Wisconsin Football: 3 Keys to Victory vs. Georgia Southern

It’s hard to believe, but we are already entering the third game of the Wisconsin Football schedule. The Badgers will face the Georgia Southern Eagles on Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 11 AM on BTN.

The Badgers are coming off a 31-22 loss to Washington State last Saturday. Georgia Southern will be the final non-conference game before the Big Ten season begins next week. Here are the keys to a Wisconsin Football victory on Saturday.

Wisconsin Football Key to Victory #1- Get Braelon Allen Back on Track

Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen (0) finds a seam in the Washington State defense during the first quarter of their game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
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While is likely a one game thing, I expect Phil Longo and the Wisconsin Football coaching staff to get Braelon Allen more carries this week and more involved in the game. In particular, the running game.

There’s no doubt Wazzu was excellent against Wisconsin’s rushing attack, but for one of the best running backs in the country to only get seven carries and six receptions is a little puzzling. Yes, the Badgers were playing from behind, but I think you have to find a way to keep Allen involved in the running game. He should not have six receptions in a game. The screen plays designed for him have not worked and likely won’t work this season.

I think we see a made Braelon Allen running the ball this week. I’m sure he wants to get the sour taste out of his mouth. Don’t be surprised if Wisconsin emphasizes the running game early.

Wisconsin Football Key to Victory #2- Continue to Defend the Pass

Sep 9, 2023; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward (1) gets the pass away before getting hit by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Jake Chaney (36) in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

The Wisconsin Football defense has seen two quarterbacks who like to throw the ball so far. Saturday will be no different. Georgia Southern quarterback Davis Brin has thrown 83 passes in just two games. And while the Wisconsin defense struggled at times against Buffalo and for a majority of the game against Washington State, they should not be surprised at what the Eagles will try to do on offense.

The defense overall needs to be in better sync. I think the linebackers played better against Wazzu. The linebackers, especially inside linebackers, are what will make this defense go. If players like Jordan Turner, Maema Njongmeta, and Jake Chaney are firing to the ball, then the defense as a whole will improve.

Wisconsin Badgers Key to Victory #3- Eliminate the Mental Mistakes

Sep 9, 2023; Pullman, Washington, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver C.J. Williams (4) is unable to complete a catch against Washington State Cougars defensive back Ethan O’Connor (24) in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

This is a new scheme all the way around. Of course there will be mistakes. It happens. However, Wisconsin has hurt themselves a lot on mental mistakes. Missed tackles, missed throws, making poor decisions with the ball, turnovers, etc.

By the time we get to Big Ten play next week, this Wisconsin Football team needs to keep the mental mistakes to a minimum. I guarantee Big Ten opponents will sniff that out and take advantage of it almost every single time.

This is the last tuneup before the schedule gets harder and better. I want to see the Badger more clean and crisp on both sides of the ball this week.

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