Wisconsin Football Hangs Tough, Loses to Ohio State 24-10 at Home

Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers football team faced its toughest challenge yet against the Ohio State Buckeyes, and despite putting up a competitive fight, they ultimately fell short with a final score of 24-10.

This loss brings the Badgers to a 5-3 record for the season, with a conference record of 3-2. UW is currently in second place in the Big Ten West, trailing behind the offensively challenged Iowa Hawkeyes.

Here are some takeaways from the Wisconsin Badgers 24-10 home loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Wisconsin Football Run Game & Ball Security Woes

Right from the start, it was evident that the performance of the running game would be pivotal for both teams. Wisconsin football, facing a formidable Ohio State defense, heavily relied on star running back Braelon Allen last week against Illinois, particularly with redshirt freshman quarterback Braedyn Locke leading the offense. 

Unfortunately, Allen had a problematic start, fumbling the ball twice, with one resulting in a turnover, leading to offensive coordinator Phil Longo’s outright loss of confidence in the Badgers’ running game. 

Furthermore, Allen suffered a lower leg injury toward the end of the first half, sidelining him for the remainder of the game. The Badgers struggled to regain ground in the running game, with backup Jackson Acker failing to get anything going enough to complement the passing attack. 

Ohio State was more effective in the run-game, and that wound up being the biggest difference maker. 

TreVeyon Henderson’s back. 💥@TreVeyonH4 x @OhioStateFB

📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/YoclCYmzQx

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 29, 2023

Pivotal Shortcoming Before Halftime

Wisconsin football found themselves in a critical moment that occurred at the end of the first half when the Badgers managed to secure only three points instead of a touchdown. 

Longo’s (questionable?) choice to utilize shotgun formations throughout the drive hindered their ability to reach the endzone, allowing the Buckeyes to maintain a 10-3 lead at halftime. The team’s struggles in the red zone have been an issue and need serious work in the coming weeks. 

The Wisconsin Badgers should never be in shotgun from the 1-yard line. Ever.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 29, 2023

I’m not saying the Badgers could have won this game had they scored, but it was a significant missed opportunity that altered the course of the game. Mike Tressel and his defense did their part — just wish the offense could have thrown them a bone. 

Wisconsin Football Big Ten West Implications

While Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin football team weren’t favored to win the game, a victory would have kept the Badgers at the top of the Big Ten West standings. 

However, this loss drops Wisconsin to a 3-2 conference record, and they currently stand second in the Big Ten West, behind the Iowa Hawkeyes, who own the tiebreaker. 

To secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship in December, the Badgers will now depend on an Iowa loss, as well as maintaining a perfect record in their upcoming games. 

We all expected a loss…but even I’m feeling somewhat more optimistic about the future than usual — and I’m usually a crank. 

Wisconsin Football Bouncing Back in 2024 Recruiting Class Rankings

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. For more Wisconsin Badgers Athletics and Big Ten content, follow us on Twitter & Facebook. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. 

Also, be sure to check out our shop, subscribe to our newsletter, and the BadgerNotes After Dark podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. Because of your support, we have become one of the fastest-growing independent media outlets focused on giving a voice to the fans!