Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, December 6, 2014

BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart is posting quick takes after each quarter of the Big Ten Football Championship from his perch at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Also, follow him on Twitter @BTNTomDienhart.

OHIO STATE 59, WISCONSIN 0: BOX | PBP | AP RECAP | GALLERY

THIRD QUARTER

Quick take: Ohio State kept the pedal to the metal, adding 7 points to its lead to go ahead, 45-0. The more impressive this win is, the more chance the Buckeyes seemingly will have to show the College Football Playoff committee that it deserves a playoff spot.

Key moment: There weren?t many in a hum-drum quarter. But with Wisconsin still looking for some life and a spark on offense, Joel Stave dropped to pass on 2nd and 10 from the Badger 39 and was intercepted by Doran Grant on the last play of the quarter. Pretty fitting.

Key play: On its first drive of the quarter, Cardale Jones ripped off a 20-yard run on a 2nd and six from the Buckeye 38-yard line. On the next play, Jones chucked a perfect pass to Devin Smith for a 42-yard TD to give Ohio State a 45-0 lead. Smith has four catches for 137 yards (34.3 ypc).

Key number: 6, three-and-outs for Wisconsin. Its longest drive was nine plays for 34 yards on its second possession of the game.

Key penalty: None.

Key score: There was just one-the picturesque 42-yard touchdown pass from Jones to Smith, his third TD grab of the game.

About Tom Dienhart BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart is a veteran sports journalist who covers Big Ten football and men's basketball for BTN.com and BTN TV. Find him on Twitter and Facebook, read all of his work at btn.com/tomdienhart, and subscribe to his posts via RSS. Also, send questions to his weekly mailbag using the form below and read all of his previous answers in his reader mailbag section.

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