The Wisconsin Badgers take on No. 1 Ohio State this Saturday afternoon. Two years ago, the Badgers fought hard against Ohio State at Camp Randall Stadium before Marvin Harrison Jr. and TreVeyon Henderson
sealed the game for the Buckeyes.
Fifteen years ago was the last time the Badgers knocked off the Buckeyes, when David Gilreath got the party started with a 97-yard opening kickoff return for a touchdown. It was also the last time Wisconsin knocked off a No. 1-ranked team.
Sigh, I miss those days.
Here are three keys to this game for Wisconsin on Saturday.
Play Like You Care
When watching last week’s game against Iowa, we saw a team that was dejected and going through the motions. While no one wants to be 2-4 on the season, that does not mean you should stop caring because there’s still more football left on the schedule.
With the No. 1-ranked team coming to Camp Randall, you should be hyped to play this game. Just because the season has not gone the way you expected it doesn’t mean you stop. There’s always a chance for a major upset every Saturday.
Heck, even a Don Morton-coached Badger team beat Ohio State in 1987.
Open the Playbook
It’s been a disappointing first season for Jeff Grimes and the Wisconsin offense. Whether it’s playcalling, execution, or scoring, the Badger offense just cannot seem to get anything going outside of Middle Tennessee.
However, with the Badgers’ backs against the wall in 2025, the offense needs to go down swinging.
Every play in Grimes’ playbook should be on the table if the Badgers want to beat the Buckeyes Saturday afternoon. Whether it’s a flea-flicker, Wildcat formation, or half-back pass, use it because Wisconsin needs all the points they can get to stay in this game.
Eliminate Big Passing Plays
Ohio State comes in with a solid, accurate quarterback capable of getting the ball to their explosive playmakers at wide receiver. Mike Tressel’s unit cannot allow the Buckeyes to get into a rhythm on offense, or it will be another long day.
This game would be an excellent opportunity for Ricardo Hallman to return to the All-American form he displayed in 2023. His matchup against either Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, or Brandon Inniss will be a focus throughout the game.
