This year at LGHL, the day before Ohio State games we are trying something a little different. “3 & Out” is going to inform you on the upcoming opponent for the Buckeyes. By the name, you probably could
tell we are going to handle things in threes.
Along with highlighting three key players from Ohio State’s opponents, we will shed some light on three keys for the Buckeyes, and close things out by having a little fun by mentioning three notable alumni or facts from the school that’ll be matching up with Ohio State.
First down
Players to watch for Wisconsin
1) Vinny Anthony II
The receiver the trio of Wisconsin quarterbacks have found the most comfort with this year is Vinny Anthony II. Through six games, Anthony leads the team with 24 catches for 274 yards. Along with his ability to catch the football, Anthony also had a rushing touchdown on a reverse in the win over Middle Tennessee State.
Not only has Anthony now caught a pass in 17 straight games after hauling in three passes against Iowa, the speedy receiver has caught a pass for at least 20 yards in 10 of those 17 games. Just a few weeks ago, Anthony eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in his career with the Badgers.
In the loss to Alabama, Anthony was a bright spot, returning a kickoff for a touchdown. Anthony is now the first Big Ten player since Indiana’s Jaylin Lucas to catch a touchdown, rush for a score, and take a kickoff to the house in the same season.
2) Ricardo Hallman
Senior cornerback Ricardo Hallman has proved he is a ballhawk during his time in Madison. Back in 2023, Hallman grabbed seven interceptions, which led the country. The seven picks were the most for a Wisconsin player since 2007, and the most by a Badger cornerback since Jamar Fletcher had seven interceptions in 2000.
With his interception last week against Iowa, Hallman now has nine career interceptions, moving into the top-10 in school history. The Miami native has already surpassed his 2024 total in interceptions, as well as in tackles, entering this week with 17 stops.
3) Christian Alliegro
The leader of the Wisconsin defense is linebacker Christian Alliegro. Last year Alliegro finished the season on a high note, ranking second among Big Ten linebackers with 45 tackles in November. The best game during that span came against Iowa when he notched 16 tackles.
Alliegro was again busy against Iowa this season, recording a season-high 11 tackles last week, marking his first double-digit tackle game of the season. The junior linebacker from Connecticut now has a team-high 38 tackles this year, as well as two sacks. Expect Alliegro to be busy on Saturday as he goes up against a potent Ohio State offense.
Second down
Keys for Ohio State
1) Building confidence in the running game
So far this season the Ohio State rushing attack has been underwhelming. C.J. Donaldson is great in short-yardage situations but he isn’t a game-changer. Bo Jackson has that “it” factor but he is still just a true freshman and the coaching staff is likely being careful with him since there is a lot of season left when you take a possible appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game and playoff run into account.
Despite the Badgers allowing just under 100 yards rushing per game, which ranks fifth in the Big Ten this year, they are likely dealing with confidence issues after giving up 209 yards on the ground to Iowa last week. If there was ever a week to create some positive momentum for the rest of the season, this would be a perfect time to do so.
2) Taking care of business and getting the backups work
One thing the Buckeyes have done a great job at this year is not leaving much doubt in games. The only time Ohio State has trailed has been early on against Washington and Minnesota, and even in those games they were leading by halftime.
A perfect scenario would be if Saturday’s game plays out like the Minnesota game. The Buckeyes left no doubt following the Golden Gophers opening up the game with an early field goal. Ohio State’s goal should be to build a healthy lead by halftime, extend in the third quarter, and have the backups playing by the time the fourth quarter starts.
The sooner the starters are out of the game, the less chance there will be for them to suffer any injuries.
3) More turnovers
Last week Ohio State forced three turnovers, which they turned into three touchdowns. Despite having the top defense in the country, the Buckeyes hadn’t forced many turnovers in their first five games. Even though the defense was still lights out, things get so much easier when setting the offense up with some shorter fields.
Wisconsin’s offense has been dreadful this season, only scoring more than 17 points in one game. The Badgers are on their third quarterback of the season. Now is the time to pounce. Hunter Simmons should be no match for the nation’s top defense.
Third down
Notable Ohio State/Wisconsin connections
1) Luke Fickell
The Wisconsin head coach undoubtedly bleeds scarlet and gray. After redshirting in his first season at Ohio State, the former defensive tackle went on to start 50 consecutive games.
During his time on the field, Fickell recorded 212 tackles and 26 tackles for loss.
Following his playing career, Fickell would return to Columbus as an assistant coach on Jim Tressel’s staff. When Tressel was fired for the “Tatgate” scandal, Fickell was actually named interim head coach for the 2011 season, finishing with a 6-7 record.
Fickell could have very easily gone elsewhere after his year as interim coach but he joined Urban Meyer’s staff before leaving to become the head coach at Cincinnati. This marks the third time Fickell has coached at his alma mater, losing the first two contests.
2) Kenny Guiton
Ohio State’s former quarterback is now the quarterbacks coach at Wisconsin. Guiton served mainly as the backup quarterback during his time in Columbus, but he had a few big moments. The biggest of which came during the undefeated 2012 when he engineered a comeback over Purdue after starter Braxton Miller was injured.
The following season Guiton started two games, throwing a school record six touchdowns in the win over Florida A&M.
Guiton entered the coaching ranks in 2015 as a graduate assistant at Houston, where he was eventually elevated to wide receivers coach. After holding the same position at Arkansas, Guiton became the interim offensive coordinator for the last quarter of the 2023 when Dan Enos was fired. Luke Fickell lured Guiton to Wisconsin prior to last season to be the team’s wide receivers coach.
3) Jayden Ballard
After four years at Ohio State, Jayden Ballard entered the transfer portal following last season. The Buckeye decided playing for a former Ohio Stater was in his best interest, as the wide receiver committed to Wisconsin. As a Buckeye, Ballard caught 11 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown, along with handling some returning duties.
Even though Ballard isn’t the top option when the Badgers throw the football, he still has made some noise this season, totaling seven catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
One of the biggest moments of Ballard’s career came against Alabama when he hauled in a 41-yard touchdown in Tuscaloosa. The other score came in the blowout of Middle Tennessee State.
& out
Prediction: 41-7, Ohio State
Go Bucks!
