COLUMBUS, OHIO--The stifling Wisconsin defense that has become synonymous with football Saturdays at UW this season continued its domination in the Badgers 24-13 victory over No. 18 Ohio State. The Badgers' defense kept their opponent from reaching the end zone again, marking the fourth game this season that opposing offenses have failed to score a touchdown.
\We just wanted to come out and play our brand of defense,"" senior safety Jim Leonhard said. ""We knew they were struggling but they also have tremendous athletes on this team that are capable of really busting out, so we just wanted to keep everything in front of us and make some plays and we did that.""
UW held the Buckeyes offensive attack in place in the first half, limiting OSU to two field goals, but played at a higher level in the second half, during which Ohio State failed to put a single point on the board and entered Wisconsin territory only once. The Ohio State offense managed a mere 49 yards in the second half-24 of which came on OSU's closing drive when UW was in a prevent defense.
""Everything that they've done, everything they have worked for, they keep persevering that thought process,"" defensive coordinator Bret Bielema said. ""They earned that win ... To bow up the way we did and have everything battle through, the way it came out is a true testament to their character.""
Even more impressive was the job the Badger defense did against the Ohio State rushing attack. After giving up more than 100 yards rushing in the first half, the UW defense clamped down against the run and held the Buckeyes to negative rushing yards in the second half, giving OSU only 99 total net rushing yards on the day.
""I guess our adjustments were just the things we made mistakes on in the first half,"" Leonhard said of the defensive unit's play. ""We didn't throw anything new in, we were just a lot more crisp in the second half.""
Wisconsin's defense is No. 1 in the nation in touchdowns allowed (two), tied with only Miami (Fla.) in that category. Although Ohio State's offensive attack has looked slim all season, a defensive performance at a place like the Horseshoe against a top-25 opponent proved once again that this UW defense is amongst the elite in the country.
""It means a lot [to not give up a defensive touchdown],"" UW senior cornerback Scott Starks said. ""Ohio State is a great team and for us to go out there and dominate like we did, that speaks a lot for our defense.""
The defense pestered OSU quarterback Justin Zwick all afternoon, sacking the sophomore five times and nearly holding him to under 100 yards of passing. Senior defensive lineman Erasmus James continued with his stellar performances this season by leading the Badgers in solo tackles (six), tackles for losses (two) and sacks (one-tied with three others).
Scott Starks contained Ohio State's leading receiver sophomore Santonio Holmes throughout the entire afternoon. Holmes, who had averaged well over 100 yards per game coming into Saturday's contest, was held to just 34 yards on three receptions. ""You love going against good players,"" Starks said about competing against Holmes. ""I definitely think he is a good player and he will be a great player in the future. But to hold a guy down like that, that speaks a lot for our secondary.""
Crooks fills in nicely for injured Cribbs
The Badger defense suffered a loss when sophomore linebacker Reggie Cribbs went down with an injury in the first half. Freshman linebacker Andy Crooks replaced Cribbs and proved once again that the Badger defense has a variety of athletes who can fill in when needed.
""[Crooks] really got a good feel for the game and understands football, very smart, very conscientious, everything that he does to put himself in the position to get where he is right now is because he does things right all the time,"" defensive coordinator Bret Bielema said.
