Northwestern @ Wisconsin preview
Camp Randall Stadium
Last Meeting ( Nov 21, 2009 ) Wisconsin 31, Northwestern 33
Northwestern’s hopes against Wisconsin may hinge on the performance of its defense, which may not be such a comforting thing after last week’s performance.
The Wildcats gave up 48 points, missed 31 tackles and allowed 519 rushing yards against Illinois. Unless some changes are made, the Wisconsin offense — which hung 83 on Indiana and 49 on Michigan — could have a field day.
Both teams are already bowl eligible. Wisconsin (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten) is tied for first place in the conference with Michigan State and Ohio State, and is seeking its first Big Ten title since 1999. If all three teams win this week and tie for first, the team with the highest BCS ranking will go to the Rose Bowl. Right now that’s Wisconsin.
If Wisconsin ends up tied with Ohio State, the Badgers win the conference by virtue of their head-to-head win. If Wisconsin ends up tied with Michigan State, the Badgers would lose the tie breaker since they lost to the Spartans during the regular season.
Northwestern (7-4, 3-4) appears to be headed for the Ticket City Bowl in Dallas to play Texas Tech.
Wisconsin averages 40.9 points and is loaded with offensive firepower with three outstanding running backs that have been difficult to stop. John Clay, who missed two games with a sprained knee, has 929 yards and 13 touchdowns, and has ruhed for 100 yards in six of nine games. Sophomore Montee Ball has rushed for 467 yards and nine touchdowns over the last three weeks; he’s gained 686 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. Freshman James White has gained 895 yards and scored 13 touchdowns.
The Badgers have a good quarterback, too. Scott Tolzien has thrown for 2,070 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s only been intercepted six times.
While many of Northwestern’s problems may be on defense, the Wildcats have some offensive woes, too. Quarterback Dan Persa is injured and redshirt freshman Evan Watkins will make his first start. Watkins, who threw an interception and loss a fumble, generated a season-low 318 yards last week against Illinois and converted only two of 10 third down situations. He’ll also need to get Jeremy Ebert and tight end Drake Dunsmore more involved in the offense.
In addition to Persa, Northwestern will be without running back Jacob Schmidt, who has a bad ankle. Linebacker Bryce McNaul was limited last week with a shoulder problem, but is listed atop the depth chart. Wisconsin center Peter Konz missed the last two games with a bad right ankle and is listed as the backup this week.
Wisconsin leads the series 55-33-5, but Northwestern won 33-31 a year ago. The home team has won each of the last five games.