A look back at the last time Wisconsin and Ohio State played

Wisconsin and Ohio State didn?t meet this season, adding intrigue to this Saturday night?s clash in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for the Big Ten championship. But the teams did meet last year on Sept. 28.

The Buckeyes (4-0 overall) were No. 4 and Wisconsin (3-1) was No. 24, as Ohio State took a 31-24 decision in Columbus with none other than LeBron James in attendance to watch the Buckeyes push their national-long winning streak to 17.

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Yes, rosters have changed and the chemistry of each squad has been altered, as teams take on different personalities from year to year. But last season?s meeting provides a snap shot of sorts at what we may see when the teams meet for the Big Ten title this weekend.

Prior to last year?s game, Urban Meyer called Wisconsin the kings of the Big Ten, as the Badgers were reigning conference champs, even though the Buckeyes had beaten Wisconsin during the season to finish in first in the Leaders Division. Alas, OSU was on NCAA probation and ineligible to play in the Big Ten title game, as the Badgers went on to destroy Nebraska.

Braxton Miller isn't playing Saturday, but he played vs. Wisconsin last year. In fact, he was back after missing two games with a sprained left knee, as Kenny Guiton had taken command to much acclaim. In fact, some wondered if Guiton should just keep the job when Miller was healthy and ready to go.

Funny looking back on that and seeing what has developed in 2014, as another Miller injury has given way to another backup to impress: J.T. Barrett. And, like last year, many wonder if Barrett should just keep the job when Miller is healthy and ready to go next season.

Miller completed 17-of-25 passes for 198 with four touchdowns in 2013 vs. UW. Wisconsin?s Joel Stave had a good game, too, hitting 20-of-34 passes for 295 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Jared Abbrederis had a big game with 10 catches for 207 yards and a score, often burning star Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby.

But Roby made a big pick in the third quarter to set up a Miller 1-yard touchdown pass to Corey Brown to give OSU a 31-14 lead before Wisconsin scored two fourth quarter TDs to make the final look closer. OSU lost star safety Christian Bryant to a broken ankle.

Melvin Gordon had just 74 yards on 15 carries, the first time the then-nation?s leading rusher was held under 100. He limped off the field in the fourth quarter with a leg injury.

Gordon again is the nation?s leading rushing, boasting a Big Ten single-season 2,260 yards. Can the Buckeyes contain him again?

"It was a game of swings, a game of big plays," said first-year Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen, who worked under Meyer at Utah, after last year?s game.

It could be more of the same this Saturday.

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