For the past four seasons, the UW football team and their Ohio State counterparts have exchanged victories, with the road team finishing with the win in each contest. History could prove fatal, as the Badgers used 21 uncontested points to upset the Buckeyes 21-17 in Columbus last season. History could prove tough enough, but the Buckeyes also have the aid of the leagues’ most prolific and most feared runner in Maurice Clarett.

Clarett is the core of this Buckeye offense. The amazing true freshman has made easy work of his opponents this season, averaging 141 rushing yards per contest and totaling 13 touchdowns on the ground and two through the air.

The 6-foot, 230-pound 18-year-old is the type of player who wants the ball on every play and wants to be the go-to guy on the football field.

Backing up Clarett is potent tailback Lydell Ross. Ross received significant playing time in the second half of last season as a true freshman. Ross has gained 380 yards on the season and accounted for four of Ohio State’s 20 rushing touchdowns.

In the pocket, junior Craig Krenzel guides the Buckeyes. Krenzel replaces Steve Belasari as the team’s starting quarterback last season after Belasari ran into some legal problems and took a subsequent demotion.

Krenzel came into legend after leading the Buckeyes to victory over rival Michigan in his first career start, but Krenzel went on to play poorly in last season’s finale against South Carolina in the Outback Bowl.

This season, Krenzel has recorded some very respectable numbers with the aid of a fine receiving core. On the season, the junior has completed 62 percent of his passes for 1071 yards, turning the ball over only twice through the air.

With such a strong running game, the Buckeyes have had the luxury of spreading the ball through the air as opposing defenses have primarily tried to key in on Clarett. Five different Buckeyes have tallied touchdown receptions this season and four different players have over 100 yards receiving.

Junior Michael Jenkins and freshman Chris Gamble have been the premier receivers for the Buckeyes this season. Jenkins has totaled 536 receiving yards and three touchdowns on the season. Gamble has added seventeen receptions for a sum of 272 yards.

In cleats, both Jenkins and Gamble stand well over 6-foot-2, and average more then 16 yards a reception, suggesting what could be a long and grueling day for the Badger secondary.

Sophomore kicker Mike Nugent is a perfect 14 for 14 on field goals this season, connecting on eight scores of 40 or more yards. Nugent is 30 of 31 on extra point attempts; with his one miss last week against San Jose State.

Defensively, the Buckeyes thoroughly set the tone with stonewalling strong safety Mike Doss. One of the nation’s hardest hitters, the Thorpe Award candidate is looking to become the seventh player in Ohio State history to be a three time All-American. The equally imposing Donnie Nickey starts at the free-safety spot.

Up front, the Buckeyes are blessed with four upperclassmen as starters as well as plenty of experience behind them.

Senior Kenny Peterson played end last season, but has been moved to middle this season where he is coupled with junior Tim Anderson. Juniors Darrion Scott and Will Smith return as starters on the ends, accounting for a quick, slender defensive line.

The Buckeyes lost linebackers Courtland Bullard and captain Joe Cooper to graduation in the spring, but Matt Wilhelm returns at starting middle linebacker. Cie Grant made an interesting shift to corner last season, but has been moved back to outside linebacker. Junior Robert Reynolds takes the other outside spot after paying his levy behind Bullard.

If there’s one spot the Badgers might take advantage of the Buckeyes, it’s at the corner spot. Inexperienced Dustin Fox, who is more of a natural safety, makes the move to corner, where he will join undersized junior Richard McNutt. The Badgers might look to their taller receivers, and hopefully a healthy and rejuvenated Lee Evans, to exploit the Buckeye corners.

Jim Tressel posted a 7-5 record in his first year in Columbus, this year he has already reached seven wins, and his Buckeyes look to be the favorite to come out of the Big Ten. Concisely, the Buckeyes are loaded with talent. The Badgers better have their “A” game Saturday, as the odds and history will not be in their favor.