Wisconsin football appears to have found its footing. After weeks of dominance in which the Badgers defeated Purdue and Rutgers 94-13, they will travel to Evanston to face the Northwestern Wildcats. They had a 37-10 win over Maryland last Friday. With a primetime game next weekend against No. 3 Penn State, Wisconsin football cannot be ignored. Here are the keys to Saturday’s victory over the Wildcats.
Wisconsin football must continue to be successful running the ball
Wisconsin football has been really good the last two games and pretty good overall this season. The Badgers have a deep offensive line with all five of them having a chance to play in the NFL at some point. They have been dominant on the offensive line, allowing players like Tawee Walker to score eight touchdowns in the last three games.
The Wildcats are giving up 129 rushing yards per game. Rutgers allowed a similar number of players into last week’s game, and the Badgers blew them away. I like the momentum the Wisconsin football offense has right now. I expect this team to look to establish the rules early and often. If they continue to be successful running the ball, they will win this game.
Winning turnover and holding time
Whenever you play Northwestern, possession will be narrow and your defense will be on the field the entire game if you can’t get off the field on third down. It’s ugly football, but Northwestern loves ugly football and is good at it.
Brayden Locke will have a hard task against the Wildcats defense. The talent isn’t there anymore compared to a few years ago, but Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald has had plenty of success against this team during his tenure at Northwestern. He knows the Wisconsin football team as well as any coach in the country. Whoever can stay on the field longer and gain the advantage faster will have the advantage.
Create your own energy
The crowd and energy in Evanston has been mediocre at best over the years. This is not a good environment and product on a TV screen. Moreover, Northwestern is in the process of renovating Ryan Field. As a result, they are not playing games at Ryan Field this year and have a ephemeral home field.
This is a diminutive facility where the Wisconsin football team will play. I wouldn’t be surprised if the attendance was only 5-10,000 people. Why does this matter? Generating your own momentum and energy on the road can be very hard, especially in diminutive crowds.
I don’t think this will be a problem for one reason. Last year, the Wisconsin football team got their asses kicked by the Northwestern team in Madison. The head coach was Luke Fickell, so he knows this very well. In my opinion, it looked like some of the Wisconsin players passed away during this game. It was embarrassing and humiliating for coaches, players and fans. I’m sure they still have a sour taste in their mouths from it. I think this is enough to have its own momentum and energy.
For more great football content
Follow me on Twitter @DylanBuboltz and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and stay up to date with Wisconsin sports news, click here! Also check out our gadget store where you will find amazing WSH gadgets!
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for a corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your chosen sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has gained a reputation as a company that invites top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
