After starting the season 6-0, Ohio State now hits the road again to head into the venerable Camp Randall Stadium to do battle with Big Ten foe, Wisconsin, on Saturday. Unlike most years, this visit to Madison doesn’t seem to be the daunting task it has been in years past because the Badgers are reeling, having lost four in a row and dealing with injuries — especially at the quarterback position.
One thing we like to do here at Buckeyes Wire is get a perspective from the opposite sideline when we can with one of our affiliated sites, and it just so happens that Ben Kenney of Badgers Wire was happy to oblige this time around. We fired off a few questions to get the fans’ and media’s take on how things are being viewed up in the land of bratwurst and beer, and it’s safe to say that this year, things are a little more subdued.
Still, we thank Kinney for taking his time, and what follows is a short question-and-answer session he was kind enough to respond to. Here’s how things are looking in the opposite locker room as Ohio State and Wisconsin set to tussle this weekend.
On the Wisconsin fanbase, when it comes to Luke Fickell
QUESTION from Buckeyes Wire: Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. This season has gone off the rails, and it felt like a year where Luke Fickell needed to show some momentum. Where is the fanbase with Fickell? What will it take for the former Ohio State defensive tackle to stay in Madison, or is it just a matter of time right now?
Ben Kenney of Badgers Wire: “To be honest, the fanbase is all but done with the Fickell tenure. There weren’t expectations of a breakthrough entering the year, given the team’s gauntlet schedule. But everybody at least expected some tangible progress. Instead, the team has lost every game it has played against Power Four competition by at least two scores, including recent 27-10 and 37-0 home losses to Maryland and Iowa, respectively. The overwhelming sentiment is that a change is imminent; it’s just a matter of when, for how much money, and whether the athletic director follows. Fickell would need a near miracle to keep his job.”
Wisconsin fans’ feelings about the matchup with Ohio State
QUESTION from Buckeyes Wire: Where is the Wisconsin fanbase with this game? Is there an excitement of turning the season around, apathy about what might occur, or more?
Kenney: “The fanbase’s collective calls for a coaching change signal that it is far from apathetic about the team and the rest of the season. However, I doubt any Wisconsin fan enters Saturday expecting the team to keep the game competitive. Last week’s loss to Iowa all but sealed the season’s fate. Again, it just feels like a matter of time before the program makes a move.”
What Badger fans think of Ohio State as a program right now
QUESTION from Buckeyes Wire: How do Wisconsin fans and media view Ohio State as a program, and this team as a whole? From the Ohio State side, there used to be a mutual respect that teetered on a little hatred when both teams were vying for Big Ten titles, but where is it now for Badger fans?
Kenney: “Just five short years ago, Wisconsin fans expected the program to take a leap forward to compete with the Buckeyes for the Big Ten. The program is obviously the conference’s standard for winning. After close calls in the 2017 and 2019 conference title games, the Badgers weren’t far from at least flipping one result every few years. Now, Ohio State looks to be playing an entirely different sport than Wisconsin. NIL investment obviously plays a part in that. In my opinion, Wisconsin has to worry about returning to Minnesota and Iowa’s level before it thinks about Ohio State.”
How Wisconsin could potentially pull off the upset of Ohio State
QUESTION from Buckeyes Wire: What does this game have to look like for Wisconsin to pull off the major shocker?
Kenney: “Wisconsin needs to start the game by returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown, play flawless defense, and pray its offense doesn’t hand the game away, which it has done several times this season. As may be clear through my tone, I’m struggling to see a way the Badgers can keep the game close.”
The most concerning thing about Ohio State for Wisconsin fans
QUESTION from Buckeyes Wire: What player or aspect of Ohio State concerns Wisconsin fans the most?
Kenney: “The obvious answer is talent. But specifically, Wisconsin’s secondary has struggled mightily throughout the year, allowing big performances from Alabama QB Ty Simpson and Maryland QB Malik Washington, among others. Jeremiah Smith should have no trouble making a big impact.”
A prediction for Ohio State vs. Wisconsin?
QUESTION from Buckeyes Wire: Lastly, if you are comfortable, give us a prediction and score for the game Saturday.
Kenney: Ohio State 45, Wisconsin 7
We thank Kenney for his time, and if you happen to know a fan of all things Wisconsin Badgers, tell them to head on over to Badgers Wire and enjoy the exceptional coverage they have going on over there.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State vs. Wisconsin: ‘Behind Enemy Lines’ Q&A with Badgers Wire
