What will Ohio State do to stop Wisconsins Running game ?? Keys to this game ??

[Morty]

What are the keys to the Wisconsin game??

Be prepared and score first.

In order to win big games you must be prepared. It’s why we were able to beat Miami to win the national championship, and it’s why we won all the other big games that season. Losing, especially to Northwestern, should be a wakeup call to the players and staff. I’m sure this had led to better practices, more game film, and a better overall game plan. Our buckeyes should not be under prepared for this game.

The last five games we have lost, (Northwestern, Michigan, Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Illinois) we failed to score first. Since the National Championship we are 4-3 when we do not score first. Our four victories were against Cincy, Purdue, Michigan St., and San Diego St.. Under Tressel we are 22-2 when we score first, with our only losses coming against Wisconsin and Penn St. in 2001. However in the same period of time we are only 13-6 when we don’t score first. Seven of those wins came the year we won the National Championship. Defense and special teams win championships, but when your team is not exactly of national championship caliber, maybe it is a good idea to score first.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

In all honesty, I really do not know what to expect from Wisky. Sure they have the number one ranked defense, but take a look at who they have played so far

Central Florida 0-4
UNLV 1-4
Arizona 1-3 The only Road game so far and struggled to win 9-7
Penn State 2-3
Illinois 2-3
Total 6-17

To me they are totally unproven. If you take a look at the offenses of any of these teams they suck. They are starting a new QB as well, If we can force their QB to make some plays we will be in good shape.

They also started 5-0 back in 2002 and were ranked, and actually were one of the favorites to win the conference (sound familiar)? Well, they tanked from game six onward, going 3-6 the rest of the season, including a 1-6 stretch. Bottom line, just two years ago there were in the same boat at this time of season (5-0, ranked, and on a roll) and ended proving themselves highly overrated.

 

[Buckeyehead]

> If OSU can stop Wisconsins' run game, that will be a start to winning this
game in the Shoe. How does OSU stop their run game effectively ??

Get off the blocks and tackle well.

> Has Wisconsins' QB's proven that he can win a game all on his own yet?

No.

> What offensive gameplan will be effective against this very agressive and
good Defense ??

A balanced attack with good blocking.

 

[FKAGobucks877]

Morty - good statistics. If you delve into them a little deeper, I believe you will find that Tressel is something like 1-3 when trailing at halftime over that same span. This year, the defense is NOT as good as it has been the last couple (at least so far). This means the offense must be better than they have been. I think tOSU needs to take a shot deep at least once a quarter, simply to stretch the D, but other than that, look for a bunch of short yardage plays, whether pass or run. If we can successfully drive the ball the length of the field 2-3 times, I think their "vaunted" defense will break. To do that, I think we have to have 10-12 plays that will net us 4+ yards everytime we run one of them. The quick hitter would be nice, but this defense hasn't seen a worthy opponent yet, and I believe they will panic and fold if we can drive the length of the field a couple of times.

 

[ScarletArrow]

...and I believe they will panic and fold if we can drive the length of the field a couple of times.

FKA - For a defense that is as experienced as Wisky's, do you really think they will panic if we put together two long scoring drives?

They only way I see them deviating from their game plan on defense is if we hit them with 4 or 5 home run type plays that force them into a more conservative approach.

Both defenses are going to have the exact same strategy in this game - load 8 or 9 in the box, stop the run at all cost, and try force a young QB to beat them.

Our advantage lies in our superior WR corp.

 

[MegaWoody]

Twelfth man needs to step up

One thing we can do -- we the fans in the stands -- to help win this game is to make noise when the Wisky's QB is over center. Deafening crowd noise can rattle an unproven QB, screw-up pass timing, make audibles difficult, lead to offensive off sides penalties and inspire the defense. I know it sounds hokey, but fans can make a real difference in a game like this.

If you're lucky enough to be at this game, no matter what the score is or how the game is going, make noise when Wisky has the ball! Make an outrageous ton of noise! If you don't go home hoarse, you haven't done your job!

 

[EPBucks]

I think that the keys to this game are:
1. No Turnovers for us on offense
2. Go for three or more big plays a quarter on offense
3. Use the whole playbook on offense. Run some trick plays on offense put Zwick and Smith in at the same time, run reverses, and doble passes. Use the pass to set up the run to due this Tressel has to trust Zwick enough to let him make big plays as well as the smart ones
4. Play with a sense of urgency and pride
5. The most important key is to stop the run at all costs put 8 or 9 guys in the boxes due to Wisconsin what other teams do to us.

If we stop their running game we win but if they get a running game going it could be a long day for our Bucks

 

[StoRMinBrutus]

If OSU stops their run game and our offense has a consistent game and can at least do well on 1st downs and not get into all those 3rd and 10's , then we got a great chance. Like some have said, the O-line has to step it up and consistently sustain their blocks. Justin Zwick also has to make those defenders pay for cheating up on the line, and rip them apart with accurate and mature decisions.

:osu2: Its Great to be a Buckeye !!! :osu2: