Wisconsin's offensive line delivers payback for its poor performance in last season's loss to OSU. Numerous links to what the loss means for Ohio State.
Wisconsin wide receiver Isaac Anderson (6) and quarterback Scott Tolzien (16) after the Badgers' 31-18 win over Ohio State. Cleveland, Ohio -- Recalling how defending national champion Alabama dropped from No. 1 to No. 8 after its Oct. 9 loss to South Carolina, it was clear that new No. 1 Ohio State would take a mighty plunge after Saturday's 31-18 loss at Wisconsin.
The Buckeyes dropped all the way to No. 11. That's not the worst effect of the loss. Now, only an unlikely set of circumstances would allow Ohio State to climb to No. 1 or No. 2 in the final BCS standings, and thus play in the national championship game.
And, OSU probably has to win out and also get some help to earn at least a share of a sixth straight Big Ten title.
The Buckeyes routed Wisconsin, 31-13, last Oct. 10, handing the Badgers their first loss by shutting down their running game and putting big pressure on quarterback Scott Tolzien.
Pete Fiutak writes for FoxSports.com and CollegeFootballNews.com how Wisconsin turned the tables on the Buckeyes in Saturday's game:
Before the 2009 game against Wisconsin, the Ohio State defensive line had been called out. It had been struggling a bit, it wasn’t doing enough to get into the backfield and it was underwhelming. It stepped up its game against the Badgers, dominated the line throughout and forced several mistakes — including two pick sixes that ended up making a tight game a blowout.
Wisconsin’s offensive line got embarrassed.
One of the nation’s most experienced and talented offensive fronts had Saturday's game circled for more reasons than just because it was against Ohio State. This was the game the line, to a man, talked about as the one it needed to dominate to establish itself as something special. All the accolades and praise meant nothing unless the front five could own the Buckeyes, and it did.
Buckeyes watch
Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Ohio State coverage includes Doug Lesmerises' OSU-Wisconsin game story; his post-game story on Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor; his OSU report card; his Best and worst from the game; his On The Clock; Bill Livingston's column on the game.
Early turning point
Ohio State had to play catch-up after Saturday night's very first play, a 97-yard kickoff return by Wisconsin's David Gilreath for a touchdown.
John Kampf writes about the play for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal, quoting OSU quarterback Terrelle Pryor:
Gilreath opened the game by taking the kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead 12 seconds into the game. It's the fourth special teams touchdown given up by the Buckeyes this year — including both a punt and kickoff return for scores against Miami and a blocked field goal for a touchdown against Marshall.
"Nothing against our special teams," Pryor said, "but that really hurt us. That kicked us in the rear end."
The kickoff return certainly did not come to a slouch. With the return, Gilreath set a Big Ten record for kickoff return yards in a career with that return. He now has 2,627 kickoff yards, breaking the previous record of 2,575 yards set by Michigan State's Derrick Mason (1993-96).
Blitz package
What was learned about the Big Ten on Saturday, by Adam Rittenberg for ESPN.com's Big Ten Blog.
Ohio State needs help in the national championship and Big Ten races, by Erick Smith for Campus Rivalry on USAToday.com.
Wisconsin's power game worked against OSU, by Andy Staples for Sports Illustrated's SI.com.
The Badgers played the game the way Woody Hayes-coached OSU teams did, by Bob Hunter for the Columbus Dispatch.
The aftermath of Wisconsin's win, by Tom Dienhart for Rivals.com and Yahoo! Sports.
Wisconsin celebrates, by Jordan Schelling for BadgerBlitz.com and Rivals.com.
The updated Heisman Trophy watch, by Dari Nowkhah for ESPN.com.
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin game story, by John Kampf for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.
Can't blame Wisconsin fans for being happy with the win, by Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch.