2018 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Conference Title Games

Troy Fumagalli (TE – Wisconsin) vs. Ohio State

While the main priority for the Ohio State defense will be shutting down running back Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin needs to at least attempt to create balance on offense. The best chance to do so is by getting the ball to 6-foot-6 tight end Troy Fumagalli.

Wisconsin Badgers Football

Fumagalli was key down the stretch for the Badgers last season and played like a future star in the Cotton Bowl. Wisconsin likes to feed him the ball in big games, and with a playoff spot on the line, it doesn’t get much bigger. When these two teams clashed last season, Fumagalli caught a season-high seven passes for 84 yards. He was however kept out of the end zone as Ohio State made sure to keep multiple defenders around Wisconsin’s favorite red zone weapon.

Fumagalli is far from the first 2018 NFL Draft tight end prospect the Buckeyes have faced this season and the results have been mixed. Mark Andrews of Oklahoma was held to just two catches for 23 yards, but Penn State’s Mike Gesicki had six receptions for 57 yards against Ohio State. Last week against Michigan, tight ends Zach Gentry and Sean McKeon combined for four catches, 38 yards and a score. Those two were running wide open most of the game and the numbers would have been much higher if not for consistently inaccurate throws from quarterback John O’Korn. The Buckeyes got away leaving the Michigan tight ends open, but they’ll pay for their mistakes if Fumagalli is given room to run.