Wisconsin Football: Winning in a Rainy Weather Forecast

The weather forecast for Saturday in Madison, Wisconsin looks to project a rainy afternoon at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin football has five wins in five tries this season.  The traditional formula of a strong running game and stifling defense is common to every game.

So has good weather.  The 2017 Badgers haven’t had to play in bad conditions.  But the weather forecast on Saturday looks gloomy.

According to my favorite local weather forecast, things look damp and rainy on Saturday.  Bob Lindmeier from WKOW Channel 27 calls for mid 60s weather, modest winds, and rain.

Wisconsin Badgers Football

So how do the wet and rainy conditions effect the game plan for Wisconsin and Purdue on Saturday?

Most notably, ball security is going to be even more of a challenge.  That’s true in all phases of the game for rushing, receiving, or returning.  Every player touching the football has to try to keep their gloves dry and ball secure.

This includes the all important center-quarterback exchange.  Wisconsin had a problem with that during the season opening win over Utah State in Madison.

Both the Badgers and Boilermakers have lost four fumbles this season.  As we’ve noted previously, Wisconsin kick returner AJ Taylor has fumbled two times on kick returns in the last two weeks.

On the other side, Purdue is tied for 3rd nationally with eight fumble recoveries on the season.  Wisconsin is tied for 94th in the country recovering just two fumbles so far in 2017.

So the dismal weather forecast is an interesting challenge equal for both sides.  Of course new football as and hand towels help reduce problems.  But the slick turf could also change footing for both offense and defense making double moves and cutbacks more effective.

Next: 3 Hot Takes for Purdue Game

Ultimately, the rain alone shouldn’t be a problem for play calling.  Just so long as the wind doesn’t hurt the kicking or passing games.