Badgers need ground game to beat Buckeyes

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Wisconsin’s running game will need to be on, if the Badgers hope to upset top-ranked Ohio State on Saturday night in Madison.

Freshman James White ran for 118 yards and two touchdowns last Saturday against Minnesota, and junior John Clay had 111 yards and three scores. But Ohio State has not given up 100 yards to an opposing rusher in 29 straight games. The Buckeyes have the nation’s fourth-best rushing defense, giving up 79 yards a game – while the Badgers have the 11th best running offense with almost 241 yards per contest.

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel will not be surprised by the Badgers’ one-two punch. Tressel said Clay is extraordinary, and White will provide a different look for Ohio State’s defense. Last year, Clay ran for 59 yards on 20 carries against the Buckeyes – and Wisconsin lost by 18 points. In 2008, Clay had 69 yards and P.J. Hill ran for 63 as the Badgers lost by three.

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