Wisconsin vs. Nebraska: Preview, prediction for Saturday's Badgers-Cornhuskers game in Madison
UW hosts Nebraska at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Here is everything you need to know about the Badgers’ critical game against their West Division rival.
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Wisconsin vs. Nebraska Preview, Prediction
by Jeff Potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin (7-3, 5-2) vs. Nebraska (3-7, 1-6)
Series: Wisconsin has won the last seven meetings and leads the all-time series, 10-4
FOUR THINGS TO WATCH
1. Can the Cornhuskers slow UW's ground game?
Nebraska has been stout against the run in some games but flimsy in others. The Cornhuskers held Michigan State and Northwestern to a combined 108 rushing yards on 56 carries but surrendered at least 167 yards in losses to Illinois (167), Michigan (204) and Minnesota (182). During its six-game winning streak, UW has rushed for 1,618 yards, an average of 269.7 per game. If UW blocks well and the Cornhuskers' front seven isn't locked in and physical, watch out.
2. UW must keep Martinez boxed in.
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez is a capable passer and runner who can shred defenses on designed runs or by scrambling when plays break down. He has rushed 29 times for 146 yards, 5.0 yards per carry, and two touchdowns in two games against the Badgers. UW defenders have to maintain their rush lanes so he can't escape the pocket and pressure him into errant throws. Martinez still holds onto the ball for too long and has been sacked 27 times.
3. Continue to take the ball away.
By now you know the numbers, but they are worth repeating. The Badgers forced four turnovers over their first six games and had a turnover margin of minus-11. They have forced 16 in the last four games, 14 by the defense and two by special teams, and have a plus-10 turnover margin in that stretch. Ten of the takeaways have been interceptions, led by cornerback Caesar Williams with three. Martinez has thrown five interceptions in the last two games, on a combined 60 attempts. That is one interception every 12 attempts.
4. Win the battle for field position.
UW’s special teams have struggled at times, but the Cornhuskers’ units have had major issues. Nebraska is averaging just 2.7 yards on punt returns and 16.3 yards on kickoff returns. Opponents are at 8.8 and 20.9, respectively. Nebraska has given up a 41-yard kickoff return and a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown. Can the Badgers’ special teams win this battle decisively?
History Lesson
Nebraska's last trip to Camp Randall Stadium came on Oct. 6, 2018.
That was not a good night to be a defensive coordinator.
The teams combined for 1,051 yards and eight touchdowns and UW prevailed, 41-24, in front of an announced crowd of 80,051.
Jonathan Taylor rushed 24 times for 221 yards, 9.1 yards per carry, and three touchdowns for UW. His scoring runs covered 3, 21 and 88 yards.
Taiwan Deal added 74 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, and Garrett Groshek added 73 yards on nine carries as UW finished with 370 yards on 48 attempts, an average of 7.7 per carry.
Quarterback Alex Hornibrook completed 13-of-24 attempts for 163 yards and a touchdown, a 14-yard pass to Jake Ferguson, to help UW take a 20-3 halftime lead.
Martinez passed for 384 yards and two touchdowns and rushed 13 times for 71 yards and a touchdown for Nebraska.
Martinez hit JD Spielman for a 75-yard score in the opening minute of the third quarter to help pull the Cornhuskers within 20-10, but UW got scoring runs from Taylor and Deal to push the lead to 34-10.
Did You Know?
Wisconsin's defense has not surrendered a touchdown in the last two games.
Iowa scored with 8 minutes 21 seconds left in the third quarter of its 27-7 loss to UW, Rutgers managed only a field goal and Northwestern avoided a shutout with a defensive score.
UW’s defense hasn’t surrendered a touchdown in its last 27 full series and a total of 2 hours 23 minutes 20 seconds of game time.
Prediction
Nebraska has the talent at quarterback, wide receiver and tight end to stress Wisconsin's defense. Nebraska's defense is stout and the Cornhuskers have played teams tough all season. Nevertheless, UW has the better all-around team. The Badgers will extend their winning streak to seven games. Wisconsin 27, Nebraska 17
