Buckeyes Head To Wisconsin To Play Desperate Badgers

As the old cliché goes, “defense wins championships,” and this adage rings especially true for the formidable 2025 edition of Ohio State football. Last week, during a dominant performance in Champaign, the Buckeyes showcased their defensive prowess, forcing three turnovers against a robust Illinois offense. The Buckeyes didn’t just rely on physical skill, though. They played a psychological game with Illinois quarterback Luke Altmeyer, making him paranoid and uncomfortable throughout the match. This offensive disruption is what makes Ohio State’s defense a nightmare for opposing teams—their ability to disguise coverages and limit big plays creates chaos for quarterbacks, stifling the rhythm of even the most talented offenses.

A crucial aspect of Ohio State's defensive strength lies in the depth of talent across the roster. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, key players have emerged, providing a wealth of options for game planning. This depth proved invaluable last Saturday when Devin Sanchez, a young talent, stepped in for his first start in the secondary and made an immediate impact. The Buckeye defense was nothing short of sensational, allowing a mere 1.7 yards per carry—an impressive statistic that underscored their dominance. This was especially evident in the front seven, led by explosive edge rusher Caden Curry, whose performance has elevated him to a potential elite status in college football this season.

With the Buckeyes’ focus now shifting to their upcoming matchup against the Wisconsin Badgers, the dynamics of the game appear intriguing. Luke Fickell, a former Buckeye player and coach, now helms the Badgers, but his journey contrasts sharply with that of Ohio State this season. At 2-4 and winless in the Big Ten, Wisconsin faces mounting pressure after a humiliating 37-0 loss to Iowa, in which they managed a paltry 209 yards of total offense. The struggles on the offensive side, compounded by injuries and a youthful roster, signal a desperate need for change and revitalization for the Badgers.

Wisconsin’s quarterback situation has added to their woes. After experimenting with Danny O’Neil and settling on Hunter Simmons as the starter, the combined anomaly of only 900 passing yards and six touchdowns—with eight interceptions—has severely hindered their offensive capabilities. In years past, the Badgers leaned heavily on their ground game but this season there have been challenges even in this area. Dilin Jones, Wisconsin’s leading rusher, has amassed just 286 yards and two touchdowns from 68 carries, further illustrating the offensive struggles that the team must overcome.

For Ohio State, the keys to victory against Wisconsin lie in their ability to seize the moment and exploit the Badgers’ vulnerabilities. The Buckeyes must come out aggressively, attack Wisconsin’s defense, and convert opportunities in the red zone—an area that has presented challenges for them at times this season. By establishing a strong early lead, Ohio State can apply immense pressure on a Badger team that is ill-equipped to play from behind.

Adding to the intrigue is the uncertainty surrounding Ohio State’s true freshman running back, Bo Jackson, who is questionable with an ankle injury sustained last week against Illinois. His potential absence creates a storyline that could impact Ohio State’s offensive strategy moving forward.

This Saturday marks the 87th meeting between Ohio State and Wisconsin, with the Buckeyes holding a commanding lead in the all-time series at 63-18-5. The last matchup in 2023 saw Ohio State victorious in Camp Randall, 24-10, with just 11 current Buckeyes having participated in that game.

As the top-ranked Buckeyes prepare to face off against Wisconsin at 3:30 PM ET on CBS, all eyes will be on how Ohio State’s relentless defense can stymie a struggling Badger offense. With the stakes high and championship aspirations on the line, the defense will not only look to win the game but also reinforce the notion that indeed, defense wins championships.