What to Expect

The OSU offense still needs to smooth out some edges, but the Pryor-Beanie combo is giving defensive coordinators nightmares. With the power running of Beanie, the option, spread offense, etc OSU will be hard to predict. Pryor is still working out the timing with receivers, but so far his throwing has been good enough. Based on how poor the Wisconsin defense has been against the pass (almost 200 yards/game), in particular the spread attack, look for Pryor to have a bigger passing game this week. The OSU defense is still not playing up to pre-season expectations, allowing almost 100 yards/game on the ground and almost 160 yards/games in the air. In this game, the OSU defense will likely give up 100-150 yards on the ground, but it should be able to hold the Badgers in the redzone. In other words, the OSU defense will bend but not break. Luckily the Badgers do not throw the ball for a lot of yards, but with a healthy TE Beckum they will have the short pass available. The Badgers are tough at home, winning 27 of the last 28 games in Madison, 16 straight at home, and Bielema has not lost at home. Look for OSU to win this slugfest, Pryor to improve his passing game, and OSU to avenge the 2003 loss in Madison.