Welcome to the Big Show...

Over the years it has become a bigger and bigger rivalry. We don't like them, and they don't like us. The Wisconsin and Ohio State rivalries has taken on new meaning in recent years because it is only recently that Wisconsin could compete with the Buckeyes.

Even though Wisconsin has not beat the Buckeyes since 2003; the rivalry is still ongoing because everytime the two get together there is Big Ten championshp implications. And this year will be no different.

Both teams should enter the game undefeated. The only one of the two that has a chance of having a blemish on the record is Ohio State. Wisconsin should be undefeated heading into this game, where as the Buckeyes do have to face Miami (FL) in the second saturday of the season, but the odds of the Hurricanes upsetting Brutus in Columbus is highly unlikely.

To say that Ohio State is stacked is an understatement. There is no coincidence that they are being picked as a team that could be in Glendale, Ariz. at the end of the season. They return a lot of key starters on this years team, especially on the defenisive side of the ball.

If you thought Ohio States defense was tough last year...you haven't seen this years team. The Buckeyes return what at times looked like the best defense in the country last season. Including Cameron Heyward who is with out a doubt a first team All-American.

The major question mark for the Buckeyes is Terrelle Pryor. Last season the Buckeyes lived and died by how Pryor performed which for pretty much the whole season was great. The lone loss for the Buckeyes came on the road against Purdue when Pryor couldn't seem to find anyone not wearing black and gold with his arm. Last season Pryor accounted for 2,800 yards of the Buckeyes offense as not only their top passer, but as their top rusher too.

The key in this game will be getting to Pryor and making sure he doesn't beat you. If the Badgers can make Brandon Saine, and Dan Herron beat them...it should be a big "W" for Wisconsin.

How the Boilermakers got to the Buckeyes last season is by collapsing the pocket and forcing Pryor to make quick decisions with his arm, and making sure that his legs weren't the other option. If the Badgers can take Pryor out of the equation expect great things in this game.

If the Badgers are able to come out and be aggressive and physical with the Buckeyes they have a chance, But if Bucky lays down and let's the Buckeye offense do what it wants...the dream of winning the Big Ten may not be realized.

Overall the game comes down to defense, and unfortunately the Buckeyes have a better one. While the game should be close, Wisconsin won't have the offensive firepower to get by the Buckeye defense. We're not going to make the score of this one a large Buckeye victory, but Brutus will once again find a way to be a "Luckeye" and escape Camp Randall with a victory this year. A slim one at best, but a victory none the less.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction: Bucky 14 Brutus 17