This Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Ohio State Buckeyes will be facing off against the Wisconsin Badgers in Columbus, Ohio, and this will be the 85th time that these two programs have played each other. It makes sense that these two schools see so much of each other considering that they are conference opponents.
Ohio State is currently 61-18-5 in this series and their largest margin of victory came in 1979 under Earle Bruce when the Buckeyes rolled Wisconsin, 59-0. They also achieved the same score in 2014 under Urban Meyer in the Big Ten championship game (yes, that one). Unfortunately, the largest loss Ohio State faced against the Badgers was in 1999 under John Cooper when the Buckeyes lost 42-17.
Ohio State’s longest win streak was 21 victories from 1960-1980, but its longest losing streak was three from 1913-1915. We aren’t going to dive into every game Ohio State has ever played Wisconsin, but here are five memorable ones.
2014: Ohio State Buckeyes Victory, 59-0
On December 6, 2014, the Ohio State Buckeyes rolled the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis, Indiana, 59-0. Cardale Jones put the nation on notice with 257 passing yards and three touchdowns while Ezekiel Elliot ran for 220 yards and two touchdowns.
You know the rest of the story.
Ohio State beats Wisconsin 59-0 in the 2014 Big Ten Championship Game pic.twitter.com/cALPvjJc1M
— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) October 25, 2019
2009: Ohio State Buckeyes Victory, 31-13
On October 10, 2009, the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Wisconsin Badgers, 31-13. On this day the defense was dominant with Kurt Coleman and Jermale Hines both providing touchdowns off of interceptions. Ray Small also provided a spark in the return game with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown as well.
2002: Ohio State Buckeyes Victory, 19-14
This was an extremely close victory as the then-ranked No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes barely defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 19-14 on October 19, 2002. This game was a big step toward Ohio State winning a national championship and it also ended the practice of the winner dancing on the opponent’s logo.
Instead of dancing at the 50-yard line, Ohio State knelt in prayer. Maurice Clarett ran for 133 yards and Craig Krenzel threw the touchdown pass that took the lead for good to Ben Hartsock.
#4 Ohio State vs Wisconsin (2002) pic.twitter.com/SKdjiMcORH
— College Football Classics (@ClassicsCFB) March 3, 2022
1995: Ohio State Buckeyes Victory, 27-16
On October 14, 1995, the Ohio State Buckeyes beat the Wisconsin Badgers, 27-16, and Eddie George led the way with 141 yards and three touchdowns. It was a good old-fashioned, physical game that you normally see between these two.
#4 Ohio State vs #21 Wisconsin (1995) pic.twitter.com/GJqZmLL1dj
— College Football Classics (@ClassicsCFB) November 22, 2020
1990: Ohio State Buckeyes Victory, 35-10
On November 17. 1990, the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Wisconsin Badgers, 35-10. True freshman stand-out, Robert Smith, ran for 171 yards and Jeff Graham scored on an 81-yard punt return.
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