Article originally appears on GoffRugbyReport.com

Wisconsin defeated Ohio State 19-15 to join Indiana as the only undefeated teams in the Big Ten, but it might not be enough to see the Badgers in the top two.

On a windy day, Wisconsin started the day with the breeze at their backs and scored two well-taken tries to lead 12-0 at halftime. Both teams used the wind with intelligence and kicked to space to pressure the opposition team. But Wisconsin was able to exploit a couple of OSU penalties and good pressure to set up fullback and captain Dan Pettay to burst through the middle for his second try of the day, and the game-winner in the 19-15 contest.

“I still don’t think it was a great game by us,” said Wisconsin Coach Nic Tyson. “We played well in some areas. We were pretty strong defense but we lost the ball too much out wide in the backline. We made passes that were unnecessary.”

Pettay had a strong game for Wisconsin, and so did player of the game lock Calvin Carlson, who was a powerful runner through the midfield and played outstanding defense.

“Calvin was instrumental in the lineout,” added Tyson.

As for Ohio State, Head Coach Tom Rooney said this type of knock-down, drag-out game was exactly what he needed.

“We don’t get enough of these hard games,” he said. “Players get better at the simple things if you get them these pressure games. Kudos to Wisconsin. Our players didn’t adjust at halftime, and Wisconsin had a good game plan and ran it well.”

The key positive for OSU is that the Buckeyes got a bonus point for a close loss, and Wisconsin failed to get a bonus point for four tries. Given that Ohio State does not have the very difficult Indiana on their schedule (the Big Ten schedule has teams play six games), while Wisconsin plays IU on October 29. That could mean the difference between finishing 2nd and 4th.

However, Ohio State does face 3-1 Michigan on October 29, which isn’t exactly an easy game.

Michigan defeated Michigan State 31-13 to move to 3-1. Indiana shut out Iowa 83-0, and Illinois is now at 2-2 after beating Minnesota 22-17.