MADISON, Wis. -- Instant analysis from Camp Randall Stadium, where No. 18 Wisconsin upset No. 1 Ohio State 31-18, notching its first win against a top-ranked team since 1981.

How the game was won: Wisconsin's offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage for most of the night, allowing its backs and receivers to make plays. After Ohio State regained momentum with a dominant third quarter, Wisconsin marched 73 yards in 10 plays on an extremely well-executed drive and reached the end zone for a huge statement score. In a low-possession game, Wisconsin got the hot start it needed and avoided the major mistakes that would have allowed Ohio State to rally. But the line deserves a ton of credit for keeping Ohio State's defense at bay.

Turning point: After Ohio State closed to within 21-18, Wisconsin mixed up the play-calling and marched 73 yards in 10 plays. Scott Tolzien made a huge throw to Nick Toon on third-and-4, while offensive coordinator Paul Chryst surprised Ohio State with four consecutive passes. James White finished things off with a 9-yard reception and three runs, the last a nifty 12-yard scoring scamper to put Wisconsin up 27-18.

Best call: Badgers offensive coordinator Paul Chryst had a great game overall, and he saved his best call for last. After Wisconsin forced a three-and-out, still leading 28-18, Chryst ditched the run for a pass to tight end Jacob Pedersen, who, like Lance Kendricks, was wide open for a 33-yard gain. The play put even more pressure on Ohio State's defense to make a stop, and Wisconsin drove for a field goal.

Second guessing: The pistol formation worked brilliantly for Ohio State, so why didn't we see more of it in the first half? Jim Tressel had an excellent plan in the third quarter, but he didn't stick with the pistol enough in the first half as his team tried to crawl out of a 21-0 hole.

What it means: Ohio State is almost certainly out of the national title mix, and Michigan State, Iowa and Purdue are now the only undefeated teams in Big Ten play. The league title could be decided Oct. 30 in Iowa City, as Michigan State visits the Hawkeyes. Wisconsin, meanwhile, finally overcame its big-game blues and could do some serious damage down the stretch in league play.