Bucky's 5th Quarter - Big Ten Championship Game 2017: Wisconsin vs. Ohio State recaps, analysisWelcome to the unofficial online tavern of the Wisconsin Badgers. Please seat yourself.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47803/buckys-fave.png2017-12-07T06:00:02-06:00http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/rss/stream/164727552017-12-07T06:00:02-06:002017-12-07T06:00:02-06:00The B1G Roast: WHAT HAVE I EVER DONE TO YOU, COLLEGE FOOTBALL GODS?!?!
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<img alt="Big Ten Championship - Ohio State v Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Uy1PGk-ek6x33u0WnIvvPdf_wt0=/0x28:5208x3500/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57885495/884621954.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>::plz insert Piers Morgan “I Want To Die” tweet here:: | Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>AND WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?!?!</p> <p id="FCgrGz">God. Dammit.</p>
<p id="C6sFOs">Guess what, folks? It’s story time again! So, my daughter got very sick last Wednesday. Like, puking sick. Which was super fun to deal with and not at all gross. My wife and I thought that we had escaped sickness ourselves because neither of us were sick by Friday afternoon. Boy howdy were we wrong!</p>
<p id="IEpxDl">I had to leave work Friday night because of my stomach issues and then spent the rest of Friday night violently expelling liquid out of both ends of my body. Around 4 a.m., my wife jostles me awake and demands that I pass her the bucket that I had set up as sentinel next to my side of the bed in case things got hairy. SHE then spends the rest of the night violently vomiting. I have to call into work Saturday morning and the two of us basically let our daughter raise herself. (JK, Grandma came over and helped out which ... led to her getting sick. Grandpa was already sick and Auntie got sick this week. My daughter is Patient Zero.)</p>
<p id="y4cJEn">We had to cancel the party we were planning to throw for the B1G Championship Game, which means I’ve got a bunch of beer and eggnog at my house if any of y’all wanna come over this week! My wife was pregnant during the B1G Championship last year and I was at work, so this was the second straight year neither of us had a drop to drink during the game. Maybe that’s the problem? I vow to you this, fair readers: If Wisconsin makes the B1G Championship Game next year, my wife and I will get so rip-roaringly drunk that Hemingway would be impressed.</p>
<p id="fdK5IU">Anyways, I tell you this graphic story of bodily functions because I would much rather go through all of that again than watch Wisconsin play Ohio State another time. I wasn’t nervous heading into the game because I thought this year’s team was different. I thought they were special.</p>
<p id="YjuL0m">I was wrong and dumb and stupid to think that.</p>
<p id="yM7733">Whenever Wisconsin plays Ohio State in football, there are two indisputable facts: 1) Ohio State is the more talented team; and 2) Wisconsin has to play a perfect game to win. Everyone knows, or at least should know by now, that you have to recruit at an extremely high level to win national titles in college football. There’s a reason that it’s basically the same teams every year that have a chance to win it all. Clemson had a successful run on recruiting (a bunch of top-15 classes starting in 2011) that led up to it becoming a national title contender. Alabama, Ohio State, and company are consistently in the top 10 of recruiting rankings.</p>
<p id="tvUSKe">Wisconsin, on the other hand, would lose its freaking mind if it broke 30th on any recruiting rankings site. The Badgers are better than just about any team in the country in finding under-recruited kids and turning them into starters and all-conference team members. It’s honestly amazing that they’ve been able to do it so well for so long. Unfortunately, when it comes time to chase down basically an Olympic sprinter who has burst through your defense’s arm tackles into wide swaths of open field, the under-recruited kid is probably not going to catch up.</p>
<p id="5rLUt7">As far as playing a perfect game goes, that is pretty hard to do against Utah State let alone Ohio State. Everyone who has watched one offensive possession of Wisconsin football this year knew that <span>Alex Hornibrook</span> was going to throw at least one interception. AND THAT’S FINE! He’s done it all year and, honestly, it seems to get him in a rhythm once he does it. But, against Ohio State ... you can’t do that shit. You can’t be driving in the red zone, after forcing a three-and-out, to take the lead in the most important game in program history against a team that has fairly consistently tormented you throughout your decades-long climb from the hopeless depths of empty stadia and winless conference records to the top of the best conference in college football (suck my butt, SEC) ... and throw a sideline jump ball to your tight end who was never once open on the play.</p>
<p id="SETgZs">You just can’t.</p>
<p id="QUdNKf">Now, Hornibrook was not the problem on Saturday. The offensive line’s inability to move Ohio State’s defensive line even a millimeter off the line of scrimmage on run plays was a problem. The same offensive line also seemed to struggle to give Hornibrook long enough to throw the ball in the inevitable passing situations Wisconsin found themselves in due to the aforementioned “non-millimeter moving.” The defense was stout ... mostly, but gave up so many big plays I’ve lost track of them in my head. Hell, the turf <a href="http://host.madison.com/wsj/sports/college/football/the-best-turf-guy-tweets-from-the-big-ten-championship/collection_e5937cfc-d7e7-11e7-8fd8-f74bc6aed20c.html">couldn’t even stay stapled</a> to the freaking ground on the Badgers’ only offensive touchdown. Needless to say, this was NOT a perfect game from the Badgers.</p>
<p id="gbs1kz">And yet ... they only lost by six and had the ball with a chance to drive down the field and win the game. How on God’s green Earth did that happen? Well, for one thing, Wisconsin’s defense is really quite good. That always helps. For another thing, the Badgers (the last B1G Championship Game against OSU notwithstanding) almost never get blown out. Because, despite the “star disparity” between OSU and Wisconsin there is never a disparity of ::throws up in mouth:: grit and toughness. The Badgers fight and scratch and claw until the final whistle and that’s something that all of those under-recruited players bring to the program.</p>
<p id="IvnrFy">The Badgers had a great damn season and I’m ... excited isn’t the word ... but I’m looking forward to playing Miami in the Orange Bowl. A whole bunch of extra practices will be good for the young offense and Florida has been a fertile recruiting ground for Wisconsin, so it’s always nice to play a game down there and remind high school kids that aren’t quite good enough to play at FAU or UCF (the two undeniable powers in Florida college football) they can skip out of going to FSU and barely making a bowl and come to Madison.</p>
<p id="C7F3Oo">Wisconsin will probably never recruit at the level of Ohio State. There are too many entrenched factors that will prohibit that. However, if the Badgers can recruit at a slightly higher level and continue to mine Wisconsin and Minnesota and Illinois for small-town kids who get passed over ... they just might be able to finally beat Ohio State in a conference title game one day. This is what I tell myself to keep myself from losing it every time <span>Khalil Iverson</span> misses a bunny because it’s freaking basketball season now baby! AND WHY CAN’T THE BADGERS MAKE LAYUPS?!?! YOU TOO, HAPP! Christ...</p>
<h3 id="fwXtjC"><a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/">Ohio State Buckeyes</a></h3>
<p id="T0ywJn"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2017/12/3/16730228/ncaa-football-rankings-2017-130-teams"><strong>S&P+ rank:</strong></a> 1st overall, 6th offense, 11th defense</p>
<p id="B6wtSK"><strong>Last week’s result:</strong> (W) vs. No. 4 Wisconsin 27–21</p>
<p id="2BPh6j"><strong>Biggest strength:</strong> <span>Dobby the House Elf</span> ran roughshod over the Badgers’ defense for 174 yards on 10.2 yards per carry. Although, if you take away his one long run, he didn’t rush for 100 yards. I don’t know? I’m just saying. Had two huge passing touchdowns that exposed the Badgers secondary. I will admit to not having heard of linebacker <span>Jerome Baker</span> before this game, but let me tell you what, I’ve sure as hell heard of him now. That dude was everywhere! 16 tackles, two for a loss, and one sack. And if he didn’t make the tackle, it seemed like I still saw his name because he was right next to the pile ready to make the tackle should some foolish Badger ball carrier try and gain another yard. Picked off Hornibrook twice.</p>
<p id="rOsB6u"><strong>Biggest weakness:</strong> <span>J.T. Barrett</span> played well for a guy less than a week removed from knee surgery, but he did not really have a “good game” per se. He threw two picks and missed a staggering number of open receivers deep down the field. It was honestly horrifying every time he uncorked a long ball because as the camera zoomed out I couldn’t see any Badger defenders most of the time. <span>Mike Weber</span> only carried the ball four times and lost a fumble. I feel like those two things may be related.</p>
<p id="3Yexkf"><strong>This week’s schedule:</strong> Not the College Football Playoff</p>
<h3 id="2QoJeB"><a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a></h3>
<p id="4bkkIO"><strong>S&P+ rank:</strong> 6th overall, 44th offense, 1st defense</p>
<p id="pO3qZl"><strong>Last week’s result:</strong> (L) vs. No. 8 Ohio State 27–21</p>
<p id="bE8tmn"><strong>Biggest strength:</strong> <span>Andrew Van Ginkel</span> was on a one-man mission to make sure the Badgers didn’t lose this game. He had a pick-six and recovered a fumble. He was amazing. <span>Ryan Connelly</span> and <span>T.J. Edwards</span> were predictably quite good. <span>Danny Davis</span> and <span>Austin Ramesh</span> (!!!) were explosive in the passing game, or at least as explosive as they could be given the situation. <span>Garrett Groshek</span> completed a nice pass to Hornibrook that would have been a touchdown if he led him ... hmm, does anyone on the roster know how to lead a receiver? My beautiful, bouncing, bulging, Brazilian, baby boy made all three of his kicks, including a 46-yarder that was a NO-DOUBTER.</p>
<p id="8DVKj4"><strong>Biggest weakness:</strong> Running the dang ball. Wisconsin couldn’t do it and that meant Hornibrook had to huck it 40 times. That COULD NOT have been the game plan Paul Chryst and company prepared for this game. Tackling on a lot of those big plays was atrocious, which was so weird because Wisconsin is an excellent tackling team. The Badgers averaged under two yards per carry! I mean, are you kidding me? They couldn’t get a pass interference call on the last drive to offset their holding penalty. Didn’t lose the game for Wisconsin, but certainly didn’t help win it either.</p>
<p id="ipTyY8"><strong>This week’s schedule:</strong> Also Not the College Football Playoff, so I guess we are even with Ohio State here!</p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/7/16741858/wisconsin-football-the-b1g-roast-orange-bowl-miami-hurricanes-ohio-state-buckeyesDrew Hamm2017-12-05T14:27:53-06:002017-12-05T14:27:53-06:00Roundtable: Last look at Big Ten Championship Game; early Orange Bowl preview
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Big Ten Championship-Ohio State vs Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ibmnEh8AZuX-M4YXB0y-CSrYa4s=/188x238:3719x2592/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57867695/usa_today_10456544.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>OK, now THIS is probably our last look back at the Big Ten title game.</p> <p id="VHWXJC">The No. 6 <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> could not overcome early defensive mistakes, and with an Ohio State front seven <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/3/16729608/big-ten-championship-game-ohio-state-wisconsin-nick-bosa-jk-dobbins">overwhelming UW’s power running attack</a>, they fell 27–21 in the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night.</p>
<p id="2rkCuJ">Now, Wisconsin (12–1) looks ahead to a Miami Hurricanes (10–2) squad filled with speed and talent, but also missing <a href="http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/21611928/miami-hurricanes-lose-ahmmon-richards-season-knee-injury">some pieces on offense</a>. The Badgers will look to send out their seniors on a winning note once again.</p>
<p id="aWENh2">Our writers discuss what went down in Indianapolis this weekend, plus what is ahead in Wisconsin’s second consecutive New Year’s Six Bowl berth.</p>
<h3 id="p8UJD3">The Good: In a rough loss, what went well against Ohio State?</h3>
<p id="DD1tWj"><a href="https://twitter.com/RieseDraft">Owen Riese:</a> As always, the team displayed impressive and encouraging resiliency. I thought the game was going to end up a blowout when the Badgers went down 21–7 in the second quarter, but they were able to fight back and nearly win the damn game. A few missed tackles from being in the College Football Playoff. </p>
<p id="Oxfzvk"><a href="https://twitter.com/ThatsSoRyan85">Ryan Mellenthin:</a> Regardless of the big plays, Wisconsin’s top-ranked defense stood strong against a talented foe. Late in the game, Paul Chryst decided to punt it away and trust his defense to get a stop. They delivered as they have time and time again, forcing a three-and-out. Wisconsin looked poised on their final drive and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/12/3/16729432/ohio-state-wisconsin-final-score-results-big-ten-2017">SHOULD have gotten a DPI call</a> that would have offset their holding penalty, avoiding 1st-and-20. Getting those offsetting calls would have changed the landscape of the game dramatically and could have tipped scales in our direction.</p>
<p id="4sPqnw"><a href="https://twitter.com/rwiedenhoeft">Bob Wiedenhoeft:</a> I tried to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYRVT_QprIA&t=434s">rewatch the game</a> to find some specific positives, but it was a little too painful to go through so soon. There were very few positives and a whole lot of negatives due to OSU being an excellent team. OSU neutralized <span>Jonathan Taylor</span> and hit multiple big plays. <span>Alex Hornibrook</span> threw a red-zone interception that amounted to a 10-14-point swing. Wisconsin had several opportunities on offense to punish OSU’s over-aggressive defensive front through screen passes and misdirection, but rarely hit these opportunities. In spite of a nightmare scenario, Wisconsin had a chance to get the win on their last possession.</p>
<p id="UqSFRv"><a href="https://twitter.com/da_chief_24">Kevin O’Connell:</a> As crazy as it sounds, I was never too worried about this game getting out of hand, even when the Badgers went down 21–7. The defense has been so solid and reliable all season, and despite a few big plays, they largely kept the uber-talented Buckeyes in check. In fact, the most impressive part of the game was the way the whole team bounced back after falling behind early thanks to two long touchdown catches. It would have been really easy to fold in that spot, especially after last season’s Big Ten Championship Game, but the Badgers never wavered and had the opportunity to go to the College Football Playoff with one final touchdown drive. </p>
<h3 id="XO24HW">The Bad: There were some learnings. Which pop out the most?</h3>
<p id="EOjEPP"><strong>Owen:</strong> The Badgers are still a ways away from being equals of Ohio State from a talent perspective. Wisconsin loves their walk-ons, and for good reason, but those feel-good stories feel less good when the likes of <span>Joe Ferguson</span> are getting sprinted past in pass coverage. It looks to be improving, but Wisconsin is still attempting to shrink the talent gap between them and the Buckeyes.</p>
<p id="GoGG1o"><strong>Ryan: </strong>The biggest thing that stuck out to me is our susceptibility to allowing the big play on defense. Wisconsin allowed multiple plays of 50+ yards, the biggest difference in the game. While Wisconsin’s defense can hold the opposition usually, big plays are its major undoing. Hornibrook looked poised at moments of the game, but he crippled under pressure and threw many errant passes. In order for Wisconsin hope to return to this position next year, Hornibrook will need to be far more poised in the pocket.</p>
<p id="ApZrJr"><strong>Bob:</strong> Wisconsin’s offensive line is the best it’s been in years, but they are not quite back to the 2010 level that dominated the last time the Badgers beat OSU. Since they couldn’t make much separation, the Badgers did not consistently set up misdirections like jet sweeps. Because of this, Wisconsin couldn’t afford to miss on any opportunities.</p>
<p id="nlB4jX"><strong>Kevin:</strong> As good as Wisconsin’s secondary has been this year, they were beat over the top on a number of plays and the damage could have been worse if not for some overthrows by Ohio State quarterback <span>J.T.</span><span> Barrett</span>. The Badgers’ defensive backs also missed tackles in big spots, including missing two of them on <span>Parris Campbell’s</span> 57-yard catch-and-run touchdown. As was the case last year, the Badgers were snakebitten by long, explosive plays that kept the game just out of their reach.</p>
<h3 id="bDfrpq">Let’s skip game balls and talk about this season. How do you view it after Saturday’s game?</h3>
<p id="pSM211"><strong>Owen:</strong> It has to be an overwhelming success. They finished the regular season undefeated, for goodness sakes. It sucks that they fell short in the Big Ten Championship Game, but they can still finish 13–1 and in the top four or five. That’s incredible. </p>
<p id="8xQHWN"><strong>Ryan:</strong> Regardless of the loss, it was a success. A 12–0 season followed by a six-point loss in the Big Ten championship is still a success. Wisconsin started to show some speed in the skill positions, particularly at wide receiver, which is something they have been lacking in recent years. An undefeated regular season should hopefully attract some more skilled players, making this season a stepping stone to bigger and better things.</p>
<p id="OXwOkL"><strong>Bob:</strong> I feel about this season similarly to the 2004 season. Both teams had stellar defenses, both had inconsistent sophomore quarterbacks, both went undefeated for a long time (9–0 in 2004), and both missed a chance for a Big Ten title. The 2004 season ended in a more spectacular collapse, but it produces similar feelings. I’m happy for the ride, but I regret what could have been. 2017 has been a key step forward for this program breaking through the ceiling. The Orange Bowl would be another important step. However, 2017 could have been <em>the definitive</em> step forward.</p>
<p id="Ff43rA"><strong>Kevin:</strong> I know we all talk about Wisconsin “taking the next step” but I truly believe this season has set the table for a long run of success not just in the Big Ten but on the national stage. Despite receiving plenty of flack from doubters across the media, the fact Wisconsin has been in the national spotlight for 10+ weeks has been awesome for the program. To go 12–0, no matter how soft the schedule, is a hell of an accomplishment and something that Paul Chryst and co., should feel extremely proud about. </p>
<h3 id="9NVoHL">Up Next: Miami. Capital One Orange Bowl. What are the early keys to the Badgers sending out the seniors with a 13–1 record?</h3>
<p id="bUQC8N"><strong>Owen:</strong> As we saw on Saturday, if Wisconsin can’t run the ball, they’re in trouble offensively. It’ll be crucial to establish the run game early vs. the Hurricanes to open up opportunities in the passing game. </p>
<p id="2CIG0D"><strong>Ryan:</strong> Establish. The. Run. Game. When JTT gets going, good things happen. They will also need to keep the ball and not give the Hurricanes a reason to put on their precious turnover chain.</p>
<p id="FzVB5t"><strong>Bob: </strong>Miami is not as good as Ohio State. I think these two teams followed a similar story this year, but Miami buckled and Wisconsin stood tall. I think if they avoid 50-plus-yard touchdowns and don’t turn the ball over more than twice, they’ve got this. I am not worried at all about establishing the run. This game could be like the 2015 Outback Bowl with respect to the run; the week after OSU bottled up Melvin Gordon (76 yards, 2.9 per carry), he exploded for 258 yards and 7.4 per carry. Finally, it’s not about beating Miami, it’s about making a statement. Doesn’t have to be a blowout to do so, but you want them to play their best game of the year.</p>
<p id="noxNOk"><strong>Kevin:</strong> Miami has tons of talent but they have been so up and down this season that I’m fairly confident in Wisconsin’s chances in this game. The key will be limiting turnovers. The turnover chain has been well-documented for good reason, as the Hurricanes lead the country in turnover margin and could force Hornibrook into some difficult throws. If the Badgers can’t establish a running game, the offense could be in trouble, especially in a de facto road game.</p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/5/16736898/wisconsin-football-miami-orange-bowl-ohio-state-big-ten-championshipJake KocorowskiOwen RieseBobWiedenhoeftKevin O'ConnellRyan Mellenthin2017-12-04T12:56:33-06:002017-12-04T12:56:33-06:00B5Q5Q: Final thoughts on the Big Ten Championship Game
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Big Ten Championship-Ohio State vs Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PkHeOxuASshNNeVuAgrTKd7NT9k=/0x254:3017x2265/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57851157/usa_today_10456565.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After a couple of days to digest Saturday night, here’s what’s we’re still thinking about.</p> <p id="qMrwY8">Admittedly on a Monday morning, I’m still recovering from this weekend.</p>
<p id="FR1qWx">No, not from the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/2/16728662/big-ten-championship-game-wisconsin-ohio-state-recap-alex-hornibrook-jt-barrett">27–21 loss</a> the No. 6 <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> suffered in the Big Ten Championship Game.</p>
<p id="nfyGFx">More like the travel and less than three hours of sleep after writing, uploading, and publishing content all Saturday night. I’m not that young, spry, 22-year-old senior who can pull an all-nighter anymore. Three kids, married life, and a career will apparently do that to you, and a five-hour-plus drive through the <s>rolling hills</s> flat land of Illinois is what you’d think it would be, though I had some wonderful company with me on the travels.</p>
<p id="r4R91Z">But hey, I enjoyed my first Waffle House experience ... maybe too much. Gut still feels it today.</p>
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<p id="BdedBy">Despite the playoff-disintegrating, national title-crushing loss on Saturday night, there is still a lot to look forward to for Wisconsin to end the season. Potentially 13 wins, a second New Year’s Six bowl in three years under the guidance of Paul Chryst, and the forward trajectory continuing for the football program are all things for the Badgers to pride themselves on <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/3/16730264/college-football-bowls-schedule-wisconsin-miami-orange-bowl">heading into the Orange Bowl</a>.</p>
<p id="KWAloV">Despite Miami’s two-loss downswing at the end of the year, the ACC Coastal champion boasts an offense averaging 422.9 yards (164.7 rushing, 258.2 passing) and 31.9 points per game heading into the Dec. 30 clash with Wisconsin.</p>
<p id="KXgBbs">The Hurricanes’ defense only allows 18.3 points per game, good for 18th in the FBS while placing 11th in defensive pass efficiency (109.01). They do allow 152.4 yards per game on the ground, but there is that reputation for creating turnovers (hello, “Turnover Chain”).</p>
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Virginia at Miami" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rqZRx_xgioUeTuSIRxO_IaqYp9k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9807217/usa_today_10420645.jpg">
<cite>Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="uI6T6u">Miami is first in turnover margin (+17) and fourth in the nation in takeaways gained altogether (29).</p>
<p id="Batd5R">This will be a game Wisconsin can win, but it will have to not shoot itself in the foot and control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball—which have been narratives (both positive and negative) throughout the season.</p>
<p id="Rp2Dy3">Another reason to care: a senior class that has helped the last three teams win their final game. The 13 departing seniors have allowed their predecessors before them, from the 2015 Outback Bowl with athletic director Barry Alvarez leading the squad through last year’s Cotton Bowl, to go out on top.</p>
<p id="vXNPOE">UWBadgers.com’s Andy Baggot <a href="http://www.uwbadgers.com/news/2017/12/3/football-baggot-resilience-and-spirit-of-seniors-key-to-historic-season.aspx">detailed this weekend</a> what this class—with 44 victories, the winningest in school history—has gone through.</p>
<p id="1yruwN">It will in all likelihood mean something to senior cornerback <span>Derrick Tindal</span>, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native, along with Miami native and fellow cornerback <span>Dontye Carriere-Williams</span> (St. Thomas Aquinas). <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/uwbadgers.com/documents/2017/11/27/Gm13_WIS_Game_Notes_OSU_BTCG_171202_Web.pdf">Eight Wisconsin players</a> are from the Sunshine State, including freshman <span>Faion Hicks</span> (a Miami native and Flanagan High School product) and starting safeties <span>D’Cota Dixon</span> and <span>Natrell Jamerson</span> (technically, they hail from Oak Hill and Ocala, respectively—it’s a big state and still a decent drive to Miami).</p>
<p id="BWJkOd">It will not be a cakewalk, but Wisconsin has another chance to knock off a nationally-respected (and now resurgent) program. The Badgers have beaten the likes of Auburn, USC, and LSU in recent years. Why not add “The U” to the list?</p>
<h3 id="Af1GeR">Game balls</h3>
<h4 id="ex2ZCz"><span>Andrew Van Ginkel</span></h4>
<p id="R73fJ5">The redshirt junior has been a pleasant surprise and a playmaker in his first year as a Badger. On Saturday night, his first-quarter pick-six and the strip/recovery on <span>Mike Weber</span> contributed to Wisconsin’s 10 first-half points.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">And here we go. Andrew Van Ginkel picks off J.T. Barrett for an easy touchdown. 7-7 in Indy. <a href="https://t.co/qyCS6OsyJd">pic.twitter.com/qyCS6OsyJd</a></p>— Eleven Warriors (@11W) <a href="https://twitter.com/11W/status/937137921953619968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">World, meet Andrew Van Ginkel.<a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewVanGinkel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AndrewVanGinkel</a>, world.<br><br>The LB is making big plays for <a href="https://twitter.com/BadgerFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BadgerFootball</a>. <a href="https://t.co/ZKtXrN0wvW">pic.twitter.com/ZKtXrN0wvW</a></p>— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigTenNetwork/status/937149538556526593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a>
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<p id="vOe5E2">The former junior college transfer ranks fourth on the team in tackles for loss (nine) and is tied for second in sacks (5.5).</p>
<h4 id="G97zdt"><span>Anthony Lotti</span></h4>
<p id="7vYxP1">#PuntersGetGameBallsToo. The sophomore punter averaged nearly 45 yards per punt on eight attempts. He now holds the record for punts and yards (359) in Big Ten Championship Game history. He punted a conference game-record eight times for 359 yards. His 44.9 yard-per-punt average is fifth-best in the game itself.</p>
<h4 id="DoYMO0"><span>Zach Hintze</span></h4>
<p id="4OAP71">#YesKickersGetGameBallsToo. Hintze nailed all five kickoffs for touchbacks. Honestly, the special teams outside of the returners were magnificent on Saturday night, including <span>Rafael Gaglianone</span> drilling two field goals. For the season, the walk-on has kicked off 72 times, with 50 of them resulting in touchbacks.</p>
<div id="c9f9rW">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wisconsin's kickoffs have been incredible tonight. And I have no shame in saying that.</p>— Mike Fiammetta (@mikefiammetta) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikefiammetta/status/937175249442963457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a>
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<h4 id="efi39d"><span>Austin Ramesh</span></h4>
<p id="ZGCGu3">We know his versatility within Wisconsin’s offense, and with two big receptions this weekend, he showed he could make a living in the NFL.</p>
<h3 id="lgNBjO">Plays of the game</h3>
<h4 id="1bvUbR">Ohio State’s four big “chunk” plays</h4>
<p id="cjwrvG">Out of the 449 yards gained against the Badgers on Saturday night, 271 were from four plays. We <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/3/16729578/big-ten-championship-game-ohio-state-wisconsin-tj-edwards-ryan-connelly">broke that down</a> on Sunday, but it was uncharacteristic of Jim Leonhard’s unit and what ultimately led to defeat.</p>
<h4 id="QWj6WF">The red-zone interception thrown by <span>Alex Hornibrook</span> in the first quarter</h4>
<p id="wuBy4u">It essentially set up Ohio State’s first touchdown on <span>J.T. Barrett’s</span> 84-yard pass and thwarted Wisconsin’s attempt at points on its second drive. A potential 14-point, essentially 10-point swing started the Badgers off on the wrong foot in the opening quarter.</p>
<p id="GaU9dE"><em>For those saying this loss was on Hornibrook</em><em>: H</em><em>e may not have had the best game, but this one was on the offensive line and rushing attack being dominated by Ohio State’s front seven. </em></p>
<h4 id="GhjnZ5">The no-call on Wisconsin’s final offensive drive</h4>
<p id="6eSpRf">I absolutely detest calling out the refs in any manner for a game’s outcome. You cannot let the zebras decide the contest.</p>
<p id="0iVTTC">And yet, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/12/3/16729432/ohio-state-wisconsin-final-score-results-big-ten-2017">this no-call of defensive pass interference</a> of <span>Danny Davis</span>—combined with <span>Michael Deiter’s</span> holding penalty on the same play—stalled out the offense’s last breath of an attempt to win the game.</p>
<div id="IUXMOn"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/F7lT3vCYbLisRLpZ1awmHnpLAl4=/0x0:532x300/720x0/filters:focal(0x0:532x300):gifv():no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9798629/zapruder.0.gif" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="EKWwpd">Four consecutive completions set up a 1st-and-10 at Ohio State’s 43-yard line and momentum was climbing. If that penalty is called, the two against both teams offset and you replay the down at the 43. Wisconsin could not overcome the extra 10 yards near midfield on the final four plays after that.</p>
<p id="U4yv2m">It was an obvious miss by the refs, but to be fair, plenty other plays ultimately decided this game. This one just cemented Wisconsin’s fate in the final couple of minutes.</p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/4/16731762/wisconsin-football-miami-orange-bowl-ohio-state-big-ten-championship-gameJake Kocorowski2017-12-04T06:00:02-06:002017-12-04T06:00:02-06:00Grading Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship loss to Ohio State
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<img alt="Big Ten Championship - Ohio State v Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rwdd0qOg2ZSJsqP7dXvuebUU7MQ=/0x0:4152x2768/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57841967/884609564.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Badgers come up just short against the Buckeyes.</p> <p id="GqKuNF">Aw man.</p>
<p id="VWhF61">For the second year in a row, the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> experienced heartbreak in the Big Ten Championship Game, <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/2/16728662/big-ten-championship-game-wisconsin-ohio-state-recap-alex-hornibrook-jt-barrett">dropping a close 27–21 contest</a> to the <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/">Ohio State Buckeyes</a>.</p>
<p id="VM4I9q">As against Penn State last year, the defense gave up big plays and the offense had costly mental errors that led to the defeat. Here are the unit grades:</p>
<h3 id="XhfVVw">Offense: D+</h3>
<p id="JVpRNH">Coming into the game, the consensus was that success or failure rested on the shoulders of redshirt sophomore quarterback <span>Alex Hornibrook</span>. From the jump, it was clear that the Buckeyes were going to make the mistake-prone signal caller beat them and he was unable to do so. </p>
<p id="4eHOxw">Hornibrook killed Wisconsin’s first solid drive with a red-zone interception and spent much of the game overthrowing receivers. His performance on the final series of the game was particularly bad, overthrowing several receivers before uncorking a game-ending interception.</p>
<aside id="NsRWOh"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Wisconsin will face Miami in the Orange Bowl [UPDATED]","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/3/16730264/college-football-bowls-schedule-wisconsin-miami-orange-bowl"},{"title":"3 things we learned from Wisconsin’s loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/2/16728856/big-ten-championship-wisconsin-ohio-state-alex-hornibrook-urban-meyer"}]}'></div></aside><p id="cGA36n">With Hornibrook unable to shake the Ohio State defense loose, the Buckeyes put eight men in the box and choked the Wisconsin run game. Heralded freshman <span>Jonathan Taylor</span> was unable to get much of anything going on the ground against a stacked line. Wisconsin managed just 60 yards rushing.</p>
<p id="eXd0wI">Mental mistakes on the offensive line, a recurring issue throughout the season, burned the Badgers, with penalties erasing a touchdown in the first half and bringing back a big Taylor catch late in the third quarter.</p>
<h3 id="RAADPy">Defense: B-</h3>
<aside id="MIvtLc"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Defense gives up big plays, still keeps Wisconsin in contention in loss to Ohio State","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/3/16729578/big-ten-championship-game-ohio-state-wisconsin-tj-edwards-ryan-connelly"},{"title":"Ohio State’s run game, front seven created problems for Wisconsin","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/3/16729608/big-ten-championship-game-ohio-state-wisconsin-nick-bosa-jk-dobbins"}]}'></div></aside><p id="WjjoqI">It was a game of extremes for the talented Wisconsin defense.</p>
<p id="BJmkMO">On the one hand, Wisconsin gave up multiple big plays on the ground and through the air. Missed tackles burned the Badgers in the first half and allowed Ohio State to rack up 21 points off huge gains. Ohio State finished with 238 yards rushing and 211 yards through the air.</p>
<p id="4NHM6v">On the other hand, Wisconsin managed to score on a <span>Andrew Van Ginkel</span> pick-six and forced several turnovers that kept Wisconsin in the game. Had the offense been able to take some of the pressure off, the Badgers’ D would have done enough to win, picking off Buckeyes quarterback <span>J.T. Barrett</span> twice and keeping the Ohio State offense in check much of the second half.</p>
<h3 id="VwIHQW">Special Teams: A-</h3>
<p id="BSuSKr">Kicker <span>Rafael Gaglianone</span> made both field goal attempts and all PATs. Punter <span>Anthony Lotti</span> had a couple of strong punts, including a 50-yarder late in the fourth to pin Ohio State deep and give Wisconsin a chance to win after the defense held the Buckeyes to a three-and-out. Kick-off specialist <span>Zach Hintze</span> put all five of his kickoffs into the endzone for touchbacks. <span>Nick Nelson</span> blocked a field goal at the end of the first half.</p>
<h3 id="1onpcb">Coaching: B</h3>
<p id="LQi1A0">Offensively, Wisconsin moved the ball and should have done more if Hornibrook hadn’t missed some wide-open throws. The Badgers emptied the playbook, including a <span>Garrett Groshek</span> pass to Hornibrook in the red zone at the start of the fourth quarter that led to a nine-yard gain.</p>
<p id="6skTcs">The Badgers’ decision to go for two after an early fourth-quarter touchdown after one of the worst field-quality disasters in indoor stadium history was successful.</p>
<div id="slJUgn">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not all heroes wear capes <a href="https://t.co/v3Y6TYUBDb">pic.twitter.com/v3Y6TYUBDb</a></p>— SB Nation (@SBNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBNation/status/937173529765785600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a>
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<p id="HL3HoH">Defensively, the big plays hurt. Much of the damage was caused by missed tackles, but the aggressive positioning of the safeties left no margin for error.</p>
<h3 id="AguwM3">Overall: C</h3>
<p id="33StZ4">When it comes to playing a team with superior individual talent, execution has to be better than your opponent’s. That was simply not the case in Indy. Mental errors leading to turnovers, costly penalties, and big plays by the opposing offense were the difference.</p>
<p id="tYrK1d">It has been a magical season for Wisconsin and if this game was played 10 times, who knows how many the Badgers would win. They gave themselves a chance to win, but in the end came up just short.</p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/4/16729332/big-ten-championship-game-ohio-state-wisconsin-gradesJon Beidelschies2017-12-03T14:08:29-06:002017-12-03T14:08:29-06:00Wisconsin will face Miami in the Orange Bowl [UPDATED]
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<p>The Badgers finish No. 6 in the playoff rankings.</p> <p id="Rvykot">After a <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/2/16728662/big-ten-championship-game-wisconsin-ohio-state-recap-alex-hornibrook-jt-barrett">heart-wrenching, 27–21 loss</a> in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday night, the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> learned their bowl fate on Sunday.</p>
<p id="ocCLKe"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/12/3/16729506/college-football-playoff-rankings-final-2017-updated-new-released-full-top-25">The final College Football Playoff rankings</a> pegged the Badgers (12–1) as the No. 6 team in the country. With Ohio State missing the playoff at No. 5, Wisconsin will head to the Orange Bowl and face the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes (10–2).</p>
<p id="7ZDeeT">The Orange Bowl is scheduled for Dec. 30, 7 p.m. CT., at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. This will be the second consecutive season the Badgers play in a New Year’s Six Bowl. Wisconsin defeated Western Michigan in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl to cap the 2016 season.</p>
<div id="ujJ32P">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">No. 10 Miami vs. No. 6 Wisconsin in the <a href="https://twitter.com/OrangeBowl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OrangeBowl</a> <a href="https://t.co/esWpVp2BmL">pic.twitter.com/esWpVp2BmL</a></p>— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff/status/937412598395494401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a>
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<p id="Rdpb0b">Miami started the season off hot and worked its way up to No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings, but lost its regular-season finale to Pitt and was then blown out by No. 1 Clemson in a 38–3 ACC Championship Game loss on Saturday night. The Hurricanes, however, have re-emerged under the guidance of former Georgia head coach Mark Richt.</p>
<p id="JMwNxd">Wisconsin finished No. 6 in the final playoff rankings released on Sunday. The Badgers’ loss to Ohio State on Saturday night doomed their playoff hopes, though the committee wasn’t impressed enough with the Buckeyes to put them into the playoff. Perhaps it was Ohio State’s 31-point loss to Iowa or its status as a two-loss team, but Alabama received the final playoff spot at No. 4. Ohio State will play No. 8 USC in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 29.</p>
<div id="eeYceL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Buckeyes finish No. 5, while Wisconsin is No. 6. Looks like the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badgers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Badgers</a> will head to the Orange Bowl vs. Miami. <a href="https://t.co/2XLTfiPZDl">pic.twitter.com/2XLTfiPZDl</a></p>— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) <a href="https://twitter.com/B5Q/status/937375385414664192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a>
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<p id="nL0u65">Wisconsin and Miami have <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/play-index/rivals.cgi?request=1&school_id=wisconsin&opp_id=miami-fl#results::none">faced each other four times</a>, with each program winning two games. The most recent match-up was in the 2009 Champs Sports Bowl, when the Badgers defeated the Hurricanes 20–14.</p>
<p id="Y7zdZo"><em>Stay tuned to B5Q—we’ll have much more on the match-up with Miami throughout the week.</em></p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/3/16730264/college-football-bowls-schedule-wisconsin-miami-orange-bowlJake KocorowskiMike Fiammetta2017-12-03T13:11:33-06:002017-12-03T13:11:33-06:00Revised bowl projections for Wisconsin
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<img alt="Big Ten Championship - Ohio State v Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/j1IO7wY7UrcuG5eExIaZM5W9E84=/0x0:3323x2215/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57837487/884601884.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Where will the Badgers land?</p> <p id="qkPgtW"><em><strong>Update:</strong></em><em> Wisconsin finished at No. 6 in the final College Football Playoff rankings </em><a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/3/16730264/college-football-bowls-schedule-wisconsin-miami-orange-bowl"><em>and is likely playing No. 10 Miami in the Orange Bowl</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="YRhtlA">
<p id="51GIZg">With the sting of Wisconsin’s <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/2/16728662/big-ten-championship-game-wisconsin-ohio-state-recap-alex-hornibrook-jt-barrett">narrow Big Ten Championship Game loss</a> to Ohio State still fresh, fans can take solace in the fact that the Badgers are heading to their second straight New Year’s Six bowl.</p>
<p id="SykCTe">Hours before the selection show, here are the possibilities for Wisconsin’s landing spot, along with the <s>swinging, wild guess</s> estimated likelihood of each outcome.</p>
<p id="79ILQA"><strong>Orange Bowl vs. Miami (45</strong><strong> percent</strong><strong>)</strong><strong>:</strong> The Orange gets the highest-ranked non-College Football Playoff finisher in the Big Ten, SEC, or Notre Dame to take on an ACC representative. However, the Big Ten champion cannot play in the Orange Bowl, so there’s no Ohio State here if it misses the CFP. “The U” is coming off a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/12/2/16727524/miami-clemson-2017-final-score-acc-championship">shelling by Clemson</a> in the ACC Championship Game, but is still 10–2 and will be a huge draw for the Miami-based bowl. Wisconsin has never played in the Orange Bowl.</p>
<p id="zLOKnj">Things that need to happen: Alabama makes the CFP; Wisconsin finishes ahead of Auburn in final rankings.</p>
<p id="81Yzq5"><strong>Fiesta Bowl vs. USC (35</strong><strong> percent</strong><strong>)</strong><strong>:</strong> The Fiesta seems destined to grab a Big Ten team to play the Trojans. Ohio State cannot go to the Orange Bowl, so if they miss the CFP, it’ll almost assuredly be the Buckeyes in Tempe for the third straight year. However, if Ohio State makes the CFP, that pushes Alabama to the Orange and likely sets up a 2015 Holiday Bowl rematch out west. Wisconsin has never played in the Fiesta Bowl. </p>
<p id="8E3a4x">Things that need to happen: Ohio State to the CFP.</p>
<p id="mx8LYe"><strong>Peach Bowl vs. Central Florida (25</strong><strong> percent</strong><strong>)</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> </strong>The Peach is expected to be the Group of Five landing spot this year, a role filled by the Cotton Bowl last year. The Golden Knights went <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/12/2/16711396/ucf-memphis-final-score-results-2017">undefeated this season</a> under the helm of new <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/12/2/16605612/scott-frost-nebraska-coach-hired-ucf-official">Nebraska coach Scott Frost</a>, who may or may not <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/12/2/16728676/scott-frost-coaching-ucf-bowl-in-bowl-game">coach in the bowl game</a> for UCF though he has already been officially announced as the coach of the Huskers. If Alabama makes the CFP, look to Auburn’s final rankings—if the Tigers finish higher than the Badgers, then Wisconsin is Atlanta-bound. Wisconsin has never played in the Peach Bowl.</p>
<p id="Xjy4Ds">Things that need to happen: Alabama to CFP; Auburn finishes ahead of Wisconsin in the final rankings.</p>
<p id="fyQRGO"><strong>Cotton Bowl vs. IDK, TCU, maybe (5</strong><strong> percent</strong><strong>)</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> </strong>It’s possible, I suppose, but highly unlikely that Wisconsin will be placed here for the second year in a row.</p>
<p id="kqhJOk">Things that need to happen: Weird stuff, man.</p>
<p id="j8MYXi"><strong>Other (0</strong><strong> percent</strong><strong>)</strong><strong>:</strong><strong> </strong>The Badgers are not slipping out of the New Year’s Six. </p>
<p id="jej5r0">Ok, B5Q commentariat: Where are you most excited about the Badgers landing? Which match-up do you want?</p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/3/16729862/college-football-bowl-projections-wisconsin-badgers-orange-fiesta-peach-cottonJon Beidelschies2017-12-03T11:06:07-06:002017-12-03T11:06:07-06:00Wisconsin’s defense gave up big plays, but kept the Badgers in it until the end
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<img alt="Big Ten Championship - Ohio State v Wisconsin" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pLlbbS-L31k0D86B_rzrBcdxHeY=/90x148:3468x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57838099/884610582.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Against their toughest competition yet, the Badgers’ defense bent and nearly didn’t break.</p> <p id="ZQqiPH">INDIANAPOLIS — The <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a>’ defense came into Saturday night’s Big Ten Championship Game having allowed only 10 points and 433 yards over its last three games.</p>
<p id="tZ09NB">It entered arguably the biggest game in program history leading the nation in total and rush defense (236.9 and 80.5 yards per game, respectively), and ranking second in scoring defense (12.0) and passing yards allowed (156.4 yards).</p>
<p id="G3xV7V">The No. 8 <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/">Ohio State Buckeyes</a>’ offensive speed and talent would be the hardest challenge Wisconsin faced this year, and for the first half of <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/2/16728662/big-ten-championship-game-wisconsin-ohio-state-recap-alex-hornibrook-jt-barrett">Saturday night’s 27–21 loss</a> inside Lucas Oil Stadium, after a season of dominating opponents, the Badgers’ defense broke rather than bent in allowing four key plays that heavily influenced the game’s outcome.</p>
<aside id="5ylMmV"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Ohio State’s run game, front seven created problems for Wisconsin","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/3/16729608/big-ten-championship-game-ohio-state-wisconsin-nick-bosa-jk-dobbins"},{"title":"3 things we learned from Wisconsin’s loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/2/16728856/big-ten-championship-wisconsin-ohio-state-alex-hornibrook-urban-meyer"}]}'></div></aside><p id="CFmUrs">It was uncharacteristic for this unit, but the defense’s effort also kept the team in the game right up until Wisconsin’s final offensive drive.</p>
<p id="taEoaT">“We normally don’t give up big plays and we did today, so it’s something we have to address,” inside linebacker <span>T.J. Edwards</span> said. “When you give up big plays like that early on, you put our offense in a bind, and we kind of did that towards the end.</p>
<p id="AqzMQB">“I thought we fixed in the second half and played better, but to play a half like that in the first, you’re not going to win against these teams like this.”</p>
<div id="4r9jeZ"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BtJ8uJXAkm4?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="XPapOk">The Badgers allowed a season-high 449 yards—309 in the first half alone—with two big passes and a run in the first two quarters that gouged the defense in a fashion not often seen during the 2017 season.</p>
<p id="JjRC2X">In all, four “chunk” plays totaled 271 of Ohio State’s 449 yards in the loss that crushed Wisconsin’s chances at a College Football Playoff spot.</p>
<p id="MuKfA2">“They just made some good plays,” inside linebacker <span>Ryan Connelly</span> said after leading the Badgers in tackles (nine). “They have some explosive guys and they exposed us a little bit here and there, and they capitalized on those plays I’d say.”</p>
<p id="VmRwVr">Two completions gained 141 yards, both touchdowns, and with two long runs by true freshman running back <span>J.K. Dobbins</span> that tallied 130 yards, a couple of factors played into it.</p>
<p id="Qc4WyY">“Just guys were out of the gaps some of the time and some missed tackles, a little of both,” Connelly said.</p>
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<p id="QANpbQ">Head coach Paul Chryst echoed similar sentiments.</p>
<p id="nmWXWT">“Well I think if you look back at it, one, it’s a good offense,” Chryst said. “There’s going to be times where you, whether it’s a tackle in space or everyone’s got to be in that gap, and they made some plays. Certainly some big ones, and credit to them, but guys kept coming back and playing.</p>
<p id="QGZ9fv">“We certainly felt like they were a good offense and they were going to make some plays, and we just had to keep playing.”</p>
<p id="8OVmfP">Wisconsin’s defense had been <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/10/22/16515096/wisconsin-football-highlights-tj-edwards-maryland">dominant in sudden-change situations</a>, allowing only six scores (three touchdowns and three field goals) over 18 drives. <span>Alex Hornibrook’s</span> red-zone interception in the first quarter forced Ohio State into a 3rd-and-7 from Ohio State’s 7-yard line. Barrett, despite undergoing surgery on his knee earlier in the week, scrambled and eluded <span>Alec James’s</span> tackle to move the chains.</p>
<p id="A7Eea3">One play later, Barrett found <span>Terry McLaurin</span> with safety <span>Joe Ferguson</span> apparently in coverage for an 84-yard touchdown. That four-play, 96-yard drive was the longest in conference championship game history, with the touchdown itself the second longest in the game’s history.</p>
<p id="hB7Cf8">It wasn’t all bad for Wisconsin’s defense in the first half, as it appeared to atone for the early blunder by tying up the game at 7–7 when it got back on the field.</p>
<p id="oHLSHj">On Ohio State’s next offensive possession, Barrett rolled right on 2nd-and-7 and threw into the flat. Outside linebacker <span>Andrew Van Ginkel</span> reached out and snagged the pass, and returned it nine yards for Wisconsin’s fifth pick-six of the season.</p>
<p id="EAGwhf">“He was flying around. It was good to see,” Connelly said. “On that play, he was just doing his job, running to the flat. [Barrett] literally threw it right to him and he did his job, caught it and scored.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That's the No. 1 defense in the country y'all <a href="https://t.co/ICsNmucx7e">pic.twitter.com/ICsNmucx7e</a></p>— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/937139475322347520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a>
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<p id="kVIoo6">Yet the defense would allow another big touchdown when it got back on the field, and like the first score allowed, it was on a four-play drive that ended with a big pass.</p>
<p id="80kCaP">On a 2nd-and-10 from the OSU 43-yard line, Barrett threw a bubble screen out to <span>Parris Campbell</span>. Senior safety <span>Natrell Jamerson</span> and redshirt junior cornerback <span>Nick Nelson</span> both missed key opportunities to halt the wide receiver before he hit the open field.</p>
<p id="hxTTNr">Fifty-seven yards later, Wisconsin found itself trailing once again, 14–7.</p>
<p id="ntVVUL">Two drives later, Ohio State showcased its burst in the rushing game with Dobbins’s 77-yard run that led to Barrett’s one-yard push across the goal line to make it a 21–7 advantage.</p>
<p id="cH2Zbz">On that big run, which helped Dobbins rush for 174 yards on 17 carries and earn the game’s Most Valuable Player accolade, senior defensive end <span>Conor Sheehy</span> missed a tackle, with no one behind him to stop the true freshman from sprinting down the field.</p>
<p id="37OMbi">“[We] did some uncharacteristic things tonight, but that’s a really good football team with a lot of good playmakers that can hurt you in a lot of different ways,” Edwards said. “I thought we played a great second half, but we didn’t play a good first half as a defense to get it done.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">he's a freshman <a href="https://t.co/X2T5NL8lWS">pic.twitter.com/X2T5NL8lWS</a></p>— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/937149407392284672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a>
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<p id="N9BPIz">For the most part, Wisconsin did its part in the second half, and even towards the end of the first 30 minutes of the game. Van Ginkel showed up once again, stripping <span>Mike Weber</span> with about five-and-a-half minutes remaining in the second quarter, recovering the fumble that eventually led to <span>Rafael Gaglianone’s</span> 28-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 21–10.</p>
<p id="Q3S5Rp">In the final 30 minutes, Wisconsin held Ohio State to only six points and 140 yards. Dobbins’ second big run of the game, the 53-yarder in the third quarter, led to a Buckeyes 27-yard field goal to push the lead to 24–13.</p>
<p id="bbsgge">Following that, the longest play Wisconsin gave up was a 12-yard completion. It also forced Barrett’s second interception of the game that led to the team’s first offensive touchdown of the game.</p>
<p id="LeoFGF">On a 3rd-and-4, Barrett rolled out to the right and threw to tight end <span>Marcus Baugh</span>. It bounced off his hands and right into the arms of outside linebacker <span>Leon Jacobs</span>.</p>
<p id="IRmdGz">“I think we all take pride in our defense, so I don’t think we were going to let it just slip away from us,” Connelly said. “I wouldn’t expect anything less of these guys to respond any other way.”</p>
<p id="olCOb5">Though a late field goal after a 15-play, 79-yard drive that shaved over seven minutes off the clock gave Ohio State the six-point advantage it would not relinquish, Wisconsin’s defense adjusted like it had throughout this season.</p>
<p id="TOVilA">Wisconsin held Ohio State to zero touchdowns in the final two quarters, the first time the Buckeyes did not find the end zone in the second half this season.</p>
<p id="gihBSW">Barrett only completed 12 of 26 passes for 211 yards with the two touchdowns and two interceptions, and he also missed three more big passes—two potential scores in the first half, and a throw to Dobbins in the flat on Ohio State’s second-to-last drive that would have sealed the win.</p>
<p id="ifRTXI">That allowed the Badgers to stay in the game until the very end, but the uncharacteristic, surprising lack of execution seen in the first half set a tone that was hard to overcome.</p>
<p id="UZdZAG">“I thought we fought like crazy but we gave up those big plays, those big runs,” Edwards said. “You’re not going to beat teams like this.”</p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/3/16729578/big-ten-championship-game-ohio-state-wisconsin-tj-edwards-ryan-connellyJake Kocorowski2017-12-03T10:32:04-06:002017-12-03T10:32:04-06:00Ohio State’s run game, front seven created problems for Wisconsin
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<p>The Badgers struggled in a couple of areas they normally excel in.</p> <p id="8GRY65">INDIANAPOLIS — All week long, and all season long, people lauded the <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/">Wisconsin Badgers</a> for their identity and how strongly they believe in it. They live by the sword, and ultimately <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/2/16728662/big-ten-championship-game-wisconsin-ohio-state-recap-alex-hornibrook-jt-barrett">died by the sword</a> on Saturday. </p>
<p id="J8i8Rm">The Badgers run the ball and stop the run. They struggled in both departments in the Big Ten Championship Game, and it ultimately cost them their ultimate prize. Ohio State rushed for 238 yards, led by true freshman <span>J.K. Dobbins’</span> 174, and controlled the first half of the game with big plays. Dobbins had two plays, a 77-yard rush that led to Ohio State’s first touchdown and a 53-yard gain that led to another Buckeye score, that really crippled the Badgers’ defense. With safeties brought up close to the line of scrimmage, one missed tackle was all it took for the speedy Ohio State back to be off to the races.</p>
<aside id="PzWJhQ"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Revised Wisconsin bowl projections after Big Ten Championship Game loss","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/3/16729862/college-football-bowl-projections-wisconsin-badgers-orange-fiesta-peach-cotton"},{"title":"3 things we learned from Wisconsin’s loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game","url":"https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/2/16728856/big-ten-championship-wisconsin-ohio-state-alex-hornibrook-urban-meyer"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="CXo30U">Buckeye run game stymies Badgers</h3>
<p id="LjvCoC">Ohio State has one of the more complex run schemes in the country, and it gave the Wisconsin linebackers fits. </p>
<p id="xxEOp2">“It’s just being disciplined, something we’ve been really good at all year,” senior linebacker <span>T.J. Edwards</span> said after the game. “We did some uncharacteristic things tonight, but that’s a really good football team with a lot of good players that can hurt you in different ways.”</p>
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<p id="qxytwG">Edwards’s comments echoed those of a clearly dejected <span>Ryan Connelly</span>. The Badgers’ junior leader in tackles for the season led them with nine tackles Saturday night, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Buckeyes from winning the run-game battle. </p>
<p id="XAj8KR">“The toughest thing for me was how patient <span>J.</span><span>T. Barrett </span>was,” Connelly said. “Normally we like to play downhill and fast, but he would just wait, and wait, and wait, and it made things frustrating.”</p>
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<p id="gDpuyx">Arguably the toughest aspect of the Ohio State run game is the element of the quarterback as a rushing threat, which gains the offense a numbers advantage from a blocking standpoint. While much was made of Barrett’s health after having a knee procedure earlier in the week, his effectiveness as a runner was a catalyst for Ohio State, who turned to Barrett in nearly every short-yardage situation, including a fourth down near the end of the game that Barrett got by less than a yard. </p>
<p id="iuJTCi">“You kind of have to get a feel of it,” Junior <span>Andrew Van Ginkel</span> said. “They’re very good at being patient, and as soon as they see a hole, they hit it. All we can do is stick in our gaps and make an opportunity when it comes.”</p>
<h3 id="ancyaN">Buckeye front seven shuts down Badger run game</h3>
<p id="CFWRFX">Asked to identify the last game he played in where his longest rush was seven yards, the only response <span>Jonathan Taylor </span>could muster was, “It’s definitely been a while.” </p>
<p id="0rrmUs">The Badgers, known for their tough rushing attack, finished the game with 32 carries for 60 yards, a simply unacceptable total for a team whose meat and potatoes is running between the tackles. <span>Alex Hornibrook </span>finished with 40 passing attempts, which isn’t this team’s optimal mode of operations. While I think the Badgers would be first to admit they didn’t execute well enough to win, what can’t be lost was the opposition they faced.</p>
<p id="77E8bh"><span>Nick Bosa,</span> the younger brother of the San Diego Chargers’ <span>Joey Bosa</span>, is a future high first-round pick. <span>Sam Hubbard,</span> the “other” defensive end, will be a top-two-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft. <span>Dre’Mont Jones</span>, <span>Jalyn Holmes,</span> <span>Tyqwan Lewis</span>, and <span>Robert Landers </span>are only a few of the other ultra-talented players the Buckeyes’ defensive front possesses, and that made life hell for the Wisconsin offensive line and running game on Saturday.</p>
<p id="0wYxjL">“They were definitely a step up,” Taylor said when asked if Ohio State felt like a jump in competition from anyone the Badgers had played this season. “Whenever you play the Buckeyes, you have to bring your ‘A’ game, because you know they’re going to bring theirs.”</p>
<p id="HwEyPd"><span>Mi</span><span>chael Deiter,</span> who faced his toughest competition in the Big Ten Championship Game, spoke about the difficulties the Buckeyes gave the Badgers in their outside zone running schemes, which really limited Taylor.</p>
<p id="EP3SEG">“The first thing you’ve got to do is recognize it,” Deiter said. “Playing a team that fast and athletic, running outside-zone, you know you’re going to get some fast flow linebackers, and you’ve got to change your landmark and movement. I think we did an alright job of adjusting, but it wasn’t good enough to win.”</p>
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<p id="gZvS8l">Ultimately, the Badgers got beat by the better team in Indianapolis. Wisconsin came close—really close—to upending Ohio State and completing one of the more memorable comebacks in recent program history. One stat tweeted out earlier this week really resonated throughout the week, and it would be tough for anyone to argue.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Number of 4⭐️ and 5⭐️ players on current roster<br>• CFP Top 8<br><br>Clemson: 40<br>Auburn: 45<br>Oklahoma: 37<br>Wisconsin: 6<br>Alabama: 69<br>UGA: 54<br>Miami: 25<br>Ohio State: 63</p>— Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) <a href="https://twitter.com/PickSixPreviews/status/935927456426610688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2017</a>
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https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/12/3/16729608/big-ten-championship-game-ohio-state-wisconsin-nick-bosa-jk-dobbinsOwen Riese