Looking to extend their winning streak to three games, Wisconsin football stays on the road tomorrow. The Badgers will take a quick ride to Evanston to take on the Northwestern Wildcats. They are coming off a 37-10 road win against Maryland where their defense forced four turnovers. Can Wisconsin football keep the momentum going on both sides of the ball? Kickoff is 11 AM CST on BTN. Here is a preview of tomorrow’s game.
Wisconsin Football Needs to Continue Riding the Running Game
This takes nothing away from Brayden Locke. He has been really good during this two game winning streak. However, it ahs been the running game that has stood out to me. Senior running back Tawee Walker has 294 yards and six touchdowns in the last eight quarters. He looks fresh and is bringing the physicality to opposing defenses.
While it has been Walker getting the attention, it appears this Wisconsin football coaching staff has settled in with true freshman Darrion Dupree as the second running back with Cade Yacamelli the third back. This was something Luke Fickell wanted figured out during the bye week.
Northwestern is giving up 129 yards a game while the Badgers have been solid in the running game.
Win Time of Possession and Field Position
Anytime you play Northwestern, possessions will be limited and field position matters. I don’t think this Wisconsin football team can waste possessions in this game. They have to be efficient on offense and get off the field on the third down.
I also think whoever can possess the ball longer will have an advantage. It’s not going to be a high scoring game and defenses will be key. This has been an explosive Wisconsin football offense the last few weeks. I am not sure that will be the case tomorrow. Look for this offense to try and establish the run game early and often.
Prediction
This Northwestern team has a lot of similarities to Rutgers. They want to win ugly and pride their defense and special teams. I would be shocked if the Badgers score 42 points against Northwestern tomorrow. However, they did put up 42 in 2022 when they last played in Evanston. That was the first game post Paul Chryst.
Not only are the Badgers playing with confidence on both sides, they will have a chip on their shoulders. Northwestern came into Madison last year and embarrassed this team in front of Camp Randall sellout. It was one of the first times in my life where I thought players quit during the game. Coaches and veterans were not happy after that game. The mood has switched since.
Add this all in and I like this Wisconsin football team tomorrow. Northwestern played with a short field most of the Maryland game and had to settle for a ton of field goals. If the Badgers lose, it will be because they turned the ball over multiple times. I don’t see the Wildcats having an offense that can go punch for punch with the Badgers. Assuming UW takes care of the ball, I like a third win in a row.
Wisconsin 24 Northwestern 14
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