| Wisconsin vs. Ohio State, Saturday, Oct. 2, at Columbus, Ohio Both
these teams still believe they have a shot at going to the Rose Bowl, but neither can
afford to lose this game. Although both teams rely more on the run than the pass, the key
to this game could be how the quarterbacks play. Look for both teams to play eight men in
the box and dare the other to throw.
Quarterbacks — Wisconsin’s Scott Kavanagh is a fifth-year
senior with limited ability but enough passing skills to keep the Buckeyes honest. For
Ohio State, mobile southpaw Steve Bellisari has a lot to learn and will make some
mistakes, but he throws better than Austin Moherman and is the smoother, more mobile
athlete. Edge: Even.
Running backs — This is a big chance for Wisconsin’s
Ron Dayne to impress the Heisman Trophy voters and show he can have a big game against a
very good defensive team. Ohio State has an excellent group of backs, headed by
all-purpose tailback Michael Wiley. If sophomore Jonathan Wells stays healthy, he could
develop into the next Eddie George. Edge: Even.
Receivers — Ohio State is still loaded here. Ken-Yon Rambo and
Reggie Germany just need somebody who can get them the ball more consistently. Rambo has
great speed for a big receiver. Wisconsin is not a good place for a receiver to get much
exposure, but both Chris Chambers and Nick Davis are big-play types who can run after the
catch. Wisconsin’s two tight ends are generally third offensive tackles. Edge:
Ohio State.
Offensive linemen — Ohio State’s line is overrated and not
that athletic. There are no Orlando Paces or Korey Stringers in this group. Wisconsin
could have the best line in the Big Ten. OLT Chris McIntosh is a future pro but not a
dominator in the Aaron Gibson mold. With two king-sized tight ends on either end, the
Badgers’ line can kick butt and dominate. Edge: Wisconsin.
Defensive linemen — Ohio State has a lot of speed, youth and
athleticism and tremendous upside in this area. Wisconsin lost its best player and pass
rusher in Tom Burke but is still solid. Edge: Ohio State.
Linebackers — Wisconsin has solid, blue-collar types, such as
Donnel Thompson and Chris Ghidorzi, who fit the scheme well and give an honest day’s
work. Ohio State’s Na’il Diggs is a flashy, big-play type, but he is a little
stiff and is much more effective when he is operating against air and does not have to
take on and shed a blocker. Edge: Even.
Defensive backs — Ohio State’s two potential All-Americans,
S Gary Berry and CB Ahmed Plummer, are fine players, but they’re perhaps not as good
as advertised. Berry is a hot-and-cold player who played a terrible first half vs. Miami
(Fla.) and then came on. Plummer is a maximum-effort, smart guy with some limitations.
Miami’s receivers made him look ordinary. Wisconsin’s sophomore corners, Jamar
Fletcher and Mike Echols, are athletic and can cover. Edge: Even.
Special teams — The kicking game has been a problem for the
Buckeyes. They don’t have anyone they can rely on. Wisconsin has a big-time punter in
Kevin Stemke. Ohio State’s return men are better as a group, but Wisconsin’s
Davis can break a big one. Edge: Wisconsin.
Prediction: Ohio State 24, Wisconsin 20
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