BadgerBlitz.com' brings back its All-Out Blitz weekly series, where you can find everything you need to know about Wisconsin's next opponent. We take a look at the Ohio State Buckeyes, who host the Badgers in Columbus to open up conference play. (6:30 p.m. CT, ABC).

Head Coach: Ryan Day (37-4 at Ohio State)

Ohio State All-Time Record: 837-262-36 (.737 winning percentage)

2021 Record: 11-2

Rankings: No.3

Series vs. Wisconsin: 61-18-5

In Columbus: 31-7-3

The 2005 USC Trojans. The 2019 LSU Tigers. The 2008 Florida Gators. These are some of the most dominant offenses to ever line up on a Saturday. We're only three weeks in, but the 2022 Ohio State Buckeyes could be right there with them.

It helps when you have the best quarterback in the nation. C.J. Stroud has separated himself from the pack of elite quarterbacks across the country rather quickly this year. With 941 yards, an 11-0 touchdown-interception ration and a 72.9 completion percentage, Stroud is playing out of his mind. He's the clear early-season Heisman favorite, and would also probably be the first overall pick in the NFL Draft if the season ended today.

Stroud has to turn the ball over sometime, though, and Wisconsin has as good a shot of anyone of making that happen. Stroud's chemistry with his receivers and pinpoint accuracy is what's kept the football out of harms' way for the Buckeyes. The Badgers must knock him off his rhythm by any means necessary: pressure, disguised coverages, anything to disrupt this well-oiled machine of an offense.

It also helps to have potentially the best receiver in the nation. Jaxon Smith-Njigba hasn't been fully healthy this season, resulting in a pedestrian four catches for 36 yards on the year. But make no mistake — this is still the same guy who put up 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns in the Rose Bowl last year. He's incredibly dangerous, and should resume his dominant ways as soon as he's healthy. The Badgers are hoping that's not quite yet.

As if its arial assault wasn't enough, Ohio State's top two tailbacks both average at least 6.5 yards-per-carry on the ground. TreVeyon Henderson is their top back, but has been dealing with a lower leg injury and has actually be out-gained by Miyan Williams. Henderson is expected to play against Wisconsin, but the Buckeyes likely won't want to overwork him. The Badgers have been good against the run, but against this team, stopping the passing attack is priority number one.

The Badgers will need to score points, and lots of them, to stay competitive with Ohio State. As tight as Jim Leonhard's defense has been, they're going to get scored on, and Graham Mertz is going to need to orchestrate some drives to answer back quickly. Wisconsin can't afford to get off to a slow start offensively, or they'll get left in the dust by the Buckeyes high-powered offense.

Bobby Engram's goal should be to keep Stroud off the field as much as possible. This means long, punishing drives with heavy doses of Braelon Allen will be Wisconsin's friend in Columbus. Engram asserted during the week that he doesn't care how the Badgers score, whether it be big plays or long drives. Still, there has to be some notion of keeping the Heisman favorite off the field.

Ohio State's run defense has been outstanding to start the season. The front seven is the calling card of the Buckeyes defense, and coupled with an offense that opens up massive leads, they've effectively shut down opposing teams' hopes of running the ball. Wisconsin can't afford to get into a shootout; Mertz simply can't go toe-to-toe with Stroud. The Badgers need to keep the running game on the table for as long as possible Saturday night.

Wisconsin's offense looks like it's made strides from where it was a season ago. Mertz has shown tangible improvement, albeit against non-Big Ten competition. What better litmus test for this unit than the No.3 team in the country?

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