There are just three games left in the regular season for the Wisconsin football team. After a slow start, the Badgers are getting hot at the right time and are in a prime spot to recapture the Big Ten West title. Sitting at 6-3 right now, the Badgers are tied with Minnesota, Purdue, and Iowa for first in the Big Ten West with 4-2 conference records.
So with three games to go, the Badgers are going to have to bring it each game to make sure they win the division. Any slip could derail their hopes of making it to the Big Ten Championship Game.
Let’s take a look at their remaining games and predict how things will play out for the Badgers.
Week 11 – Wisconsin vs. Northwestern
In the first of their final two home games, the Wisconsin football team will face off in a rivalry game with the Northwestern Wildcats. After teaching the Big Ten title game last year, Northwestern is experiencing a very down season.
Usually known for their defense under head coach Pat Fitzgerald, the Wildcats have struggled on that side of the ball this year, particularly in run defense. Heading into this game, 124th out of 130 teams in run defense. They allow 224.6 yards per game on the ground, which is very unlike what we normally see from Northwestern defenses.
This suits Wisconsin well since their running game has really taken off lately and has helped this offense get going. Even without Chez Mellusi, I think the Badgers are going to be able to move the ball on the ground. Braelon Allen is a rising star, but I think Brady Schipper and Julius Davis are also going to be in on the action and find some success.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s defense continues to play like the best in the nation. They are the number one overall defense, number one in run defense, and fifth in passing yards allowed. The Northwestern offense isn’t anything to write home about either. They are currently 106th in the country in total offense, averaging 342.8 yards per game, and 150 of those yards per game come on the ground.
I just don’t see Northwestern’s offense getting anything done against the Wisconsin defense. I think the Badgers roll at home against the Wildcats to go to 7-3 on the season.
Wisconsin 27 – Northwestern 6