Turnovers Cost Ohio State Buckeyes in First Half of Defensive Slugfest
Through the first 30 minutes inside Camp Randall Stadium, the Ohio State Buckeyes hold a 10-3 lead over the Wisconsin Badgers. However, the Buckeyes could be up by more if it wasn't for some missed opportunities.
The defense has been the story, as the Buckeyes' first drive ended with a turnover on downs, where Kyle McCord couldn't get the ball out before the Badgers' pass rush closed in on fourth down. Luckily though, for the Buckeyes, the Badgers couldn't capitalize as veteran linebacker Jack Sawyer punched the ball out of Braelon Allen's grasp to force a fumble.
Yet, the fumble ultimately resulted in just a field goal for Ohio State despite driving deep into Badgers territory.
Following a punt from both sides, Ohio State found themselves in scoring position, on the Badgers' nine-yard-line after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Wisconsin. However, that is where disaster first struck for Ohio State, as McCord's pass was intercepted in the endzone.
Then, after another punt forced by Ohio State's defense, McCord bounced back leading the Buckeyes 52 yards in seven plays before finding he found Marvin Harrison Jr. for a 16-yard touchdown pass. The touchdown capped off a flawless drive from the first-year starter, who completed all four of his passes for 36 yards after starting out slow.
With all the momentum on the Buckeyes side, they had a chance to go up three scores before halftime following a third punt for Wisconsin. ... And that looked likely as the Buckeyes were back on the Badgers' side of the field following three runs and three passes yielded 32 yards.
That is where the Wisconsin defense forced its second turnover, as McCord's fourth pass of the drive resulted in an interception.
After being shut out for much of the first half, thanks to a missed field goal, a turnover, and a series of punts, Wisconsin's offense got going driving 51 yards in 11 plays to set up a 19-yard field goal to take the game to halftime.
After the Buckeyes got the ball first to kick off the game, the Badgers will receive the ball to start the second half. For more on the 85th meeting between Ohio State and Wisconsin, follow along for more with live updates here.