Generally speaking, the key to pulling off an upset win is to start strong and stay with your opponent. The unranked Wisconsin Badgers did not follow that model in their trip to Columbus to take on the third-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday.
Ohio State opened the game with an 88-yard touchdown drive that took only six plays. Tanner McCalister intercepted a pass from Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz on the ensuing possession, and two plays later, C.J. Stroud connected with Cade Stover for a 13-yard touchdown pass, the first of Stover’s college career. After the Badgers went three-and-out, the Buckeyes went back to work, scoring on a seven-play, 70-yard drive that was capped off by another pass from Stroud to Stover.
Cade Stover entered the night with 0 career TDs.
He has ✌️ tonight, and the first quarter isn't even over.@cstov8 x @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/U2HGY6w6yl
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 25, 2022
The first quarter ended with the Buckeyes up 21-0. The college football world took note of Ohio State’s complete dominance over their Big Ten rivals.
Get these boys off the 🎮!! Past them now! O-H….. 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🌰
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 25, 2022
so at the end of the first quarter Wisconsin has two more yards than Ohio State has points
— Ryan Nanni (@celebrityhottub) September 25, 2022
Ohio State respectfully wearing black for this Wisconsin funeral.
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) September 25, 2022
Wisconsin allowed only 3 TDs total in their first 3 games.
Ohio State has scored 3 TDs in the 1st quarter tonight.
CJ Stroud in 1Q: 9-for-10, 142 yards, 2 TDs
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 25, 2022
Ohio State offensive snaps: 15.
Ohio State first downs: 10.— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) September 25, 2022
Hate to be #OnPace guy, but Ohio State is on pace to score a million points and gain eleventy billion yards.
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) September 25, 2022
It’s the first quarter and Ohio State could comfortably pull their starters.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 25, 2022
Things didn’t get any better for the Badgers in the opening moments of the second quarter. The first quarter ended with Ohio State in Wisconsin territory. Then, on the fourth play of the second quarter, the Buckeyes were back in the end zone on a three-yard touchdown run from Miyan Williams.
If this pace continues, the Buckeyes and their fans may be clamoring for the black jerseys in more games going forward.
