It’s on to the next one after Ohio State throttled Penn State on the defensive side of the ball, allowing the Nittany Lions to convert on only 1-of-16 third down conversions on the way to a 20-12 victory. It was the Buckeyes second top ten win on the season, and now it’s time for the next challenge.
And make no mistake, the task in front of OSU is not an easy one. Ohio State will have to travel to Mad-town to take on the West division leading Wisconsin Badgers at night. It’ll be a very hostile environment in a place that has some scarlet and gray demons of the past.
In other words, it’s another fairly sizeable matchup between two very good teams, so we thought it’d be a good idea to check in with our sister sight, Badgers Wire, to see how things look from the opposite sideline.
We asked Ben Kenney to exchange some questions and ideas, and he was kind enough to take time out to give us an idea of what Badgers fans and media think about the Ohio State program, how they’re feeling about this game, and of course, a prediction.
Here’s the complete Q&A with Badgers Wire.
On Wisconsin not quite living up to expectations so far this season
Question (Phil Harrison – BW): OK, let’s talk about Wisconsin so far this year. Many had the Badgers as a clear favorite in the West and potentially the only real threat to the East Division winner in Indy. There’s still a lot to play for, but the Badgers haven’t quite looked the part. What’s gone wrong so far?
Answer (Kevin McGuire of NLW): A lot of things are at play, but it can be boiled down to a transition period under Luke Fickell. While he inherited a great situation given the circumstances, the roster both offensively and defensively isn’t best-equipped to run his system. So pair a large transition with key injuries to RB Chez Mellusi and QB Tanner Mordecai, and you have the Badgers yet again falling short of expectations.
On how Wisconsin fans feel about Luke Fickell
Question (Harrison – Buckeyes Wire): Talk to us about Luke Fickell. Obviously, Ohio State fans have a soft spot for one of their own and he’s done well for himself climbing up the coaching ladder to where he is now. Does he fit the Wisconsin culture and does the fan base see him as the the right guy for the job?
Answer (Kenney – Badgers Wire): It’s hard to say he ‘fits the Wisconsin culture’ because he is one of two hires in the last three decades (alongside Gary Andersen) that didn’t have ties to the program. Bret Bielema and Paul Chryst both ‘fit’ the Wisconsin culture perfectly, given they already had strong ties. Fickell is an outsider, which could be a good or bad thing. But since taking over he has said and done all the right things to win the fanbase over. He is terrific at all of the outward-facing parts of the job (unlike his predecessor), which are significant in today’s age. It’s clear the fanbase is 100% behind him as the right guy long term.
On what scares Wisconsin fans the most about Ohio State
Question (Harrison – Buckeyes Wire): Besides Marvin Harrison Jr., who or what on this Buckeye team scares Wisconsin fans and media the most?
Answer (Kenney – Badgers Wire): Can I say everything? Usually when the Buckeyes have an amazing offense and okay defense I talk myself into liking the matchup. I see a path with Wisconsin’s strength being on defense and the offense just doing enough. But this matchup seems impossible, especially given what happened last year. Wisconsin’s offense is grossly inconsistent and is reliant upon a backup quarterback, pair that with Ohio State’s top-ranked defense. And Wisconsin’s defense is okay for Wisconsin standards…nowhere close to where it was in 2021. That feels like a good spot for Kyle McCord to have a big night. So the answer is everything.
On how Wisconsin fans are feeling about the Badgers chances against Ohio State
Question (Harrison – Buckeyes Wire): Madison is always a tough place to play, especially at night. How are Badger fans feeling about this matchup? Is there excitement, hope and optimism, or something less?
Answer (Kenney – Badgers Wire): A last-minute comeback win at Illinois has people excited. This game has always been viewed as the biggest on the schedule, so I expect the team and the fans to show up in big way. I’d say the feeling of the fan base is a mix of hope and excitement. It’s hard to be optimistic if you look at the point spread and the matchup on the field.
On how Wisconsin fans and media view the Ohio State program
Question (Harrison – Buckeyes Wire): How is this Ohio State program viewed by Wisconsin fans and media? Be honest.
Answer (Kenney – Badgers Wire): As the model program in the conference. There’s been a lot of talk since the announcement of Big Ten expansion about where Wisconsin falls in the new pecking order. Wisconsin fans desperately want to be where Ohio State currently is, even if that means some losses to the rival. Honestly, the Luke Fickell hire was made to see if the program can be elevated towards that level. I’m pessimistic, but that’s how the fan base views it.
On the 'Jump Around' tradition
Question (Harrison – Buckeyes Wire): Ohio State obviously has its own revered traditions, but one Buckeye fans all seem to be in agreement with outside of the program is Jump Around. Tell the OSU faithful what it’s like to experience in person.
Answer (Kenney – Badgers Wire): It is as-advertised, and then some. Especially at night for a game like this one. But I will throw a caveat in: The energy changes if the Badgers are down big, which I’ve seen happen recently. But for Buckeye fans, expect to see the greatest tradition in the sport.
A prediction on the game
Question (Harrison – Buckeyes Wire): Lastly, time to put it on the line. What’s your prediction for this game? What happens Saturday night?
Answer (Kenney – Badgers Wire): I just have a hard time seeing Wisconsin keep this game close. I think the Badgers will struggle to move the ball on offense, which is made worse given the pace the team plays with under new OC Phil Longo. And I don’t know how Kyle McCord and Marvin Harrison Jr. are stopped all night. The Badgers may come out with fire and keep it close for a half, but I think Ohio State is just too good.
Score: Ohio State 35, Wisconsin 14
We’d like to thank Ben Kenney once again for taking the time to provide us some insight from the media and fans of Wisconsin. If you know anyone that is a Badgers fan, we highly recommend you let them know of the great content being churned out by our sister site, Badgers Wire.
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