Jody Victor: Here's some great Buckeye football news about this week's game from osu.edu  and OhioStateBuckeyes.com. The game is Saturday, October 29, 2011 with kickoff at 8 p.m. ET in Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio.

The Broadcasts
Television: ESPN will televise the game with Brad Nessler and Todd Blackledge in the booth and Holly Rowe on the the sidelines.

Radio: WBNS (FM 97.1 The Fan) is the flagship station for the 73-station Ohio State radio network. The Luke Fickell pregame show airs 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Paul Keels will call the play-by-play with former Buckeye Jim Lachey in the booth and Marty Bannister on the sidelines. The game can also be heard live on Sirius-XM satellite radio and Westwood One.

First and 10

·  Head coach Luke Fickell picked up his first victory over a ranked opponent with a 17-7 win at No. 15 Illinois Oct. 15.

·  The Buckeyes rank sixth in the NCAA with 27.2 yards per kickoff return.

·  Ohio State ranks 12th nationally in fewest points allowed at 16.2 ppg.

·  Braxton Miller is one of just three true freshman starting QBs among FBS schools.

·  Senior RB Dan “Boom” Herron has scored a rushing TD in 13 straight games, the most by a Buckeye since Keith Byers (21) in 1983-84.

·  The Buckeyes are 19-1 in Herron's career when he rushes for at least 55 yards.

·  Junior DL John Simon recorded 2.0 sacks and 4.0 TFL, the most by a Buckeye since 2007, in the win at Illinois. The 4.0 TFL also tied for second best on OSU's all-time single-game list.

·  Kicker Drew Basil has connected on eight consecutive field goal attempts.

·  Senior LB Andrew Sweat leads the Buckeyes with 49 tackles.

·  Eddie George, OSU's 1995 Heisman Trophy winner, will be honored at halftime Saturday.

About the Badgers
Wisconsin is ranked No. 15 in the latest BCS standings with a 6-1 overall record and a 2-1 mark in the Big Ten Leaders Division. Its only blemish came at the hands of Michigan State on a last-second, 44-yard Hail Mary TD pass at the end of regulation that handed UW its first setback of the season, 37-31. The loss snapped a nine-game conference winning streak by the Badgers along with their 13-game regular-season winning streak.

The Badgers enter Saturday's game at the Horseshoe ranked No. 5 nationally in scoring, averaging 47.3 points per game. They also rank in the Top 10 in the NCAA in rushing (8th, 252.1 ypg), total offense (8th, 511.7) and passing efficiency (2nd, 193.1). Junior running back Monte Ball leads the nation in scoring at 16.29 points per game and is 15th with 109.7 rushing yards per game — good for second best in the Big Ten. Quarterback Russell Wilson leads the Big Ten and is second nationally in passer efficiency (204.9). He has completed 109 of 149 pass attempts for 1,780 yards with 16 TDs and three interceptions.

The other side of the ball has posted some of the better defensive numbers in the country as well, ranking in the Top 10 in total defense (9th, 286.7 ypg), fewest points allowed (6th, 13.5 ppg) and pass defense (4th, 165.5 ypg). They also rank second in punt returns with a 20.0 ypg average. Sophomore linebacker Chris Borland leads the team with 71 tackles and 10.0 TFL to go along with 2.0 sacks and one interception.

Bret Bielema (Iowa, 1992) is in his sixth season as the head coach with a 55-17 record entering Saturday's game. He has led the Badgers to bowl appearances all five seasons, including a trip to the Rose Bowl last season.

OSU-UW Series
The series between the Buckeyes and the Badgers, which dates back to 1913, shows Ohio State with a 53-17-5 lead. In games played in Columbus, the Buckeyes lead 29-7-3. In games played in Madison, the Buckeyes lead 24-10-2. Ohio State has an 8-5-1 advantage over the last 14 meetings (back through 1980). The Buckeyes have won the last three meetings between the squads. (Note: the 2010 season was vacated by The Ohio State University).

Ohio State to Wear Advanced Nike Uniforms for Wisconsin Game
Ohio State will be donning uniquely designed, highly advanced Nike uniforms Saturday against Wisconsin, honoring the 50th anniversary of The Ohio State University's undefeated 1961 championship season — a distinctive milestone that provides a source of inspiration for a program steeped in tradition and rooted in pride. The 2011 Nike Pro Combat system of dress design for the Buckeyes harkens back to that team, whose offensive power lived in its backfield, led by the 6'0, 227 pound All-American fullback, Bob Ferguson. The Heisman runner-up was a power runner and contributed immensely to the team's noteworthy speed, aggression and smarts. This uniform acknowledges the dominance of the 1961.

Distinctive white block lettering on Ohio State's bold scarlet jersey is accompanied by gray sleeve and collar accents that provide a retro look high in contrast. An inscription of the year “1961” on the inner neckline, socks and sleeves act as a silent reminder of the indisputable determination of that year's lineup. A steel gray baselayer and matching arm sleeves feature a print reminiscent of a buckeye tree. These two pieces are patterned after Buckeye Grove – home to a collection of buckeye trees planted in honor of each first team All-American player, like Ferguson, whose presence always commanded respect. Dark gray pants complement the baselayer design, emblazoned with a prominent block `O' on the hip alongside a scarlet streak on the pant leg.

Homecoming
Saturday will be the 90th Homecoming celebrated at Ohio State with the Buckeyes 64-19-5 in Homecoming games. The 2010 game is not reflected in the overall record.

Go Bucks!!!

Jody Victor