Wisconsin Football Keys to Victory vs. Northwestern Wildcats

Every game is a must win for Wisconsin football if they have any shot at winning the Big Ten West. These remaining three regular season games are essential for the development and momentum headed in to 2024. This weekend, the Badgers return home to take on Northwestern. The Wildcats are 4-5 on the season and 2-4 in Big Ten play.

Wisconsin enters this game as 11 point favorites. The Badgers went to Evanston last year and won 42-7. Does that happen this year? Here are they keys to victory for Wisconsin football this weekend.

Wisconsin Football Key to Victory: Take Care of the Ball on Offense

Regardless of how bad the Northwestern offense is most years, you know they have an above average defense. In years past, Wisconsin football has lost low-scoring games. Turnovers and lack of offense have been the biggest reasons.

This year is no different. Northwestern only averages 11 points a game on the road, but their defense has a ton of fourth and fifth year players on their defense. No doubt they will try to force turnovers against a young Wisconsin offense.

Wisconsin Football Key to Victory: Win Time of Possession

When also play Northwestern, the amount possessions are usually limited. Anytime Northwestern has to ball they want to keep the ball as long as they can by establishing the run.

However, Northwestern is only averaging 2.9 yards a carry. I think the Wisconsin defense has a golden chance this weekend to get off the field early and often. After giving up multiple third and longs to Indiana last week, I’m sure Mike Tressel and this defense are looking to lick their chops and rebound. This looks like the correct offense to do this to.

The Badgers Offense Needs to Help the Defense

There’s been times over the season where the Wisconsin football defense has had lapses and have played poor defense. It happened in the first half last week. However, they responded better in the second half and only allowed 36 total yards.

At the same time, the defense has kept this team in the game long enough to win. The offense has been shaky since the first half against Rutgers. If you take away the fourth quarter against Illinois, the Wisconsin offense has been brutal the last three games.

I understand it’s a young unit and they are down some key players. However, the offense has to take advantage when the defense gives them great field position, a turnover, etc. Look for the Wisconsin football offense to have a rebound performance this weekend. I have a feeling that’s what will happen.

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