Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers: Defensive Players to Watch
The 85th all-time matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Wisconsin Badgers will look a little different this season when compared to recent years. The Badgers let go of former coach Paul Chryst just five games into last season after a 2-3 start.
When the two teams meet on Saturday, the Buckeye faithful will see a familiar face on the sideline with coach Luke Fickell. The former Ohio State player and coach has brought his defensive mindset to Madison and will look to impose that on the Buckeyes in the matchup.
Despite their stagnant offense, the Badgers had a well-respected defense under Chryst, and that has continued under Fickell, with the Badgers ranking 20th in the nation in scoring defense, and 39th in the nation in total defense.
Here are three players from the Badgers defense that the Buckeyes need to keep an eye on Saturday.
S Hunter Wohler
Wisconsin's top defense so far this season, safety Hunter Wohler leads the team with 70 tackles - a whopping 10 tackles per game out of the safety position.
Wohler flies around the field making plays and can play in the box or handle himself in coverage.
Wohler also has one sack, four pass deflections and two interceptions. Last week against Illinois, Wohler had arguably his best game, with 13 total tackles.
LB Jake Chaney
Linebacker Jake Chaney has been a staple in the middle of the defense for Wisconsin so far this season, sitting second on the team with 44 tackles, to go along with two sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss and a pass deflection.
Last week against Illinois, Chaney had eight tackles, while helping to hold the Illini to 323 total yards of offense, including just 100 through the air.
CB Ricardo Hallman
If the Buckeyes have to keep an eye out in pass coverage for one player on Wisconsin's defense, it will be corner, Ricardo Hallman.
Hallman is the defense's biggest playmaker, leading the team with four interceptions, one of which was taken back for a touchdown.
Three of those four interceptions have come in Big Ten play, including two in a 38-17 win over Purdue.
