Wisconsin Football vs. Northwestern: 3 Things to Watch For

Coming off of a brutal loss to the Indiana Hoosiers, the Wisconsin football program will look to bounce back against Northwestern on Saturday. Though the Badgers are out of the Big Ten West race, there’s still some work to do to become bowl-eligible and retain UW’s long bowl-game streak. 

Here are three things to watch for in Saturday’s clash between Wisconsin and Northwestern.

Will Wisconsin Football Lean on the Ground Game?

With Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi unavailable, Wisconsin has looked to the passing game more and more recently. Braedyn Locke attempted 41 passes against Indiana, while the duo of Jackson Acker and Cade Yacamelli finished 21 rushing attempts. Though the passing game has been a point of emphasis, UW may lean on the ground game against Northwestern.

The Wildcats aren’t the most talented team on Wisconsin’s remaining schedule, but they are one of the best in pass defense. Northwestern currently has the 3rd-ranked passing defense in the Big Ten, allowing an average of just 174.1 yards through the air. With their ability to slow down opposing passing attacks, UW may look to their tailback tandem this weekend.

Wisconsin football is still waiting to hear an update on Braelon Allen, but if he isn’t able to go this weekend, Acker and Yacamelli will need to step up once again. Both players could see plenty of reps if UW decides to lean on the rushing attack, but you have to hope we see more than we did against the Hoosiers last weekend.

Can the Badgers Defense Shut Down Northwestern’s Offense?

It should be no surprise, but this Northwestern offense is not good. In fact, the Wildcats are ranked 126th in the nation in total offense, one of the worst in the entire nation, and the second worst offense in the Big Ten, only ahead of Iowa.

Say what you will about Mike Tressel and the Badgers defense, but this group showed up in the second half against Indiana. After allowing 225 yards in the first 30 minutes of play, Wisconsin allowed just 36 yards in the second half. UW was able to generate some pressure and make some plays in the backfield, something this team struggled with early in the season. If Wisconsin can keep that up going into this one, they should be able to effectively shut down this lowly Wildcats offense.

The Wisconsin football defense must avoid a slow start this week, which they haven’t been able to do as of late. You can’t give any life to this Northwestern team while they’re on your home turf. If the Badgers can get into the backfield early and slow down Northwestern’s offense, it’ll be another step in the right direction for Mike Tressel and company.

Will Wisconsin Football WR Bryson Green Be More Involved in the Passing Game?

Though UW may lean on the ground game against the Wildcats, I’m interested to see if Bryson Green gets some more looks. The former Oklahoma State transfer has come alive in recent weeks, and he registered his first touchdown as a Badger against Indiana. 

Green provides something different than some of the other receivers on UW’s roster. With Chimere Dike, CJ Williams, and Skyler Bell, you have primarily possession receivers. With Will Pauling, you have a speedy route receiver with great running ability. Green provides a little bit of both, while also being a strong receiver with a large frame to make contested catches and fight through contact. He has made some strides after getting limited targets early in the season, and it will be interesting to see if he can build off of his last few weeks.

Green was someone I was personally high on when he announced his intentions to transfer to Wisconsin football. Though he hasn’t had a standout season, there have been some flashes, and I’d like to see the sophomore get more involved against Northwestern. 

The Badgers and the Wildcats will square off at Camp Randall on Saturday at 2:30 PM CST.

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