Buckeye Rosters

Recap

Columbus, OH — C.J. Stroud threw for five touchdowns, and No. 3 Ohio State overwhelmed Wisconsin 52-21 on Saturday night at Ohio Stadium, showcasing an explosive offense and a suffocating defense in a Big Ten conference clash.

The Buckeyes (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) struck early and often, building a 28-0 first-quarter lead and never looking back. Stroud, a Heisman Trophy candidate, completed 17 of 27 passes for 281 yards, spreading the ball effectively among his receivers. Sophomore running back TreVeyon Henderson added 121 rushing yards, while Miyan Williams contributed two total touchdowns, one rushing and one receiving.

Ohio State’s defense, which had been a point of emphasis under new coordinator Jim Knowles, stifled Wisconsin’s (2-2, 0-1) traditionally run-heavy attack. The Buckeyes limited standout running back Braelon Allen for much of the game before he broke free for a late 75-yard touchdown run. Allen finished with 165 yards on 23 carries, but much of his production came in the second half with the game out of reach.

Buckeyes safety Tanner McCalister set the tone early with an interception on Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz’s first pass attempt, leading to a quick Ohio State touchdown. Mertz struggled against Ohio State’s pass rush and secondary, completing 11 of 20 passes for 94 yards with one touchdown and an interception.

Ohio State’s front seven, led by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr., consistently pressured Mertz and clogged running lanes for Wisconsin’s offense. Eichenberg recorded 14 total tackles, while Hall added a sack and multiple quarterback pressures.

On the offensive side, Emeka Egbuka led Ohio State’s receiving corps with six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Julian Fleming, returning from injury, added two scores of his own, while star wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. contributed 72 yards on three receptions.

Wisconsin’s defense, normally a strength under head coach Paul Chryst, had no answers for Ohio State’s high-powered attack. The Badgers allowed 539 total yards, including 258 on the ground, as Henderson and Williams found consistent success against Wisconsin’s front.

The victory marked Ohio State’s ninth consecutive win over Wisconsin. The Buckeyes will look to continue their undefeated season next week against Rutgers, while the Badgers will aim to regroup at home against Illinois.