Wisconsin vs. Ohio State: Game Day Preview

Well, it's finally here - game day against Ohio State so let's get right down to the info you'll need to know heading into this afternoon's matchup! 

Who: No. 6 Ohio State at Wisconsin
Where: Camp Randall - Madison, WI
Series Record: 54-18-5
Last Meeting: 2011 (33-29 Ohio State Win)

Statistical Breakdown:

Category	Wisconsin	NCAA Rank	B1G Rank		Ohio State	NCAA Rank	B1G Rank
Scoring Offense	29.5	58th	6th		39.9	12th	1st
Total Offense	385.6	78th	7th		445.3	35th	2nd
Rushing Offense	218.8	17th	4th		256.1	8th	2nd
Passing Offense	166.8	108th	11th		189.2	T-98th	7th
Scoring Defense	17.2	12th	2nd		23.9	T-41st	7th
Total Defense	309.6	15th	3rd		367.6	39th	7th
Rushing Defense	103.4	13th	1st		107.9	16th	2nd
Passing Defense	206.2	34th	7th		259.7	97th	11th

How Wisconsin Wins:
The Badgers need to get the running game going for sure, that's the obvious answer, but take a look at the stats and it's the passing game that will be the key for Wisconsin today. It may not be as big as the numbers they put up rushing, but they are going up against a passing defense that's 11th in the Big Ten, giving up over 250 yards a game.  They are also 11th in just Big Ten games against the pass. Curt Phillips needs to use his legs a bit to set up some play action and get Jared Abbrederis and Jacob Pederson into the game early. 

If they can get even 175 yards passing and a TD or two in that facet of the game it'll be a good day for the Badgers offense. It's hard to see the Badgers winning a game completely based off the run against a defense that's only giving up 101 yards a game on the ground in conference play. 

How Ohio State Wins:
The Buckeyes need to put Curt Phillips under pressure early and see how he reacts to it. If they can force some turnovers early and get Braxton Miller going that'll be huge towards winning this football game. However, that's easier said than done against a defense that is 1st against the run in the Big Ten and in the Top 15 nationally. However, if your Ohio State it's all about your best playmaker getting it done and that's Miller. He's capable of doing it through the air too and that may be the area to watch the most as Corey "Philly" Brown and Devin Smith are good enough to make some big plays against a secondary that's given up a few of them all season long. 

Notes:

- Chris Borland is a game time decision, if he can't go expect Marcus Trotter to get his 1st career start and that's something to really keep an eye on today.

- Wisconsin is 10-0 in November games since 2005 and that can't be overlooked at all, especially playing a late afternoon game in Camp Randall. They've outscored opponents 474-152 in those November games.

- The Badgers have the most wins of any Big Ten team over Ohio State since 2005 with 5, but are just 5-6 in those games including that crazy loss last season.

- Montee Ball needs 1 rushing TD to break Ron Dayne's career Big Ten TD record and 2 overall TD's to break Travis Prentice's career FBS TD record - so be on record breaking lookout on Senior Day.

- 3rd downs will be key to say the least. Wisconsin is only converting 35% of their attempts, but opponents are worse, only converting on 31% of 3rd down opportunities this season. 

- It's a GREAT DAY TO #BEATOSU

For full coverage in-game make sure to follow us on Twitter @MTBadgers.