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When Buckeyes run
EDGE Wisconsin
Ohio State ranks 20th nationally at 217.3 yards rushing per game, but a big chunk of that comes from QB Terrelle Pryor (59.0). So the question becomes: Has Pryor recovered enough from a strained thigh muscle to be effective scrambling? Daniel Herron (59.3) takes over as the lead tailback, with Brandon Saine shifting into more of a receiving role. Wisconsin is 22nd against the run (108.2) and has given up just one rushing touchdown, but Michigan State rushed for 175 yards two weeks ago.
When Buckeyes pass
EDGE Ohio State
Pryor set a career high last week with 334 yards passing. He is third in the Big Ten in passing efficiency and is completing 68.0 percent of his throws. Receiver Dane Sanzenbacher has seven TD catches. Tight end Jake Stoneburner is expected to return after missing most of three games because of an ankle injury. Wisconsin ranks 54th nationally in pass defense and has surrendered 10 passing TDs, including six in the past two games. Cornerback Antonio Fenelus leads the Badgers with two interceptions.
When Badgers run
The 255-pound John Clay and speedy freshman James White provide a 1-2 punch, especially running behind one of the larger lines in college football. The Badgers are 11th nationally in rushing (240.8-yard average), with Clay (115.3) and White (80.8) carrying most of the load. The Ohio State defense is fourth nationally vs. the run (78.7) and has given up just three rushing TDs. But it hasn't faced a dedicated running game like Wisconsin's.
When Badgers pass
Scott Tolzien is 16th nationally in passing efficiency (1,201 yards, seven TDs, two interceptions). But he completed just 11 of 25 passes in a loss to Michigan State when Wisconsin desperately needed him. Tight end Lance Kendricks leads the team with 25 catches for 391 yards and three TDs. Top receiver Nick Toon had six catches last week against Minnesota, bouncing back from turf toe injury. OSU's Jermale Hines returned an interception for a TD last year when the Buckeyes forced the Badgers to pass it. That will be the aim again.
Special teams play
Ray Small's kickoff return for a TD last year broke open the game for Ohio State. Small is gone, but now he Buckeyes have Jaamal Berry. Ohio State's average of 26.8 yards on kickoff returns is 10th nationally; Wisconsin is 111th at 18.4. Ben Buchanan and the Ohio State punting game have improved dramatically the past two weeks. The Buckeyes' Devin Barclay has hit 11 of 12 field-goal attempts and is tied for seventh in the nation in averaging 1.83 per game. Wisconsin's Phillip Welch is 7 of 9 and is tied for 49th at 1.17 per game.
Intangibles, other factors
Wisconsin is 25-3 in night games in Camp Randall Stadium and 27-3 at home under coach Brett Bielema. But one of those losses in each category came to Ohio State two years ago. ... Ohio State has won its past six Big Ten road night games. ... Bielema is 1-8 against ranked Big Ten teams and has lost his past six dating to November 2007. ... Wisconsin has committed just 20 penalties, tied for fewest nationally. ... The Badgers have not committed a turnover in their past four games.
TMAY@DISPATCH.COM, KGORDON@DISPATCH.COM
