Looking to build on last week’s 52-6 win over Purdue, the Wisconsin football team heads into a key battle with Rutgers. Last week, the Scarlet Knights lost to Nebraska on the road, 14-7. It was the first defeat of the season after a surprising 4-1 start. A win for the Badgers would likely give them the momentum they need as teams like Oregon, Penn State and Iowa still have their way. Starts at 11:00 CST on BTN. Here’s a preview of tomorrow’s match.
Wisconsin football needs to have a better offense
This game will be decided in the trenches. Rutgers has one of the best running backs in the country in Kyle Monangai. He averages over five yards per carry and has run the ball 116 times and at least 19 times in every game. He is the one who makes the Scarlet Knights jump on offense.
On the other hand, Rutgers’ defense has been brutal so far, giving up nearly 160 yards on the ground in the game. Last week, they didn’t give up 100 yards rushing for the first time in a game (97). Wisconsin football averages 170 yards on the field per game. The Badgers also played much better teams than Rutgers. If Wisconsin can make this game run as smoothly as possible, it could be a very nice afternoon.
Make Athan Kaliakmanis defeat you
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis is familiar with Wisconsin football. This will be the fourth time they’ve seen him since he came from Minnesota. The craftsmanship talent is there, but the production never really had it. Probably his best college game came in Madison, but that was a few seasons ago.
Kaliakminis’ numbers aren’t bad either. He threw eight touchdowns and only three interceptions, but Rutgers doesn’t want to hand it over to him either. If the Badgers can contain Monangai and force Rutgers to throw the ball, I as a secondary will be able to get to him and force some turnovers. If he is not in his comfort zone, he has shown that he has made mistakes in the past.
Forecast
If you’ve been listening to Wisconsin football podcasts this week, you’ve probably heard that it’s either going to be a close game or the Badgers are in it. I think both may be true to some extent,
On one hand, there’s a reason the Scarlet Knights are 4-1. They moved the ball well, shot it well when needed and made key defensive tackles. Now there are no more jokes about their fans. This is a large time advantage.
On the other hand, Rutgers’ best victory came against a Washington team that had to fly across the country on Friday night instead of the customary Saturday. It matters. I think they had a chance to prove the doubt against Nebraska last week and only scored seven points. Against the final three power-four teams, Rutgers is averaging just 18 points per game.
Wisconsin football has already been tested multiple times in games against Alabama and USC. They had success in the running game against both of these teams. If the Badgers can start the game right away, I like their chances.
With a schedule like this, you have to win on the road, and with games like Iowa, Oregon, and Penn State coming up, these games have to be won. I think the Badgers are building on the momentum from last week and will pick up a key road win tomorrow.
Wisconsin 24 Rutgers 17
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