Ohio State Routs Wisconsin, 59-0, for Big Ten Title

Kirk Irwin/Getty Images(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.) — As if the inaugural College Football Playoff didn’t need any more potential controversy, fifth-ranked Ohio State throttled number 13 Wisconsin 59-0 in the Big Ten title game on Saturday, only adding to the list of teams vying for a top-four spot. 

I don’t think there’s any doubt we’re one of the top four teams in America,” said coach Urban Meyer, who has led the Buckeyes (10-3) to 11 consecutive wins, nine of which have been by double digits.

Third-string quarterback Cardale Jones, starting his first ever college game, showed no jitters and threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns in the blowout. Jones also earned MVP honors, helping Ohio State put up 38 points in the first half alone. Running back Ezekiel Elliott had a strong contribution to the championship, racking up 220 yards on the ground and scoring twice.

What may have been most impressive was the play of the Buckeyes defense. Wisconsin (10-3) running back, and Heisman hopeful, Melvin Gordon was held to just 76 yards on 26 carries and no touchdowns. It was the second lowest rushing total this year for the nation’s top back.

It was the first shutout loss for the Bdagers since 1997, and worst since a 59-0 defeat by Ohio State in 1979. Meanwhile, the win was Ohio State’s largest over a ranked team in school history.

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