Wisconsin Football: 3 Keys to Victory vs. Indiana Hoosiers

Wisconsin Badgers football hits the road Saturday for a battle against the Indiana Hoosiers.

The Badgers are looking to rebound following a 24-10 loss to Ohio State last week. The Hoosiers have struggled this season and have not won a Big Ten game yet. They currently sit at 2-6. Kick-off is 11 AM CST on BTN.

Wisconsin can’t afford another loss on their schedule if they want to win the Big Ten West. Here is what they need to do to get an important road win and qualify for a bowl game.

Wisconsin Football Special Teams Matter

Special teams was not good last week for the Badgers. Freshman punter Atticus Bertrams has been pretty good this year, but struggled against Ohio State. He had some bad punts that resulted in good field position for the Buckeyes. Wisconsin Badgers kicker Gavin Lahm began the game with the kick out of bounds penalty that allowed Ohio State to start the drive on the 35 yard line. That continues to be an issue for Wisconsin place-kickers.

The Hoosiers special teams have been really bad the last two weeks. Against Rutgers, they had a punt blocked and they also muffed a punt too. Last week against Penn State, they muffed another punt and allowed a punt return for a touchdown. However, it was called back because of a Penn State penalty.

Wisconsin football has a chance to win the field position battle and take momentum in this game if they can take advantage on special teams. Look for the Badgers to rush the punter more and to takes chances in the return game.

Win the Line of Scrimmage on Offense

Indiana has a good offensive line and kept Penn State stud running back Nicholas Singleton in check. They are quick off the ball and fight off blocks really well.

On the other hand, the Wisconsin football offensive line struggled against Ohio State and have struggled as a whole this season. It hasn’t been just one player. It’s been all five between Jack Nelson, Joe Huber, Tanor Bortolini, Michael Furtney, and Riley Mahlman.

This is an experienced group that needs a bounce back game. If they struggled against the Indiana front seven, it’s going to make it harder on Brayden Locke and the receiving game. The offensive line is due to have a dominating performance.

Wisconsin Football Must Avoid a Trap Game

The Wisconsin Badgers did a good job getting the win two weeks ago against Illinois when that was a trap game.

I think Illinois is better than Indiana, but the Hoosiers are playing for their postseason lives. A loss to the Badgers all but knock them out of bowl eligibility.

No doubt this is a must win for the Badgers as well. They need to win out and hope for another Iowa loss. The Badgers can’t overlook this game because they have no more room for error.

I like Wisconsin football in this game, but I think it’s going to be closer than most might think.

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