First Posted: 12/1/2014
QUARTERBACKS
With J.T. Barrett at quarterback, that position was one of Ohio State’s biggest strengths. With inexperienced Cardale Jones there, it is one of the Buckeyes’ biggest question marks. It took Barrett until his third game to feel comfortable. Jones doesn’t have that kind of time.
Wisconsin’s Joel Stave (1,042 yards passing) has regained his starting job after losing it, then losing his confidence in making even the simplest throws early this season. Tanner McEvoy (709 yards passing, 572 yards rushing) also plays and is an option threat.
Advantage: Wisconsin
RUNNING BACKS
Ezekiel Elliott (1,182 yards rushing) becomes more important to OSU’s offense with Barrett out. Elliott has rushed for more than 100 yards six times this season.
Melvin Gordon (2,260 yards, 26 TDs) leads the nation in rushing and has gained more than 200 yards five times. Gordon ran for 408 yards against Nebraska. Corey Clement (830 yards, 7 TDs) would be a No. 1 back at many other schools.
Advantage: Wisconsin
RECEIVERS
Jalin Marshall could become more involved in the offense with Barrett out. Seeing him take direct snaps or even spending some time at quarterback, which he played in high school, isn’t out of the question.
Alex Erickson (44 catches, 651 yards) has taken over the Jared Abbrederis role as the main receiver for Wisconsin. Tight end Sam Arneson (25 catches, 331 yards) is a solid No. 2.
Advantage: Ohio State
OFFENSIVE LINE
A year ago, Pat Elflein got his first career start in the Big Ten championship game. This year he goes into the title game as a first-team All-Big Ten selection. Taylor Decker, the only returning offensive line starter, was second-team All-Big Ten.
Rob Havenstine, a 6-foot, 8-inch, 333-pound three-year starter at tackle, leads Wisconsin. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection, along with guard Kyle Costigan. The Badgers have allowed only nine sacks.
Advantage: Wisconsin
DEFENSIVE LINE
Ohio State leads the Big Ten in sacks as a team (37) but is not as strong against the run. Joey Bosa has a Big Ten best 13.5 sacks.
All of the defensive line starters in Wisconsin’s 3-4 defense are first-year starters. Redshirt freshman end Chikwe Obasih, nose guard Konrad Sagzebski and end Warren Herring are the front line on a defense that ranks second in the country in total defense (260.3 yards a game).
Advantage: Ohio State
LINEBACKERS
Opponents’ No. 1 backs have gained 137, 145, 228 yards in three of the last four games. If that trend ends this week, the Buckeyes’ linebackers will have to play a big role in that change.
First-team All-Big Ten selection Derek Landisch (14.5 tackles for losses, 8 sacks) and second-team All-Big Ten choice Vince Biegel (15.5 tackles, 7.5 sacks) lead Wisconsin’s linebackers. Marcus Trotter has 10 tackles for losses.
Advantage: Wisconsin
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Cornerback Doran Grant grabbed one of the first-team All-Big Ten spots. Safety Vonn Bell has grabbed a team-high four interceptions. Wisconsin’s Michael Caputo was a second-team All-Big Ten selection at safety. The other safety Peniel Jean has two interceptions.
Advantage: Ohio State
SPECIAL TEAMS
Sean Nuernberger (10 of 16 on field goals) has attempted only one kick in the last two games and missed that one from 46 yards.
Wisconsin’s Rafael Gaglianone is 17 of 20 on field goals and has hit his last 12 in a row. His longest kick is 51 yards.
Advantage: Wisconsin
