Defense: C
Third and seven and third and 18 both plays coming in the second half were critical for Wisconsin’s defense to find a way of getting off the field.
But both times Ohio State’s offense was able to convert. On third and seven, Justin Fields was able to extend the play with his feet before hitting Chris Olave for 50-yards. Two plays later Ohio State scored on a 16-yard touchdown throw from Fields to tight end Jeremy Ruckert.
Third and 18 with Wisconsin trailing 24-21 the Badgers on the previous offensive play by Ohio State Isaiahh Loudermilk was able to come up with a sack. But similar to the first critical third down conversion Fields was able to elude Wisconsin’s pass rush before finding wide receiver Binjimen Victor for 28 yards.
Wisconsin’s inability to get off the field when they needed to hurt Wisconsin’s chances of trying to reestablish an offensive rhythm they had in the first half. Overall, Ohio State converted on 6-of-14 of their third downs.
Although Fields hurt Wisconsin with his feet being able to extend plays or pick up a first down with his legs the Badgers were able to sack him five times. Zack Baun and Jack Sanborn each had a sack as the two also tied for the team lead in tackles along with Reggie Pearson as the trio finished with nine tackles each. Loudermilk, Keeanu Benton, and Matt Henningsen each had one sack.
Outside of allowing Fields to have success the Badgers didn’t have an answer for J.K. Dobbins either. Dobbins finished the game with 172 yards on 33 carries and a touchdown. Dobbins was able to consistently pick up positive yards against the Badgers as he wasn’t tackled behind the line of scrimmage as he averaged 5.2 yards per carry.