This Wisconsin defense may be for real.
Through one half in Madison, the No. 8 Badgers lead No. 2 Ohio State 16-6 at a raucous Camp Randall Stadium.
The Badgers have refused to allow J.T. Barrett and his green receiving corps to get comfortable; Barrett closed the half hitting only six of his 14 passes for 81 yards, and the running game has pounded out just 90 yards on 21 carries. Curtis Samuel is the only Buckeye pass-catcher with more than one reception. Two Tyler Durbin field goals, from 25 and 40 yards, have been the Buckeyes’ only scoring plays.
Wisconsin’s offense hasn’t been spectacular -- it’s Wisconsin, after all -- but it has been efficient and effective. Alex Hornibrook has out-played Barrett, completing 9-of-15 throws for 143 yards and a score. Corey Clement has rushed 12 times for 110 yards, and wide receiver Jazz Peavy has added five end-around carries for 67 yards, helping Bucky to a 170-90 edge on the ground.
Andrew Endicott knocked in three field goals for Wisconsin, and the game’s only touchdown came on a 24-yard strike from Hornibrook to Peavy at the 6:17 mark of the first quarter to but Wisconsin up 10-0.
Wisconsin will receive to open the second half.