Yogi Berra once famously stated, “It’s like deja vu, all over again.” As an Ohio State fan, it kind of feels that way with a second clash against the Wisconsin Badgers during the 2019 season, this time for The B1G Championship.
The easy way out would be to just simply post what I wrote a few weeks ago, but I don’t think Gerd would appreciate that all too much. Besides, I actually have some fresh ideas on what Wisconsin may try this time against Ohio State when the game kicks off in Indianapolis at 8pm on FOX.
Here’s what I’m watching for when these two teams hit the field again.
1. Wisconsin WR Quintez Cephus ~ Listed at 6’1″, 207 pounds, the junior wide receiver had 3 receptions for 57 yards (19.0 yards per reception) in the previous game against Ohio State. The reason I list Cephus as a player to watch is because of the success Michigan had last week against Ohio State with their wide receivers in the first half. Granted, Ohio State made adjustments in the second half, plus the Wolverines wide receivers made a number of drops, but I would be surprised if Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst does not try to emulate some of what worked against Ohio State with Cephus. Will Shaun Wade be back from injury, or will Ohio State have to come up with another plan, like they did in Ann Arbor?
2. Wisconsin TE Jake Ferguson ~ Ferguson only had 1 reception for 5 yards against Ohio State in the previous encounter. Again, this speaks more to what worked against Ohio State last week in Ann Arbor, when Michigan was able to successfully target their tight ends in the passing game. Will Pete Werner have the responsibility of covering Ferguson, or will Ohio State opt to use a defensive back in coverage instead?
3. Wisconsin’s Pass Protection Versus Chase Young ~ Young put on a clinic in the first game against Wisconsin, with four sacks against the Badgers. I know that it is going to sound cliche, but Wisconsin will look at what Michigan did to effectively neutralize Chase Young. Yes, I know there were some egregious holds that were not called by the officials, but it will be surprising if Wisconsin does not double team, or possibly triple team, Young on obvious passing downs and situations.