SB Nation Cleveland - 2011 Big Ten Football: Ohio State Shocks Wisconsin 33-29https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48841/cleveland-fave.png2011-10-30T10:14:36-05:00http://cleveland.sbnation.com/rss/stream/22799732011-10-30T10:14:36-05:002011-10-30T10:14:36-05:00Ohio State QB Braxton Miller Grows Up Fast in Front of National Audience
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<p>So what if lightning can’t strike the same place twice? It struck Wisconsin right in the heart two weeks in a row in almost exactly the same fashion.</p>
<p>Down by three points with less than 30 seconds remaining, Braxton Miller pulled off one of those kinds of plays that Ohio State fans will remember forever. Rolling out to his right, the crowd collectively holding its breath, Miller fired a deep ball to the back of the end zone.</p>
<p>As the camera followed the ball, the television viewer was not privy to anything going on on the field, and thus could not see how wide open Devin Smith was.</p>
<p>And then it happened.</p>
<p>Miller’s pass connected, leaving the Badgers with 20 second and no timeouts to answer yet another “Hail Mary” that essentially won the game for the opposing team.</p>
<p>Wisconsin was lucky to be in the game in the first place with a near epic collapse by the Ohio State defense in the later stages of the game, but that doesn’t negate the fact that the Buckeyes played almost flawless football offensively and did it in a way to keep the Badgers to only 14 points until the later stages of the game.</p>
<p>Despite the fact that Ohio State looked ugly as sin on Saturday night football, they played like they wanted the Big Ten Championship more than the Badgers did, straight up.</p>
<p>As expected, the two biggest factors for Ohio State offensively were Braxton Miller and Dan Herron. Miller accounted for three touchdowns, including his first and second of the season on the ground.</p>
<p>Herron carried the ball 33 times for 160 yards, averaging just under five per carry.</p>
<p>The true key for Ohio State was stopping Wisconsin running back Montee Ball, and if you look at the stats, you might think they didn’t accomplish that. Ball had 85 yards rushing and 30 yards receiving with two more touchdowns to add to his impressive season totals.</p>
<p>However, Ball had merely 45 yards until late in the fourth quarter when he broke a huge 40 yard run that set up a touchdown pass from quarterback Russell Wilson.</p>
<p>This was a huge victory for the Buckeyes who have now revitalized their home crowd and given hope for the future. Not only that, but they still have a shot at a Big Ten title in 2011, and if they keep it up with this kind of magical play, they could definitely do it. They are still a young team, so fans have to be ready for a potential let-down, but don’t be shocked if these guys continue winning games and making believers out of people.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2011/10/30/2524681/ohio-state-qb-braxton-miller-grows-up-fast-in-front-of-nationalSayre Bedinger2011-10-30T07:33:50-05:002011-10-30T07:33:50-05:00VIDEO: Buckeyes' Braxton Miller To Devin Smith Touchdown Stuns Wisconsin
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<p>Quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132058/braxton-miller">Braxton Miller</a> made the play of the night for fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes. With pressure mounting and precious seconds ticking away, it appeared to all the world that Miller was about to run for enough yards to put the Bucks in field goal range. And when I say, "all the world" I mean all the world including the Wisconsin secondary because as their attention turned to making sure Miller didn't turn the play into a highlight run, the freshman QB kept thinking big and looking down field.</p>
<p>When Miller stopped on a dime mere inches away from the line of scrimmage and heaved the ball toward the end zone, he and receiver Devin Smith were the only two people in Ohio Stadium not surprised. As the ball floated through the air like a perfect punt allowing all eyes the time to see where Miller was aiming, the signature roar from Ohio Stadium began to mount with Smith standing open to catch the game-winner.</p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2011/10/30/2524463/video-buckeyes-braxton-miller-to-devin-smith-touchdown-stuns-wisconsinTom Lewis2011-10-30T00:56:00-05:002011-10-30T00:56:00-05:00Ohio State Vs. Wisconsin Final: Buckeyes Shock Badgers With Late TD, Win 33-29
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<p>A defensive struggle turned into an offensive outburst in Columbus on Saturday night with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ohio-st-buckeyes">Ohio St. Buckeyes</a> giving up a late lead only to rally to beat the No. 15 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/wisconsin-badgers">Wisconsin Badgers</a> 33-29 at the Horseshoe. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132058/braxton-miller">Braxton Miller</a> connected with Devin Smith on a 40-yard touchdown with just 20 seconds remaining to give the Buckeyes the win. It was the second last-second defeat in a row after losing to Michigan State 37-31 on the final play last week.</p>
<p>The Buckeyes and the Badgers combined for 31 points over the first three quarters before the teams combined to score four touchdowns in the final 4:39. </p>
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<p>Miller, the Buckeyes freshman quarterback, ran for 99 yards on 19 carries and scored twice, in addition to completing 7 of 12 passes for 89 yards and a score.</p>
<p>Fickell said that before Miller went onto the field for the last possession, the quarterback turned to the coach and winked.</p>
<p>"I felt good about it. That's what you need," Fickell said. "You've got to have confidence in what you're doing. You have to have belief in what you're doing."</p>
<p>Ohio State had just 89 yards passing - 40 came on the final touchdown - but racked up 268 yards on the ground led by Dan Herron's 160 yards on 33 carries.</p>
<p>Ohio State seemingly took control of the game in the 3rd quarter when Jordan Hall ran in from 2 yards to give the Buckeyes a 17-7 lead. Wisconsin got back into the game after a Buckeyes fumble gave the Badgers a short field. Montee Bell scored from a yard out to make the score 17-14 and the teams were set for the furious final quarter.</p>
<p>Leading 20-14, Miller raced left on a 3rd and 2 and went untouched into the end-zone for a 26-14 lead with 4:30 to go. Wisconsin came right back, however, needing just 44 seconds to cut the led to 26-21. After forcing a three-and-out from Ohio State, Wisconsin went 68 yards in four plays, with Badgers quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/5341/russell-wilson">Russell Wilson</a> finding <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77770/jared-abbrederis">Jared Abbrederis</a> all along for a 49-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion gave the Badgers a 29-26 lead with 1:18 remaining.</p>
<p>That left Braxton Miller and the Buckeyes too much time. Ohio State came right back, taking over at their own 48 after a 42-yard kickoff return by Hall.</p>
<p>They picked up 12 yards on three plays before Miller took the snap on first down at the Wisconsin 40 with 30 seconds left. He floated right to avoid a rush, barely sidestepped a potential tackle and suddenly noticed Smith wide open in the end zone. Miller stopped and looped the ball to Smith who caught it just before two defenders closed on him.</p>
<p>"Obviously, it's another heartbreaking loss," Badgers coach Bret Bielema said.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2011/10/30/2524309/ohio-state-vs-wisconsin-final-buckeyes-shock-badgers-with-late-td-winJohn Bena2011-10-29T10:24:49-05:002011-10-29T10:24:49-05:00Ohio State vs. Wisconsin Preview: Buckeyes Try to Protect Home Field Against Angry Badgers
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<p>The Wisconsin Badgers travel to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/wisconsin-badgers">Wisconsin Badgers</a> drew the short straw last week in the Big Ten--in all of college football, really--to say the least.</p>
<p>After suffering a loss on a "Hail Mary" against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/6903/kirk-cousins">Kirk Cousins</a> and the Michigan State Spartans, the Badgers will travel to Columbus to take on a young, hungry, and possibly slightly distracted Ohio State Buckeyes team.</p>
<p>The Buckeyes are not having a season to remember, but a lot of the offseason distractions and on-field mishaps can be forgotten if Luke Fickell's squad is able to pull of a huge upset against Bret Bielema's crew.</p>
<p>The Ohio State defense was absolutely dominant in a victory against previously unbeaten Illinois, and now they look to utilize that re-charged defense and a rowdy home crowd to pull off the upset against Wisconsin.</p>
<p>When you scout Wisconsin, the one thing you notice is that their team has balance across the board, and not only that, they are absolutely dominant offensively at times and could potentially be the best team in the country. Turnovers really plagued their loss to Michigan State last week, but despite it all, they were literally one defensive stop--one play, even--away from beating Michigan State on their home field.</p>
<p>The lowest amount of points the Badgers have scored this season is 31, and that was last week. The Buckeyes are really going to need to catch this team sleeping if they are going to win this game, even though it's on their home field. The matchup that Ohio State really has to look to exploit is limiting the Wisconsin passing game.</p>
<p>There is no doubt the Badgers are going to be able to run the ball, but you have to be able to take away the deep pass and the big play in order to beat this team. Wisconsin quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/5341/russell-wilson">Russell Wilson</a> has done a fantastic job this season of avoiding pressure and making plays with his legs, but this is an extremely athletic and hungry Ohio State defense that is slowly getting comfortable in its own skin.</p>
<p>One player the Buckeyes really have to watch out for is Heisman sleeper <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77778/montee-ball">Montee Ball</a>, the Wisconsin tailback. Ball has scored 17 touchdowns on the ground this year, is in the best shape of his career, and is running like he wants to be a first round pick in the NFL Draft.</p>
<p>Ball also has a passing touchdown and two receiving touchdowns, and he's really growing into his role as a complete, every-down running back. He is hard to handle for any team, and Ohio State will be no different. You likely are not going to be able to shut down Ball, but you have to try and limit him.</p>
<p>Offensively, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132058/braxton-miller">Braxton Miller</a> really needs to step up and exploit a defense that has not faced many legitimate tests so far this season. He has been slow to grow into his role as the starting quarterback, but there is no doubt he has playmaker capabilities.</p>
<p>The dual-threat quarterback doesn't have a rushing touchdown yet this season, but I expect that to change on Saturday. Miller has to become the focal point of this offense, and he needs to continue to build chemistry with his receivers.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37235/jake-stoneburner">Jake Stoneburner</a> and Devin Smith are both huge targets in the passing game, and while they have only combined for 21 receptions this season, nine have gone for touchdowns--six to Stoneburner. The tight end is a young quarterback's best friend, and I don't think the Badgers have anyone who can play one-on-one with Stoneburner working the seam and getting open on broken plays. He is a big, rangy receiving tight end who is a huge threat in the red zone.</p>
<p>Still, I think the writing is on the wall that if the Buckeyes are going to win this game, they are going to do it with the running game. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114089/carlos-hyde">Carlos Hyde</a> has had a very solid season for Ohio State, but the true featured back is going to be Dan Herron, who showed what kind of prospect he is coming back from his suspension with 23 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p>The senior tailback is extremely talented and should have a big impact on the game for Ohio State. If you are looking for a great matchup of running backs, look no further than this game with Ball, Herron, Carlos Hyde, and Wisconsin's James White, not to mention both Miller and Wilson at the quarterback positions.</p>
<p>I think ultimately, Wisconsin will pull away with this game in the end because of their superior depth and overall veteran talent, but I don't doubt that Ohio State will make plays and make it a tough road test for the Badgers.</p>
<p>Wisconsin 31, Ohio State 24</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/ohio-st-buckeyes/2011/10/29/2521879/ohio-state-vs-wisconsin-preview-buckeyes-try-to-protect-home-fieldSayre Bedinger2011-10-29T10:09:54-05:002011-10-29T10:09:54-05:00Wisconsin Vs. Ohio State: Game Time, TV Schedule, Streaming And More
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<p>The Wisconsin Badgers visit the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday evening for this weekend's marquee matchup in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes are coming off a bye week after a strong road win at Illinois two weeks ago helped right the ship following two tough Big Ten losses to Michigan State and Nebraska. Ohio State is desperate for a win today to remain in the race in the Big Ten's Leaders division since at 1-2 in conference, the Bucks are already two games behind Penn State.</p>
<p>Wisconsin is looking to bounce back after a gut-crushing loss at the buzzer to Michigan State last week, their first L of the season. The Badgers still have plenty of big stakes to play for as they too try to keep pace with Penn State in the Leaders division.</p>
<p>Here's the rundown of information for Saturday's game between Wisconsin and Ohio State:</p>
<p><b>Game Date/Time:</b> Saturday, Oct. 29, 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)</p>
<p><b>Location:</b> Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH</p>
<p><b>TV:</b> ESPN</p>
<p><b>Streaming:</b> ESPN3</p>
<p><b>Radio:</b> Ohio State Radio Network</p>
<p><b>Spread:</b> Wisconsin by 7.5</p>
<p><b>Series history:</b> Ohio State leads 53-17-5</p>
<p>Check out our <a href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/2011/10/26/2515932/2011-big-ten-football-wisconsin-vs-ohio-state" target="_blank">Wisconsin/Ohio State StoryStream</a> throughout the day for updates on the game.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2011/10/29/2522754/wisconsin-vs-ohio-state-game-time-tv-scheduleTom Lewis2011-10-25T07:33:21-05:002011-10-25T07:33:21-05:002011 Big Ten Football: Wisconsin Vs. Ohio State
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<p>For more on the Badgers and Buckeyes visit <a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com">Bucky's 5th Quarter</a> and <a href="http://www.alongtheolentangy.com">Along the Olentangy</a>, respectively.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ohio-st-buckeyes">Ohio St. Buckeyes</a> return to action this week after a week off and they have a difficult challenge as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/wisconsin-badgers">Wisconsin Badgers</a> come to the Horseshoe in Columbus. The badgers are reeling after their National Championship hopes were dealt a severe blow with a last second loss at Michigan State on a memorable Hail Mary. Now they must recover against a rested Buckeye defense and a reinvigorated offense now that Dan Herron has returned from suspension.</p>
<p>SB Nation's Along the Olentangy does not have a lot of optimism in Ohio State's offense as they go <a href="http://www.alongtheolentangy.com/2011/10/24/2494662/the-drop-off-is-severe">against a very good Wisconsin team</a>:</p>
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<p>As contentious as college football discussion can be, there exists little disagreement about the 2011 Buckeye offense. It's unacceptable that Ohio State, which has signed the <a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/teamrank/2009/BIG10/all" target="_blank">best recruiting class</a> in the Big Ten three out of the last four years, can perform so poorly.</p>
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<p>Ohio State must improve a passing game that completed only one pass against Illinois in a 17-7 victory two weeks ago. The Buckeye defense must also slow down a Badger offense that has scored at least 31 points in each game this season. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77778/montee-ball">Montee Ball</a> has 768 yards rushing and an astounding 17 touchdowns, which is only two fewer than the entire Ohio State offense.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/ohio-st-buckeyes/2011/10/25/2512630/2011-big-ten-football-wisconsin-vs-ohio-stateTravis Miller