Journal Sentinel staff predictions for the Wisconsin Badgers' game vs. No. 3 Ohio State

Our Wisconsin football coverage team predicts the outcome of the Badgers' game vs. Ohio State at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium.

Jeff Potrykus

Ohio State’s offense isn’t as efficient or as explosive as it was last season when the Buckeyes embarrassed Wisconsin, 52-21, in Columbus. However, Jim Knowles’ defense appears better overall and has been able to carry an uneven offense. Luke Fickell’s first UW team rallied for a critical victory last week at Illinois, but the Illini aren’t in Ohio State’s league. UW lacks playmakers on defense and its offense has started slowly in too many games. Ohio State 27, Wisconsin 14

Mark Stewart

Strange things have happened to the Buckeyes when they play Wisconsin at night at Camp Randall Stadium, but it's too much to ask of the Badgers this time. The Buckeyes are better than anything UW has faced on either side of the ball, especially on defense. The consolation is that UW will cut into that 31-point deficit it was hit with last season. Ohio State 31, Wisconsin 13

JR Radcliffe

The Illinois game was the year's most uplifting moment, by far, and a massive step in the right direction, but it wasn't an overall game that lent a lot of confidence that the Badgers are ready for a test like Ohio State. Though I hardly see the Buckeyes as invulnerable, I confess I'd be surprised if this game is close. Ohio State 45, Wisconsin 10

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Badgers vs. Ohio State football game predictions