The Big 10 Championship game in Indianapolis will feature the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers. Each team has question marks coming into the game. However, the Buckeyes definitely have the bigger question mark. For Wisconsin, the Badger fans are wanting to know if Gordon is going to be 100%. When he got tackled in the 4th quarter, his ankle got twisted. However the twisted ankle will not keep him out for the game.
The Buckeyes question mark is huge. Will Cardale Jones carry the Buckeyes to a win in the championship game. There are not many teams in the nation that would walk into the championship game with their 3rd string quarterback and believe that they can win, but the Buckeyes are in this position and they believe they can win. The Buckeyes are also dealing with the death of Kosta Karageorge. Will the Buckeyes emotions be in the game?
The Buckeyes are a wild card. What are they going to do ? How are they going to compensate on losing their Heisman trophy candidate QB J.T. Barrett. If the Buckeyes are to win, they are going to need to rely on their defense and rely on the legs of Ezekiel Elliot.
Photo Location:�http://isportsweb.com/2014/08/14/ohio-state-football-predicting-2014-offensive-depth-chart/
Ezekiel Elliot has had a great year. He has ran the ball for 197 times and has gained 1,182 yards. Thus, he is averaging 98.5 yards a game on 6.2 yards a carry. If Elliot can run the ball effectively, it will take pressure off of Jones. In limited action Jones has had 26 carries and has averaged 8.2 yards a game which does lead the team. Look for Ohio State to use the legs of Jones more than the arm. The Buckeyes may also switch it up and bring Jalin Marshall in for the wildcat option.
The Badgers hopes rely on Gordon. Can Gordon carry the Badgers to the championship. The quarterback play for Wisconsin has been lacking all year and the Badgers unashamedly has put it on Gordon. The spotlight is on him. This game could bring the Badgers the championship and Gordon the Heisman.
Gordon’s numbers are amazing, especially considering teams know that the ball is going to him and the threat of a passing game; especially a deep game is almost non-existent. Gordon has carried the ball 283 times (23 times a game) for 2,260 yards (188 yards a game) on an impressive 8.2 average and 26 touchdowns.
The Prediction: The Ohio State defense will step up. They will swarm to Gordon and not let him beat them. They will force his teammates to beat them. The Buckeyes are going to pound the ball on offense. Watch for Elliot to have 150+ yards. The Buckeyes are going to win 24-16.
Cover photo link: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Big-Ten-Football-Championship-Game-tickets/artist/1731885
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