Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, mimicking every other coach in America, maintains rankings don’t mean much in mid-October. Well, they’ll mean something to Wisconsin today when the Badgers (5-1, 1-1) host Tressel’s newly christened top-ranked Buckeyes (6-0, 2-0).
This game may not hinge so much on the elevated status of ballyhooed Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, although his No. 6 national ranking in pass efficiency (170.5) certainly warrants it.
This could come down to an Ohio State defense geared to stop the run against a deep, talented Wisconsin backfield. The Badgers are 11th in rushing (240.8 yards per game) with the two-headed attack of John Clay (115.3 yards per game, nine TDs) and freshman James White (80.8, eight TDs).
“I think (White) has added another dimension,” Tressel told reporters this week. “Obviously, John Clay is extraordinary, but you bring in (White), and all of a sudden he hits you with a different type look.”
The challenge is penetrating a Buckeyes defense that ranks fourth against the rush (78.7), hasn’t given up a 100-yard rusher in 29 consecutive games and has 17 takeaways. However, the loss of safety/linebacker Tyler Moeller (chest) has hurt.
While Ohio State, which is a four-point favorite, can boast an impressive win over Miami, 18th-ranked Wisconsin hasn’t put 60 minutes together and lost to its lone quality opponent, Michigan State.
The Badgers must stop Pryor, who came of age two years ago in a comeback win at Wisconsin and is passing less and running more. He leads the Big Ten with 15 TD passes and only three interceptions while throwing for 1,349 yards on 68 percent passing.
One thing to watch: Both teams’ special teams have been weak.
John Henderson: 303-954-1299 or jhenderson@denverpost.com
Baylor (4-2, 1-1 Big 12) at Colorado (3-2, 0-1)
5 p.m., Folsom Field, FCSC
First, Colorado, which was shut out last weekend by Missouri, had better plan on scoring touchdowns in bunches against a Baylor team that has averaged 46.5 points in two Big 12 games. That’s not a typo. And, if the game is close and CU needs a field goal, well, Buffs fans might want to cross fingers on both hands. CU will trot out a new kicker in untested junior walk-on Marcus Kirkwood. At least he sounds up for the challenge. “Games are just like practice — the same players doing their job. If you can channel that, things are going to fall just like they do in practice,” said Kirkwood, a 6-foot-6 lefty. Tom Kensler
UNLV (1-5, 1-1 MWC) at Colorado St. (1-5, 0-2)
noon, Hughes Stadium, MTN
Realistically, this game is one of two CSU chances to avoid a repeat in the Mountain West basement. The other is Oct. 30 when New Mexico, possibly the worst Division I FBS team, comes into Hughes Stadium. UNLV senior quarterback Omar Clayton has had some success against CSU through the years. He was 10-of-17 for 147 yards and a TD in last year’s 36-16 win over CSU. He also ran for 28 yards and a TD. After Nevada dual threat Colin Kaepernick and Air Force’s run-oriented Tim Jefferson destroyed CSU, the Rams are looking for answers against a run-pass combination. Natalie Meisler
No. 23 Air Force (5-1, 3-0 MWC) at San Diego State (3-2, 0-1)
6 p.m., Qualcomm Stadium, CBSCS
Falcons LB Jordan Waiwaiole faces one of his toughest challenges of the season in Aztecs QB Ryan Lindley (17th nationally in passing average at 278.8) and RB Ronnie Hillman (12th nationally in rushing at 118.8) on the other side of the line. Waiwaiole and his linebacker teammates need a fast recovery from a timid game last week. Air Force is second in the MWC and seventh nationally in pass defense (149.3 yards). AFA has had more total yards than its opponent in 12 of the past 13 games. San Diego State is off to its best start in seven seasons and has matched its best start in the last 14 years (1996). Irv Moss
Eastern Wash. (4-2, 3-1 Big Sky) at Northern Colorado (2-4, 1-3)
1:30 p.m., Nottingham Field, ALT
The Eagles are allowing a conference-worse 278.3 yards through the air. The Bears, however, have dropped to seventh in passing offense (194 yards per game) and have a banged-up offensive line. Although UNC QB Dylan Orms provides more mobility, he will need to be a more accurate thrower. Eastern QB Bo Levi Mitchell has completed 69 percent of his passes in the past two games and averaged 312.5 yards. UNC has recorded 20 QB hurries and 12 breakups. Senior LB John Eddy leads the way with eight hurries, while senior Max Hewitt and sophomore Marcel Gibbons have three breakups. Greeley Tribune
Players to watch
DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
The versatile senior is only two TDs away from tying 1969 Heisman Trophy winner Steve Owens’ school record of 57 career TDs. He’s also 403 yards shy of Joe Washington’s school mark of 5,881 all-purpose yards. 5 p.m. vs. Iowa State, FSN
Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska
He seems to be everywhere, piling up 35 tackles in the past two games and 60 for the season. The junior college transfer took on a major role after injuries in the preseason. 1:30 p.m. vs. Texas, KMGH-7
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
He is the SEC’s top rusher and the nation’s No. 2-rated passer. He has had three games of 170 yards rushing and has run or passed for 21 TDs. 1:30 p.m. vs. Arkansas, KCNC-4
Ryan Katz, QB, Oregon State
The sophomore’s breakout arrived last week when he threw for a 393 yards against Arizona. Now he gets a shot against Washington’s leaky secondary. 8:15 p.m. vs. Wash., ESPN
