Ohio State vs. Wisconsin: Prediction and preview

Ohio State and Wisconsin are getting ready for the conference opener for both teams and a blackout setting in Columbus. Kickoff is set for a primetime broadcast at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time on ABC.

Ohio State vs. Wisconsin preview

Ohio State and Wisconsin enter a Week 4 matchup with two fairly balanced teams in action. However, the makeup of the two offenses in the game will be drastically different.

Even with a renewed focus on the ground game in 2022, Ohio State still likes to throw the ball around a good bit. The team is averaging 47.7 points per game to open the year while racking up well over 500 total yards of offense per game.

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In a Week 3 showdown vs. Toledo, the Buckeyes hit 77 points with a blowout win over the Rockets. With Julian Fleming and Jaxon Smith-Njigba back with the offense, CJ Stroud was efficient and accurate time and time again.

The big difference for Ohio State in 2022 is a renewed ground game that has been fantastic through three weeks of the season. The Buckeyes are averaging 5.9 yards per carry with Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson leading the way in the backfield. Henderson is also expected to be back against the Badgers after missing much of Week 3 after an early injury.

For the Badgers, it is almost an exactly opposite scouting report to begin the season. After averaging 160 passing yards per game in 2021, Graham Mertz and the Badgers are averaging 260 passing yards a game to start 2022.

The good news for Wisconsin is that the ground game has not suffered as a result. Braelon Allen has 332 yards and 6.6 yards per carry to begin the season with the team averaging 218 rushing yards per game.

Defensively, Ohio State is giving up 14.3 points per game while Wisconsin has given up 8 points per game. However, competition is stepping up for both teams so expect those defensive numbers to grow a bit in Week 4.

Ohio State vs. Wisconsin prediction

Saturday’s game will be an interesting one and could swing on something unexpectedly. With two offenses that are expected to score solidly in the contest, things could turn on a surprising defensive stop or takeaway in the second half.

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In the end, Ohio State’s playmakers — particularly CJ Stroud and his experience at QB — should give the Buckeyes a leg up in the game. However, don’t be surprised if Mertz and Wisconsin are able to keep things close deep into the second half.

Prediction: Ohio State 34, Wisconsin 20