Ohio State vs. Wisconsin: A Mismatch in Madison?
Presented by First Bank of Central Ohio
Can the Badgers Bite Back?
October 18, 2025 – 3:30 PM ET
Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI
Broadcast: CBS
Spread: OSU -25.5
The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for what many expect to be a lopsided showdown against the struggling Wisconsin Badgers. But here’s where it gets interesting: while the Buckeyes are fine-tuning their machine, the Badgers are fighting for survival. Will this be a routine blowout, or could Wisconsin pull off the unthinkable?
A Tale of Two Teams
Ohio State’s season has been a well-oiled machine, divided neatly into three segments by their bye weeks. This Saturday marks the end of segment two, and it’s unlikely to be a nail-biter. Wisconsin, currently sitting at a dismal 2-4, has lost four straight games, including a humiliating 37-0 shutout by Iowa. Their offense is practically non-existent, ranking near the bottom nationally in both points and total yards per game. Even their once-reliable run defense, which ranks 19th in the nation, has shown cracks, allowing 3.6 yards per carry—a stat that’s far from elite.
But here’s the twist: Camp Randall Stadium is no cakewalk for visitors. The Badgers’ home-field advantage could add a layer of unpredictability to this matchup. Still, most analysts agree that this game is Ohio State’s chance to rest their starters early, give backups valuable experience, and address the few weaknesses that have surfaced in their otherwise dominant season. After all, a well-deserved bye week awaits them.
Familiar Faces, Divergent Paths
And this is the part most people miss: the emotional undercurrent of this game. Wisconsin’s head coach, Luke Fickell, is no stranger to Ohio State. Once a co-defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes, Fickell later led Cincinnati to new heights, including a College Football Playoff berth. But since taking over at Wisconsin in 2023, his career has taken a downward spiral. The Badgers went 5-7 in 2024 and are off to a disastrous start in 2025. After their loss to Iowa, Fickell sounded defeated, apologizing to his players and admitting, “This is no place I’ve ever been (as a coach). I don’t know where else there is to go.”
Contrast that with Ohio State’s Ryan Day, who took over as head coach in 2019 and has led the Buckeyes to three CFP appearances in four seasons. Their paths crossed in 2017 when Day joined Ohio State as co-offensive coordinator, the same year Fickell left for Cincinnati. Now, they’re on opposite sides of a lopsided matchup, with Day’s Buckeyes favored by over four touchdowns.
Hometown Hero Returns
On a brighter note, Ohio State center Carson Hinzman, a Wisconsin native, is returning to Madison for the second time in his Buckeye career. In 2023, he was a criticized redshirt freshman; now, he’s a cornerstone of the offensive line. With family and friends in attendance, Hinzman is determined to improve his record at Camp Randall. “I’m super pumped to go back and play over there,” he said, adding with a laugh, “I’m 1-1 there right now from high school, so I’ve got to beat .500.”
Run Game Renovation
Ohio State’s primary focus this week? Revamping their run game. Despite ranking 46th nationally in yards per carry (4.7) and 62nd in rushing yards per game (160.7), the Buckeyes are far from satisfied. Their recent performance against Illinois, where they averaged just 2.9 yards per attempt, highlighted areas for improvement. Ryan Day remains optimistic, noting, “We’re always looking to get better… We want to perfect it.” The return of freshman running back Bo Jackson, who missed most of the Illinois game with an ankle injury, should provide a much-needed boost.
Defense Aiming for Perfection
Ohio State’s defense, led by nose guard Kayden McDonald, is determined to bounce back after allowing a season-high 16 points to Illinois. “We want to be the best defense in the country,” McDonald declared. “We can’t let people score.” With Wisconsin’s offense ranking dead last in the Big Ten, the Buckeyes have a golden opportunity to pitch their second shutout of the season. The Badgers’ quarterback situation only adds to their woes, with starter Billy Edwards Jr. injured and backups Danny O’Neil and Hunter Simmons vying for the starting role.
Players to Watch
- Christian Alliegro (Wisconsin LB): The lone bright spot for the Badgers, Alliegro leads the team with 42 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 2 sacks.
- Austin Brown (Wisconsin S): A solid contributor with 23 tackles and 2 pass breakups.
- Caleb Downs (Ohio State S): With Wisconsin’s quarterbacks throwing 8 interceptions this season, Downs could have a field day.
Game Week Talk
Ryan Day is taking nothing for granted, praising Fickell’s coaching and Wisconsin’s defense. “They’re one of the better defenses in the country,” he said. Meanwhile, Ohio State WR Carnell Tate emphasized focus, noting, “Teams like that are desperate. They’ll do anything to win.” Fickell, for his part, is clinging to hope: “There’s nothing to lose… We can’t be held back by being perfect.”
By the Numbers
- Ohio State leads the all-time series 63-18-5, with 10 straight wins.
- Wisconsin’s roster includes 7 Ohio natives, while Carson Hinzman is the lone Buckeye from Wisconsin.
- Four former Ohio State players are on Wisconsin’s coaching staff, including Fickell and QB coach Kenny Guiton.
How It Plays Out
With Ohio State favored by 25.5 points, this game is expected to be a blowout. The Eleven Warriors staff predicts a 41-3 victory, with Wisconsin’s defense offering little resistance to the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense. But in college football, anything can happen. Will the Badgers find a spark, or will Ohio State cruise to another dominant win?
Thought-Provoking Question: Is Luke Fickell’s tenure at Wisconsin salvageable, or is this the beginning of the end for the former Buckeye coach? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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