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One of the most interesting B1G Championship Games is just a few hours away.
While the 2014 title game has been talked about over the week — as Ohio State clobbered Wisconsin 59-0 before going on to claim a national title — this match-up seems more similar to the 2015 bout between Michigan State and Iowa.
No, it’s not because of style of play, but because of what’s at stake. Two seasons ago, the Hawkeyes and Spartans were battling for a spot in the College Football Playoff in a winner-take-all game.
Similar stakes will reemerge in Indianapolis on Saturday.
Wisconsin is obviously in win-and-you’re-in mode while Ohio State would need a little help to get into the conversation. It’s certainly going to be one of the most talked about championship games on Saturday.
But enough about all the CFP talk, what can we look forward to between the Buckeyes and the Badgers? Here are five questions we have heading into the 2017 B1G Championship Game.
Will Ohio State be able to run the football?
The Buckeyes own the best rushing offense in the B1G, averaging over 250 yards per game on the ground. And with Mike Weber and J.K. Dobbins playing their best football of the season, that backfield tandem looks like one of the best in the country.
But can guess what Wisconsin does better than anyone in the country? It stops the run.
Wisconsin allows a nation-best 80.5 yards per game on the ground this season, with only four teams eclipsing the 100-yard mark. That’s not a good sign for an Ohio State defense that has to establish a ground presence to be effective.
Only three times have the Buckeyes rushed for under 200 yards this season, going 1-2 in those games. The lone win came against an overmatched UNLV team.
An effective rushing attack is key for Ohio State. But will they be able to run the ball against the most stout defense in the country? If not, is there anything the Buckeyes can do to create some offense?
How will special teams factor into the game?
This has been the single-most frustrating aspect of Ohio State for Urban Meyer this season. The kickoff unit has given up several big plays and opponents are frequently setting up with prime field position. Wisconsin isn’t known for its special teams play, but it could take advantage of some mistakes.
Saturday’s game feels like one that will be a low-scoring affair. In those kind of games, mistakes on special teams can be costly.
Away from the kick return/kick coverage stuff, both Rafael Gaglianone (Wisconsin) and Sean Nuernberger (Ohio State) are making field goals above an 80 percent clip. That’ll be important Saturday, too.
Does Wisconsin’s speed match Ohio State’s speed?
The Badgers usually struggle against teams like Ohio State because of the difference in speed. Wisconsin is set on a big, burly, tough brand of football while the Buckeyes play a faster, wide open game. That’s really burnt the Badgers in the past (see 2014 B1G Championship Game).
But Wisconsin actually has some speed this season, maybe even some of the best in the B1G. But is it really up to Ohio State’s level? If it’s not, it typically results in a long, dreadful game for Wisconsin fans.
We should be able to tell relatively quick if the Badgers really do have the speed necessary to compete with the best in the nation.
Which Alex Hornibrook will show up?
Most of the season, Hornibrook has been really good for the Badgers. He completed 18-of-19 passes for 256 yards and four touchdowns against BYU. He had completion rates of 65 percent or higher in games against Utah State, Purdue, Maryland, Indiana and Minnesota. He’s numbers aren’t overwhelming, but he’s provided Wisconsin with really good consistency.
But in two of the last three games, the sophomore quarterback has slipped up. He threw three interceptions against Iowa and was just 9-of-19 a week later against Michigan. Wisconsin still got wins in both games, but it made life a little more difficult.
Ohio State’s defense plays opportunistic and can change the dynamic of a game quickly. Hornibrook doesn’t need to be 18-of-19 good, but he can’t turn the ball over on Saturday.
Which J.T. Barrett will show up?
Penn State? or Iowa? Or maybe somewhere between the two?
Like Hornibrook, Barrett has had his highs and lows this season. He was stellar against the Nittany Lions, accounting for 423 total yards and four passing touchdowns in a thrilling win. A week later, he completed just 53 percent of his passes and threw four interceptions against the Hawkeyes.
While Barrett’s throwing ability will be something to keep an eye on, what he’s able to do with his legs might be the storyline. Wisconsin hasn’t faced a quarterback with Barrett’s mobility. Will that be a challenge for the Badgers defense? Is it enough to keep them off balance and open things up for Kevin Wilson’s offense?
Of course, Barrett is coming off a knee injury and minor surgery recently, so his mobility might not be at 100 percent.
Barrett usually shows his hand pretty early. If he gets off to a hot start in Indianapolis, the Badgers will have their hands full all evening. If he struggles, Ohio State is going to need a backup plan.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB