There was a time when Wisconsin was circled on every Buckeyes fan’s schedule if it was one of the 12 regular season games. The Buckeyes and Badgers engaged in multiple great games through the first 25
seasons of the 21st century, including three times in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Even though the Badgers are in the midst of a struggling season, there’s an important game feeling heading into Saturday when No. 1 Ohio State heads to Camp Randall Stadium to take on Wisconsin.
Let’s look at some key numbers going into Saturday’s matchup.
10
It’s not just Julian Sayin’s number. With a 6-0 start to this season, the Buckeyes have won 10 straight games and are tied with Memphis for the longest winning streak in the country.
The longest winning streak for the Buckeyes under Ryan Day is 16, a unique achievement. It was a streak that started in 2018, when Day coached the first three games of the that season. In 2019, the Buckeyes started 13-0, courtesy of an undefeated regular season and Big Ten Championship.
The Buckeyes’ winning streak against the Badgers also happens to span 10 games. It’s a streak that dates back to 2010, when Wisconsin stunned No. 1 Ohio State 31-18 at Camp Randall Stadium.
87
Saturday will be the 87th time the Buckeyes and Badgers play against each other. The first matchup between the two teams was in 1913.
Ohio State leads the series with 63 wins, 18 losses, and five ties. The Buckeyes are also 28-12-2 in Madison.
11
There are 11 current Buckeyes who played in the last matchup between the Buckeyes and Badgers. Those players include current starters Carson Hinzman and Davison Igbinosun.
7-for-8
Ohio State scored 21 points off three turnovers Saturday at Illinois. Those are three of seven touchdowns the Buckeyes have scored off of eight turnovers. Meaning, the Buckeyes have scored a touchdown on seven possessions that began with a turnover forced by their defense.
5
Jeremiah Smith has a touchdown in five straight games. Anyone who was worried after the win against Texas shouldn’t have been. Smith is second in the country this season with seven receiving touchdowns.
16
Badgers head coach Luke Fickell coached at Ohio State for 16 seasons, including in Ohio State’s 2002 and 2014 national championship seasons. That 16-season span includes 2011, when Fickell served as the interim head coach of the Buckeyes.
Fickell also played for the Buckeyes from 1993-96, starting a then-record 50 consecutive games at nose tackle. He recorded 212 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, six sacks, and 13 pass break-ups.
99
This stat is amazing. The Buckeyes have been ranked in the top 10 in 99 percent of the games Day has been the head coach for. Only one game with Ryan Day as the head coach have the Buckeyes not been ranked in the top 10.
9
The Buckeyes’ defense is ranked in the top 10 in the country in nine statistical categories. Ohio State’s defense is No. 1 in scoring (6.8 ppg), fewest rushing touchdowns (1), and red zone scoring percentage (55 pct.).
5
The Badgers have started five different quarterbacks since the start of the 2024 season. That’s tied for the most in the Big Ten. Central Florida is the only team to start more quarterbacks in that span.
4-6
The Badgers are 4-6 against No. 1 teams all-time at Camp Randall Stadium.
Wisconsin’s last five home games against Power Five opponents have been either wins or losses by 10 points or less.
All-time, the Badgers are 4-17 against the No. 1 team in the country.
