Northern Illinois @ Wisconsin preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 5, 2009 ) Northern Illinois 20, Wisconsin 28

THE STORY: Bret Bielema faces his former defensive coordinator Dave Doeren as No. 8 Wisconsin takes on Northern Illinois at Soldier Field in Chicago. Doeren took over the Huskies in the offseason after spending the previous five years in Madison, Wis. The Badgers have a pair of blowout wins against UNLV and Oregon State, while the Huskies are coming off a 45-42 loss at Kansas. This will be the 13th meeting between the teams. Wisconsin holds an 11-1 edge and has won the last four, including a 28-20 victory in 2009.

TV: None. Line: Wisconsin -16.5.

ABOUT WISCONSIN (2-0): QB Russell Wilson and RB Montee Ball lead an offense that’s averaging 448 yards and 43 points. Wilson has thrown for five touchdowns and rushed for another while Ball has added six scores. Wisconsin’s defense hasn’t skipped a beat without Doeren, as the Badgers have surrendered two touchdowns in two games. CB Devin Smith underwent season-ending surgery on his left foot after getting hurt in Saturday’s win over Oregon State. Marcus Cromartie will start in his place.


ABOUT NORTHERN ILLINOIS (1-1): Northern Illinois returned just two defensive starters from last year’s team and it shows. The Huskies allowed 534 total yards against Kansas and have given up 65 points in the last five quarters. Quarterback Chandler Harnish had five touchdowns against the Jayhawks, leading an offense that has scored 40 or more in six of its last seven games. But whether the Huskies can continue that type of production – especially against a nationally ranked, Big Ten opponent – remains to be seen.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Northern Illinois has lost its last six games against ranked opponents and is 4-26 all-time against top 25 teams.

2. Wisconsin has won 30 straight regular-season non-conference games.

3. The Huskies are 3-34-1 all-time against Big Ten opponents but have defeated Purdue (2009) and Minnesota (2010) in recent years.

PREDICTION: Wisconsin 38, Northern Illinois 21 – Doeren’s familiarity with Wisconsin will enable the Huskies to hang around, but ultimately talent will prevail.