Buckeyes rally to edge Badgers, remain unbeaten

MADISON, Wisconsin - Urban Meyer’s #2 Ohio State Buckeyes made up for a poor first half performance by dominating #8 Wisconsin in the second half and ultimately edging the Badgers in overtime, 30-23.

Trailing 16-6 at halftime, Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett changed the tune of the prime time Big Ten showdown over the final 30-plus minutes. The junior signal caller rushed for one-yard and eight-yard scores, respectively, and connected on a seven-yard touchdown pass to Noah Brown after regulation to help the Bucks leave Camp Randall as winners.

Barrett finished the game with 226 passing yards and 92 rushing yards.

Ohio State’s defense also turned on the jets in clutch time, making an overtime stand against Badger quarterback Alex Hornibrook and company to seal the victory. Cornerback Gareon Conley nearly intercepted Hornibrook twice on the night, but a one-handed snag in the fourth quarter was overturned upon official review.

The Buckeyes’ road victory is even more impressive considering Wisconsin’s hot start. The Badgers raced out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter on a 46-yard field goal from Andrew Endicott and a 24-yard touchdown hookup from Hornibrook to Jazz Peavy. Buckeye kicker Tyler Durbin cut the deficit to four by drilling a pair of field goals, but Endicott answered back with two more field goals to give the Badgers a comfortable, 16-6 advantage at halftime.

Durbin’s third and final field goal of the game came with 3:57 remaining in the fourth quarter. The 31-yard chip shot forced overtime in Madison.

Ohio State (6-0) now regroups for a road matchup with Penn State (3-2) next Saturday in State College. Wisconsin (4-2) will travel Iowa City to take on Iowa (5-2).