Coming off huge wins over Ohio State and Iowa, Wisconsin enjoyed a much-needed bye last weekend and is now rested and ready to finish off 2010 on a strong note.Nick Toon and Lance Kendricks are both healthy and expected to play on Saturday, while James White is still recovering from his sprained knee, although coach Bret Bielema believes he may be ready to go as well.
With a record of 7-1 (3-1), Wisconsin is tied for first in the Big Ten with many people expecting them to run the table the rest of the way. If they can do that, they should hold the Big Ten tiebreaker, which is based based the Bowl Champions Series(BCS) Poll in which they are the highest ranked Big Ten team. However, although they should be favored in every game from here on on out, they will still need to play well.
Anyone is capable of beating anyone in the Big Ten. With four games remaining in the conference schedule, I’ll break down those final four games and give you a good understanding of why you’ll be seeing the Badgers in Pasadena, California this January.
Sat. November 6, @ Purdue
At 4-4 (2-2), Purdue is by no means a great team. But they are a dangerous team—especially in West Lafayette. Despite losing both starting quarterback Robert Marve and star wide receiver Keith Smith to season-ending injuries, the Boilermakers are still fighting for a bowl berth and would love nothing less than to spoil Wisconsin's season.Rob Henry has stepped in nicely for Marve under center, while running back Dan Dierking is averaging six yards a carry. Illinois and Ohio State had their way with the Boilermakers in beating them by a combined 83 points the last two games. Look for Wisconsin to run the football right down their throats.
Sat. November 13, vs. Indiana
Although Indiana is dead last in the Big Ten at 4-4 (0-4), they could still be fighting for a bowl berth when they come into Madison in a couple weeks.The Hoosiers are in no way in the Big Ten race. However, they only need two more wins to become bowl eligible, so they may actually have some motivation when they take on the Badgers. Behind quarterback Ben Chappell (2,445 yards, 18 TD, 7 INT, they're averaging over 29 points a game and could certainly pose some problems for a Badger "D" that has struggled somewhat against the pass. Chappell is used to throwing the ball fifty times a game so it should be no surprise when he tries to exploit Wisconsin’s overrated cornerbacks. On the other hand, Indiana's defense doesn't do the offense a whole lot of favors. They're giving up close to 30 points a game and won't come close to stopping the Badgers. Camp Randall Stadium should be rocking early and often, and a blowout could be in store for Indiana.
Sat. November 20, @ Michigan
This will be by far the toughest game remaining for the Badgers. Michigan is struggling as of late (losers of their last three), but if there is one place Badger fans hate seeing Wisconsin play, it's at Michigan Stadium in the Historic “Big House“. No matter how good Wisconsin is, they just struggle to find ways to win in that place.Thus, the Badgers have to be very, very careful about this one. Quarterback Denard Robinson is still one of the most dangerous players in the country and could potentially gash the Badger "D" for huge yards both through the air and on the ground.Wisconsin shouldn't have a lot of trouble moving the ball, but stopping it will be a whole different story. Wisconsin will look to run the clock to keep the ball out of Robinson’s hands and should find themselves coming out on top.
Sat. November 27, vs. Northwestern
Northwestern 6-2 (2-2) haven't really beaten anyone yet (their two conference wins were against Minnesota and Indiana), but they are still a very dangerous team. Just ask Michigan State, who needed two touchdowns in the final minutes to hold off the Wildcats two weeks ago.Behind the arm and legs of one of the most efficient quarterbacks in Dan Persa (2,062 passing yards, 12 TD, 360 rushing yards), Northwestern is averaging almost 27 points a game. Plus, unlike the other teams Wisconsin faces in November, the Wildcats actually play a some defense, allowing only 20.3 points a game. However, they'll be facing a Badger squad playing their final home game of the season—not to mention a Rose Bowl berth may be on the line. Don't expect an upset here. Besides Northwestern is already bowl eligible and out of the Big Ten race so they don’t have much to play for anyway.
No comments:
Post a Comment