The Ohio State Buckeyes made the ultimate statement in the Big Ten title game with a 59-0 win over the Wisconsin Badgers as they hope to make the college football playoff.
READ MORE:
Ohio State Wisconsin preview
Ohio State beats Michigan – Ohio State defeats Michigan, 42-28
J.T. Barrett injury – Ohio State quarterback leaves game with leg injury
No. 5 Ohio State was expected to struggle in the Big Ten Championship against No. 13 Wisconsin since quarterback J.T. Barrett had a season-ending injury. They were forced to move on with third-stringer Cardale Jones as their quarterback.
Jones made his first collegiate start, and he rose to the challenge as best he could by leading the Buckeyes to a humiliating 59-0 victory over the Badgers for a Big Ten title.
The defense also put together by far the most dominant performance against this Wisconsin team as they held running back Melvin Gordon to 76 rushing yards on 26 carries, effectively shutting down his Heisman Trophy campaign.
Jones threw for 257 yards and three touchdown passes on 12-of-17 passing while running back Ezekiel Elliott stepped up with his best performance by rushing for 220 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.
Meanwhile, Badgers quarterback Joel Stave was exposed as he threw for 187 yards and three interceptions on 17-of-42 passing.
The Buckeyes did everything they could to prove they belong in the top four, but they will have to fight off TCU and Baylor for the final spot in the college football playoff.
COMMENTS