Busting the Nuts

Since 1999, Bucky has owned the Shoe, and Sherby and myself have been privileged to witness the last two triumphs (TR, weren't you at the 1999 2nd half tsunami?). Oddsmakers gave UW's modest three-game streak in Columbus a fleeting glance in naming the Buckeyes 15-point favorites on Saturday. While the uncertainty of PJ Hill's availability is probably a contributing factor, OSU's blue chip win in Happy Valley on Saturday installs them as the team to beat as they run through the gauntlet of Bucky, Illinois, and Michigan the next three weeks.

OSU returns home with the top rushing and overall defense in the nation against Bucky's third-string running back and an offense that has failed to convert turnovers into points, not to mention committing an inexcusable share of their own. Todd Boeckman has apparently transformed from game manager to Tom Brady clone after his short excursion in the Nittany Mountains, and Beenie Wells leads a formidable backfield.

So how does Bucky win when all signs point to a lopsided affair sending the Badgers home with their tails between their legs?

It all starts with defense. Should the team turn in its third straight solid defensive performance in Columbus this can be a four-quarter game, and if it can force a couple of turnovers after knocking Indiana around for five last week, Bucky has a chance to even out the apparent mismatch on the other side of the ball.

12 turnovers in 5 BT games is a recipe for disaster and Bucky is lucky to be 3-2 in the aftermath. Should this trend continue...(I need not complete the sentence). TD must complete passes underneath, particularly to the TE's. I still like the idea of looking to the RB out of the backfield, especially with OSU's tendency to load the box. Maybe Zach Brown will add this dimension in PJ's absence. TD has found trouble when he forces the ball downfield, although I could see Jefferson taking another long one to the house on a go route. Hubbard must step up and show senior leadership, hauling in third down grabs to move the sticks.

PJ, if he plays, will need help, and Zach Brown must be up to the challenge. He needs to run hard for four quarters as the yards might not be there at the outset. UW has won here by pounding the ball relentlessly and completing key third down passes. This recipe, without turnovers, could spark an upset.

The remaining ingredient is our special teams. Field position always seems to matter against OSU, and Melhaff and DeBauche can help to keep the Buckeyes starting drives deep in their own territory. Gilreath has been close to busting a return for a score all season. Saturday would be the optimal time to finally elude the punter and find paydirt.

In the end, this narrative reads like a Shakespearean drama, but this team is as capable as any in the BT of shocking the world and making the conference race interesting once more. Imagine Bucky winning out, and Michigan beating OSU in the Big House. Yes, it can happen, but first things first. Follow Coach B's mantra, and make the Michigan game matter.