After suffering their first loss of the 2023 season, Wisconsin Football returns home tomorrow. They will face the Georgia Southern Eagles in their final non-conference tuneup before the Big Ten season begins next week. Kick-off is scheduled for 11 AM CST on BTN
The Eagles are 2-0 on the season and are coming off a 49-35 win over UAB last week. Here is my preview for tomorrow’s home game.
Wisconsin Football Preview 1: Will Braelon Allen Bounce Back?
Ncaa Football Wisconsin Badgers At Ohio State Buckeyesnn© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
It might have been the worst game we saw Wisconsin Football stud running back Braelon Allen play. The junior running back only ran the ball seven times for 20 yards and caught six passes for 11 yards. Going forward, the Badgers need more production out of him.
I don’t expect this to be a long term thing. I think Luke Fickell and Phil Longo will find a way to get Allen more carries and get him involved more in the offense early. Don’t be surprised if we see a ton of Braelon Allen on the first drive tomorrow.
Wisconsin Football Preview 2: Get Ready to Defense the Pass
We’re going to see a lot of passing from the Eagles tomorrow. The good news? The Wisconsin Football defense has already seen two passing quarterbacks. Eagles quarterback Davis Brin has already thrown the ball 83 times.
Georgia Southern also has three receivers who have at least 12 receptions, 80 yards, and a touchdown. Defensive Coordinator Mike Tressel needs to get off the field early and make the Eagles adjust early. Running the ball is not Georgia Southern’s strength. Forcing them to do something they don’t want to do could result in turnovers. To this point, the Wisconsin defense has yet to force a turnover.
Wisconsin Football Preview 3: Will The Mental Mistakes Be Cut Down?
Mistakes are going to happen in a new offensive and defensive scheme. It takes a long time to get comfortable. In all honesty, we might not see this Wisconsin Football team 100% comfortable in the offensive or defensive scheme this season. Football is a complex sport that requires a ton of detail.
However, things like missed tacking, blown assignments, and turnovers are correctable and the Badgers need to do a better job at it. They are currently -5 in the turnover margin. I can’t remember the last time a Wisconsin Football defense was in the negatives for turnover margin.
Prediction
This seems like a game the Badgers have to show us something positive, I think if you look on social media, you;ll largely see negative reactions from the Washington State game. Yes the Badgers were awful in the first half, but they had a chance in the fourth quarter to win that game. At the end of the day, this is still a very good football team and I believe the best team right now in the Big Ten West.
Can Wisconsin get in sync on both sides of the ball? Right now, we are seeing one side of the ball in sync and the other side a mess at times. It’s happened to both sides too. Right now, I like where the passing game is. Tanner Mordecai took a ton of heat after the Buffalo game and he responded with a solid game against Wazzu.
On the other side, the running game seems to be taking a step backwards after dominating against Buffalo. Look for Phil Longo to prioritize the running game early. Wisconsin has too good of backs to be out of sync for multiple games.
I think you’re going to see a lot of similarities with Buffalo and Georgia Southern. The Eagles like to throw the ball around and have a thunder-lightning running back duo. If they can get to the Wisconsin defense early, we could potentially be looking a close game.
At the end of the day, I can’t see the Badger defense going three games without a turnover. Like the running backs, this is too good of a unit to not force a bad play. I think the Badgers get right here in the non-conference finale as they begin Big Ten play next week.
Wisconsin 38 Georgia Southern 14
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the Georgia Southern Eagle?
The name of the Georgia Southern Eagle is "Freedom." Freedom, a male American Bald Eagle, takes flight before each home football game and lands at midfield to the roar of thousands of Eagle students and fans. Witness this popular tradition at Georgia Southern University!
Who is the Wisconsin Badgers biggest rivalry?
The Wisconsin Badgers' biggest rivalry is with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This American college football rivalry is the most-played in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, with 132 meetings between the two teams. It is a highly anticipated matchup that holds a lot of tradition and excitement for fans. The rivalry showcases the intense competition between these neighboring states.
