10, 13 = 159) Buckeyeryn's prediction: 24-17, Ohio State (13 + 0 = 13 + 146 last week)
(7, 22, 12, DNP (40), DNP (22), 28, 9, 7, 21 = 168) daddyphatsac's prediction: 20-13, Ohio State (17 + 4 = 21 + 147 last week)
(0, 33, 17, 25, 14, 21, 21, 15, 34 = 170) Hubbard's prediction: 17-3, Ohio State (20 + 14 = 34 + 136 last week)
(17, 22, 16, 27, 22, 28, 13, 11, 18 = 174) Bucklion's prediction: 23-21, Ohio State (14 + 4 = 18 + 156 last week)
(10, 30, 15, 25, 19, DNP (28), 15, 13, 21 = 176) jwinslow's prediction: 20-13, Ohio State (17 + 4 = 21 + 155 last week)
(16, 33, 10, 28, 19, 25, 17, 21, 13 = 182) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 31-10, Ohio State (6 + 7 = 13 + 169 last week)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed:
