Who Had OSU Def/ST in Fantasy?

Here are some stats from last Saturday's Ohio St/Wisconsin game:
Time of possession - Wisconsin: 42:47, Ohio St: 17:13
First downs - Wisconsin: 22, Ohio St: 8
Total yards - Wisconsin: 368, Ohio St: 184

That being said, here is one final set of numbers:
Final score - Wisconsin: 13, Ohio St: 31.

The Buckeyes managed to cover their 15-point spread, despite being completely dominated by the Fighting Bielemas, thanks to two defensive touchdowns and another coming on a kick return.


Game Recap

I was at the Horseshoe for this one (first row behind the end zone, I might add) and I must say, there isn't much to recap here. The first quarter saw each team punt three times, the lone highlight coming midway through the frame when Kurt Coleman picked off a Scott Tolzien pass and took it back 89 yards to paydirt. Terrelle Pryor threw an interception to begin the second quarter. Starting at the OSU 12, the Badgers could only manage to move the ball three yards and were forced to set up for a field goal. They ran an excellent fake, and holder Chris Maragos ran it in for the score to tie the game.

After a Buckeye three-and-out, Wisconsin marched right down the field and Philip Welch nailed a 50 yard field goal to put them up, 10-7. Trailing for the first time since the lost to SoCal, Ohio St responded with what would turn out to be their only touchdown-scoring drive of the game. Pryor began the drive with a 27 yard run, then did the rest through the air, capping things off by hitting DeVier Posey for a 32-yard score. The Buckeyes played pretty poorly, but went into the break up 14-10.

Tolzien was intercepted for the second time to begin the second half, and again the opportunistic Buckeye D took it back for a score. Jermale Hines was the recipient of this one. Wisconsin responded with another long Welch FG, a move that would ultimately decide the Badgers' fate. Ray Small took the ensuing kickoff back 96 yards for the score, putting OSU up 28-13, and essentially ending the game. The 4th quarter was about as boring as the 1st, with Welch missing a FG and Aaron Pettrey connecting on one from 37. Wisconsin's last attempt at a comeback was ended when Ross Homan sacked Tolzien and forced a fumble on third and goal. The Buckeyes got completely outplayed, but managed to win convincingly, 31-13.


Game Notes

Game Ball
GB goes to defensive captain Kurt Coleman. After sitting out last week because of a BS suspension, Coleman came back with a vengeance. In addition to his pick-six, Coleman had 14 tackles and two pass breakups. Coleman is an absolute beast, and on his way to some hardware at season's end.
Game balls to date: Pryor (2), Defense, Saine, Coleman

Horseshoe Magic
There's nothing that can compare to the experience of seeing a game at Ohio Stadium, and I was lucky enough to be a part of that again last weekend. This win bumps my overall record up to 6-1, and 6-0 against the Big Ten. I was in the first row behind the end zone, was on the jumbo-tron three times, got a picture with Brutus (above), and started a "You're not Erin (Andrews)" chant when Holly Rowe walked by. I love Columbus.

Offensive Woes
Terrelle Pryor certainly had his struggles in this game, going 5/13 for 87 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. Brandon Saine led the way on the ground, rushing 14 times for only 55 yards. Boom Herron only had two carries before re-aggravating his ankle injury early in the game. He will be held out of the Purdue game this week. OSU could simply just not move the ball. Wisconsin did a good job of controlling the clock and keeping TP off the field, but 17 minutes TOP is just inexcusable. This one wasn't pretty, but a win's a win.

Up Next: @ Purdue, 12:00, Big Ten Network
The Boilermakers come into this game at a sorry 1-5, and have lost 19 straight games to ranked opponents. With 20 turnovers, the Purdue offense is tied for second most in the FBS in this category. This obviously does not bode well for them with this very opportunistic Buckeye defense coming to town. Expect the Ohio St offense to get back on track and make a statement in the last week before the first BCS standings come out.
Prediction: Ohio St 41 Purdue 13


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