LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

After Illinois pulled the shocking 24-23 upset over Wisconsin on Saturday, I had several questions. The biggest one, was this loss similar to Ohio State meltdowns against Iowa and Purdue?

Did Wisconsin get caught looking ahead to its showdown with Ohio State or are there deeper issues with the team? Did the loss take the luster off the game Saturday?

Given the way the Badgers have played until it met the Illini, I think it is reasonable to say they just played a really bad game. It is best to not read too much in it.

Ohio State’s head-scratching losses did not impede it from winning the Big Ten Football Championship. Wisconsin is still a great team, and this game is an epic clash between two titans.

The stakes are just as important regardless of its loss.

A win over the Wisconsin will solidify the Buckeyes’ position two weeks before the first College Football Playoff Committee rankings are released.

The Badgers need a win to get back in the hunt. A second loss not only kills their slim playoff hopes, it could damage their chances at winning the West Division.

Ohio State will get Wisconsin’s best. It is the only team that is strong enough on both sides of the ball to give the Buckeyes a legitimate four-quarter test.

I know it is easy to pick on the Buckeyes’ opponents to date. It has hardly been a gauntlet run, but it is clear that Cincinnati is the best team they’ve played so far.

That does not diminish what they have accomplished. They are playing with focus, determination and doing everything expected of a championship caliber team.

They are also winning by huge margins which shows they are an elite team.

Ohio State has the platform this Saturday to show all of us that what has happened up to this point was real. If the Buckeyes bring their A game, they will reach 8-0.