Wisconsin football will to prime time Saturday night football this week. The Badgers will host #3 Penn State for their homecoming game in what should be a sell out crowd. Winners of their last three games, Wisconsin is playing their best football of the season at the right time. They now sit at 5-2 and one win away from bowl eligibility. It will be a very difficult task, but a task I think this Wisconsin Football team will be up for. Here are the keys to a huge home win Saturday night.
Braedyn Lock Can’t Turn the Ball Over
I think Braedyn Locke has played really well over the last three games and clearly the best football of his college career. However, the last three games he has thrown a first quarter interception. The Wisconsin football quarterback has been able to get away it because of the poor offenses they have faced.
On Saturday, Locke can’t throw an interception. The Penn State offense is much better than Purdue, Rutgers, and Northwestern. Any sort of field position battle the Badgers lose will make a difference. Look for the Nittany Lions to put pressure on Locke and make the redshirt sophomore quarterback beat them.
The Wisconsin Defense Needs to Make Drew Aller Uncomfortable
If you watch Penn State quarterback Drew Aller, you know he rarely makes a mistake and will not throw the ball in harms way. He is very smart with the football.
Wisconsin football defensive coordinator Mike Tressel has to be able to dial up the blitz and make sure the linebackers and edge rushers have a way to get to Aller. This is a very experienced front seven and a group that is playing much better over the last few weeks. If Aller has all day to throw the ball, this game won’t be close. He is also a threat to run the ball as well.
Wisconsin Football Should Play Loose and Free
We will never know how this Wisconsin football team would have played against Alabama if Tyler Van Dyke would not have gotten injured. This game doesn’t have anything to do with that, but I want to see this team play loose. They are certainly playing with a ton of confidence and belief. I think that allows a team to play loose. It also means, they could play a little tight and expect the same outcome.
Everything has been working on both sides of the ball for this Wisconsin football team. I believe this is what Luke Fickell wanted to see on both sides of the ball when he took over. Everything is looking clean and crisp. Penn State is suppose to come into Madison and win this game. I think there is more pressure on the Nittany Lions with Ohio State coming to State College next week. There is a realistic possibility this is a trap game for Penn State.
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 keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
