Crunching The Numbers: OSU at Wisconsin

Sack totals, defensive rankings and series victories are among the numbers we take a look at this week as the Buckeyes prepare to take on the Badgers in Madison.

1
Through five games, Ohio State is No. 1 in the Big Ten in total defense, punt return average and pass defense.

3
Wisconsin has beaten Jim Tressel three times – more than any other Big Ten school.

5
A game is dubbed a night game if it begins after 5 p.m. local time, as the matchup Saturday is scheduled to. This will be the seventh year in a row Ohio State’s Big Ten road opener is a prime-time affair.

6
Ohio State has played nine Big Ten road games at night, winning six. Among those games is a 17-10 loss at Wisconsin in 2003, the last time Ohio State visited Camp Randall Stadium.

8
The Buckeyes have snagged eight interceptions this season through five games and are already nearing their total (11) for 13 games in 2007.

10
Ohio State notched a season-high 10 sacks last season against Wisconsin, including a school-record-tying four by Vernon Gholston. The Buckeyes have just seven so far this season after five games.

11
The Buckeyes are 11th (last) in the Big Ten in sacks allowed while the Badgers are last in sacks made.

12
Thanks in large part to all those sacks, Wisconsin ran for 12 yards last season against Ohio State.

16
Wisconsin has won 16 home games in a row. Ohio State has won 11 Big Ten road games in a row.

74
This will be the 74th meeting between Ohio State and Wisconsin. The Buckeyes lead the series 51-17-5 and are 23-10-2 in Madison. The Badgers have won four of the last seven meetings.