OSU’s season in the balance

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

A funny thing happened to Ohio State during its bye week: The Buckeyes became a contender.

Wisconsin’s stunning last-second loss at Michigan State means that Ohio State, despite winning just one of its three Big Ten games, can still win its division. To do that the Buckeyes almost have to win out — starting with a showdown Saturday against the wounded 12th-ranked Badgers at Ohio Stadium.

“Ultimately it comes down to us taking care of our own business,” interim coach Luke Fickell said. “Whether you need help, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Defensive tackle John Simon said the Buckeyes (4-3, 1-2) got a boost from knowing that they no longer are dependent on several others to play for what matters the most. Just a short time after being 0-2 and headed nowhere in the conference, now they have some hope.

“It gave a lot of guys motivation,” Simon said.

But all of the talk of contention doesn’t amount to a hill of horse-chestnuts if they don’t beat the Badgers.

“We have a lot of things to play for. We understand that,” Fickell said of his players’ reaction to Wisconsin’s 37-31 loss to the Spartans. “Maybe it’s another little something that our guys saw. Maybe they believe in themselves a little bit more. Maybe they see vulnerability. I don’t know what it is. Whatever it is, it still comes down to us taking care of what we need to take care of.”

There are subplots aplenty in the game, starting with how the Badgers (6-1, 2-1 Big Ten) respond to the defeat.

“I expect this group to bounce back, as they did late in the fourth quarter, and put everything in as preparation,” Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said.

The game time adds to the mix.

“It should be pretty crazy. I know our fans will get up for it with a power-ranked team, coming into Columbus,” Simon said. “We’re looking forward to the challenge. It’s going to be a fun night.”