Top-ranked Ohio State hits the road for a second consecutive week on Oct. 18, with a game at unranked Wisconsin.
The Buckeyes defeated Illinois 34-16 on Oct. 11.
Ohio State is 6-0 overall and 3-0 in the Big Ten. The Badgers are 2-4, 0-3.
Here are our predictions for Saturday’s Ohio State-Wisconsin game:
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Ohio State vs. Wisconsin predictions
Joey Kaufman, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State 35, Wisconsin 3. The Buckeyes would threaten a 50 burger against a team that might be the worst in the Big Ten if not for their operating at one of the nation’s slowest tempos. Since the new clock rules took effect in 2023, they have not scored 50 or more points in a conference game and only twice finished with at least 40 points. So even if the scoreboard doesn’t look too out of hand, this will be a decisive beatdown nonetheless.
Rob Oller, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State 45, Wisconsin 7. Badgers coach Luke Fickell can take some solace in knowing he has probably has better job security than Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. At least for now. Fickell is 15-17 over three full seasons at Wisconsin, including 2-4 this year. The former OSU defensive linemen and head coach will have his hands full with his alma mater, and the clock on his tenure in Madison is ticking.
Adam Jardy, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State 38, Wisconsin 7. The only real question here feels like whether or not a team with 20 points in three Big Ten games will find the end zone against the nation’s No. 1 scoring defense (6.8 points per game). Asked what stands out about the Badgers at his weekly press conference, Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said they play hard and are well-coached. Camp Randall can be tricky, but that’s no recipe for an upset.
Dan Aulbach, Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State 42, Wisconsin 3. Iowa just handed Wisconsin its first shutout loss in the 2025 season, steamrolling the Badgers with the ground game that amassed 210 rushing yards. Quarterback Hunter Simmons completed just 8 of 21 passes with two interceptions against the Hawkeyes. While Ohio State was not perfect against Illinois on the road, the Buckeyes will look plenty comfortable at Camp Randall this weekend and let their defense do the talking against a Badgers program close to rock bottom.
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin scouting report: What we’re watching
Joey Kaufman: In a matchup between teams on opposite ends of the scoring spectrum, the Buckeyes could be in position to shut out an opponent on the road for the first time since a win at Rutgers in 2017. Ohio State has surrendered just four touchdowns in six games, allowing the fewest points in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and Wisconsin ranks 131st in scoring offense. The Badgers were shut out by Iowa last weekend and have mustered just two touchdowns in their three Big Ten games.
Rob Oller: Can Wisconsin make it a game and help coach Luke Fickell keep his job? Doubtful on both counts. The Badgers are coming off a 37-0 home loss to Iowa. The Hawkeyes ares no offensive juggernaut, so what will Ohio State do against the Dub? Throw the ball until the Badgers’ secondary, ranked 102nd in defensive passing efficiency, begs for mercy. Keep an eye on OSU’s tight ends, who should have a big day.
Adam Jardy: Could Wisconsin try to take a page from Illinois’ playbook and speed up the tempo against the Buckeyes? Illini coach Bret Bielema lamented not going with more tempo because Ohio State “couldn’t do s— with it” in the Buckeyes’ 34-16 win Oct. 11. There’s the risk of quickly giving the ball back to the Buckeyes if it doesn’t work, but could desperation force Fickell to get creative?
Dan Aulbach: The Buckeyes looked comfortable as a quieter, risk-free offense on the road against each of their Big Ten opponents. While Wisconsin is a weaker opponent than Illinois and Washington, look for the Buckeyes to utilize this style and emphasize the running game following the Badgers’ 200-plus rushing yards allowed to Iowa last weekend.
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin score predictions
Joey Kaufman: Ohio State 35, Wisconsin 3
Rob Oller: Ohio State 45, Wisconsin 7
Adam Jardy: Ohio State 38, Wisconsin 7
Dan Aulbach: Ohio State 42, Wisconsin 3
Bold predictions
A pick-6 is on the horizon
Joey Kaufman: Someone on the Ohio State defense will return an interception for a touchdown for the first time in 22 games. The signs point to the possibility, as the Buckeyes are wreaking more havoc, having come away with three takeaways at Illinois, and Wisconsin is especially turnover prone. Only Purdue has thrown more interceptions than the Badgers.
Ohio State tight ends to have at least 10 receptions
Rob Oller: Ohio State tight ends will have a field day against a Badgers defense that struggles in pass coverage. Look for at least 10 catches among the TE group.
Jeremiah Smith reasserts himself as a Heisman candidate
Adam Jardy: Ohio State’s sophomore wide receiver is clearly one of the nation’s top players, but he’s in need of some statistical padding if he wants to be a true Heisman Trophy candidate in what appears to be a wide-open race. The Badgers are 11th in the Big Ten in passing defense, allowing 219.5 yards per game. This feels like a good opportunity for a multi-touchdown game for Smith.
Bo Jackson has his first multi-score game
Dan Aulbach: The freshman running back leaped at the pylon on a screen pass for a nice score against the Fighting Illini and continues to flash signs of playmaking ability. Jackson is becoming a more patient rusher and will get into open space and the end zone a couple of times against Wisconsin.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Our Ohio State football experts make bold predictions for Wisconsin game
Reporting by Joey Kaufman, Rob Oller, Adam Jardy and Dan Aulbach, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
