Wisconsin Football Keys to Victory vs. Illinois Fighting Illini

It’s a big game for the Wisconsin Badgers Football team this weekend.

After a 15-6 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes last week, the Badgers travel to Champaign for a battle against Illinois. The Fighting Illini embarrassed the Badgers 34-10 in Madison last season. It would be the final game for former head coach Paul Chryst.

Wisconsin needs to get back on track if they want to stay in the Big Ten West race. Redshirt freshman Brayden Locke will make his first career start as well.

Here are my Wisconsin football keys to victory this weekend.

Wisconsin Football Must Establish the Run Game Early and Often

Oct 7, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

It’s clear Braelon Allen had some sort of an injury last week against Iowa. He went into the medical tent a few times throughout the game. Credit to Allen for toughing it out all the way to the end. I doubt he’s 100% this week. Expect Jackson Acker to get a decent workload.

It will be the first start for Brayden Locke. It’s important the Wisconsin Football offense established the run early and keep the pressure off their freshman quarterback. The offensive line has been up and down all season to this point and was beat pretty bad by the Iowa defensive line most of last week.

This is a game the Wisconsin Badgers have respond and take control of the line of scrimmage right away.

Wisconsin Football Needs to Keep Pressure on Luke Altmyer

Oct 7, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker C.J. Goetz (98) celebrates following a tackle during the second quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Luke Altmyer does a lot for the Illinois offense. Right now, he has accounted for 1,800 yards of total offense. He has the ability to beat throw the ball and escape the pocket to use his legs.

Altmyer has thrown the most passes on this team and he’s also carried the ball the most on the Illinois roster. The Wisconsin Football defense did a great job keeping Rutgers Gavin Wimsatt, a threat to run as well, in the pocket a majority of the game. They need to do the same to Altmyer.

It’s a game the defense has to control. You can’t the offense to light the scoreboard up. Altmyer has thrown nine interceptions already this season so he is prone to turning the ball over.

Avoid Looking Ahead to Ohio State

Oct 7, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell looks on during the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

I know I’m likely getting ahead of myself, but if Wisconsin can beat Illinois, they are still in the thick of the Big Ten West race. It’s a massive game against the Buckeyes next Saturday night in Madison. A huge upset would help Wisconsin Football out a ton.

However, next week does not matter if Wisconsin can’t take care of business against Illinois. The last time the Badgers went to Illinois as a trap game in 2019, they fell on a last second field goal 24-23.

I like the Badgers in this contest, but they have to worry about this game only. Every game matters at this point and this is the most important game of the season now.  You have to avoid putting yourself in a trap game scenario. Regardless of the 2-4 record, Illinois coach Bret Bielema wants to beat the Badgers every single time.

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