Coning off their best game of the 2024 season. Wisconsin football begins preparation for their next game this week. The Badges will travel to Rutgers to take on the Scarlet Knights, who currently sit at 4-1 on the year. They are coming off their first loss of the season at Nebraska by a score of 14-7. Wisconsin football enters this game a 2.5 point underdogs. Essentially, this game is a toss up. Here is what the Badgers need to do in order to secure a key road win.
Wisconsin Football Needs to Stop the Rutgers Run Game
Rutgers wants to establish the run game and they have a solid running back to do so. Senior Kyle Monangai has been one of the best running backs in the country so far. He does is all in the running game as he has already ran the ball 116 times. He hast at least 19 carries in every game so far. Monangai is only 5’9, but 209 pounds. He will give the Wisconsin football linebackers a battle.
The Badgers defense does struggle with the run defense at times. They have to be able to get off the field. The good news? Last year, this defense allowed Monangai to only run the ball eight times for 16 yards. That isn’t going to happen Saturday, but if Monangai is shut down, I like the Badgers in this game.
Wisconsin Football Needs to Establish the Run Game
On the other hand, the Rutgers run game has struggled this year. They are giving up an average of 156 yards a game. The Wisconsin football offense is running the ball for an average of 170 yards a game. Nebraska was the first team Rutgers did not allow 100 yards rushing last week. Washington ran the ball for 207 yards a few weeks ago.
This is a game you need players like Tawee Walker, Cade Yacamelli, and Darrion Dupree. I like where the offensive line is right now. The line is a run first line as well. I would expect the ball to be out of Brayden Locke’s hands as much as possible and let the Badgers win this game in the trenches.
Win the Turnover Battle
The key to any road win in college football is to not turn the ball over. Locke had two interceptions last week and it looked like he was trying to force the ball. If Wisconsin football turns the ball over multiple times, they will lose this game.
On the other hand, I think this is a game the defense needs to force a few turnovers as well. Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has thrown three interceptions this season. The Badgers forced two fumbles last week against Purdue and appear to getting back on the right track.
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