Breaking Down #4 Nebraska at #5 Wisconsin
Nebraska is welcomed to the Big Ten by starting their conference schedule by playing arguably their most difficult opponent in the Badgers. To make matters more difficult, it’s on the road. This is a great matchup that all Big Ten fans have been looking forward to since the schedules were announced. This game has national championship implications written all over it and is one of the most exciting games of year. This game clashes two teams with similar styles and strengths, so which team has the edge?
Offense
QB Play
Wisconsin
Wisconsin and their fan base were confident about their chances of repeating as Big Ten champs even during spring ball. When NC State quarterback Russell Wilson announced he was transferring to Wisconsin, those expectations swelled. Wilson is living up to his hype as an ultra-talented collegiate quarterback. He is a dual threat quarterback, but prefers to throw the ball. He has a strong arm, but also possesses pin point accuracy. He is having a monster year to this point, passing for 1,136 yards and 11 scores, all while completing passes at a remarkable 75.8 percent rate. He has also rushed for over 100 yards and tacked on a score. Thanks to Wilson this Wisconsin offense, which is known across the nation as one of the best rushing attacks in the land, has great balance and is even more dangerous than the team that averaged 41.46 points per game last year.
Nebraska
The young Taylor Martinez is clearly ultra talented. He notched all sorts of Nebraska records as a freshman last year despite missing a lot of time due to injury. This year keeping him healthy is a priority for the Cornhuskers. The offense is clearly run through him as he has collected 647 yards through the air. He has done a substantial amount of damage with his legs, finding pay dirt seven times and rushing for 421 yards. Martinez also has a staggering 6.7 yards per carry. However his arm can be troublesome at times. He has completed a disappointing 50.6% of his passes and has only thrown four touchdowns to go with his two interceptions. His play needs to improve through the air for the Cornhuskers to live up to their full potential.
Advantage: Wisconsin - Decisively
Although both quarterbacks can beat you with their arms and their legs, Wilson adds a third element, his mind. He simply just does not make mistakes. He has thrown more passes, compiled more yards and touchdowns, completed a higher percentage of his passes, and thrown fewer interceptions than Martinez.
Skill Positions
Wisconsin
With Nick Toon at WR the Badgers have one of the best unknown pass catchers in the nation. Toon has good size and speed and has outstanding hands. He seems to catch everything thrown his way and he and Wilson have quickly become best friends. Toon has reeled in 21 passes from Wilson, totaling 353 yards and accounting for five of Wilsons 11 touchdown passes. Toon will certainly be the focus of the Nebraska defense when it comes to defending the pass this week. Sophomore WR Jared Abbrederis is having a monster start to his young career, hauling in 15 passes and a touchdown. Like Toon, Abbrederis, at 6’2, is a difficult guy to defend for most cornerbacks.
The Badgers ground game is known as one of the premier attacks in the nation. This year the Badgers are turning to the talented running backs Montee Ball and James White. Neither is really the true go to back, as they love to just play whoever is hot. However, the early edge has been given to Ball, who has scored in nine straight college football games. Expect that streak to continue Saturday night. Ball dropped 20 pounds this offseason and it seems to have paid dividends for him so far this year. He looks faster and lighter on his feet, making him that much more agile and quick. He still has the power that he ran with last season as well. Ball has had the ball in his hand 63 times this year and has rushed for an impressive 360 yards, and a video game like nine touchdowns! He just looks like a more effective runner this year, which is scary for every other team in the nation. His partner in crime, sophomore James White, is also emerging into a superstar. White has fewer touches than Ball but averages more yards per carry at 6.7 yards. His lack of touchdowns is explained by the lack of touches and red zone opportunities, as Ball is a more powerful runner. Still White has 45 attempts and has totaled 303 yards.
Nebraska
Obviously Taylor Martinez is their main and most well-known offensive weapon; however running back Rex Burkhead has just as many rushing attempts as Martinez. The 5’11 210 pound junior has pounded the ball 63 times for 420 yards and an impressive seven touchdowns. He is averaging the exact same yards per carry as Wisconsin’s James White, at 6.7. Burkhead may be Nebraska’s best kept secret. He is a very effective runner who, has scored in every game this year. He is very effective with the ball in his hands. He is a tough runner who possesses a dangerous combination of size and speed.
Nebraska’s passing attack has not impressed so far this season. They do not have a single WR with double digit catches. Their go to man so far appears to be freshman Jamal Turner. He is 6’1 but only 180 pounds. He has been on the receiving end of eight of Martinez’s completions, for 139 yards. He averages a very solid 17.4 yards per catch, but has yet to find the end zone this year. Junior Kyler Reed is more than a safety blanket at tight end for the Cornhuskers. He is a difficult matchup for defenses, as he stands a tall 6’3 and weighs in at 230 pounds. Although he has only reeled in five catches, those catches have been big ones, totally 137 yards for a staggering 27.4 yards per catch. Nebraska’s four touchdown passes has been spread out to four different players, highlighted by freshman Kenny Bell and sophomore Quincy Enunwa. Bell is 6’1 and has five catches for 121 yards, including the one for a score. Enuwa is tied for the team high in receptions, hauling in eight balls for 111 yards and the touchdown. Enuwa is also a big wide out, at 6’2 and 210 pounds.
Advantage: Wisconsin - Slightly
Both teams have quality players up and down their roster, but Wisconsin just has a little more talent. Their running back combination of White and Ball is one of the best in the nation, and although Nebraska’s wide receivers have shown flashes of brilliance, they simply are not utilized enough.
Big Men
Wisconsin
Wisconsin‘s offensive line puts a new emphasizes on the words “Big Men”. This unit is one of the largest in the nation. They boast many ultra talented players, highlighted by arguably the best center in the game in Peter Konz, who is a mammoth 6’5 and tips the scales at 315. He runs well for a big man and excels at both run blocking and pass protection. At right tackle is senior Josh Oglesby. He is a prototypical Wisconsin lineman and possesses NFL size (6’7, 335). Next to Oglesby is right guard Kevin Zeitler. He is a mauling run blocker and imposes his will on anyone in his way. He is an intimidating 6’4 and a powerful 315 pounds. Zeitler and Oglesby combine for one of the best tackle/guard combinations in football. Protecting Wilson’s blind side is Ricky Wagner (6’6, 320). He has done a great job playing left tackle this year, starting in all four games for the Badgers. Prior to the UNLV game he never started at left tackle in his career. Wagner and all the Wisconsin linemen love doling out punishing blocks and clearing the way for their running backs. To Wagner’s right is left guard Travis Frederick (6’4, 330). He is a redshirt sophomore and has done a great job stepping in for the Badgers this season. He missed their game against Oregon State due to injury, but started last week so he appears healthy. He is an exciting young player and has done a great job paving gigantic holes for the tailbacks. This line as a whole is one of the biggest and most physical in the nation. They love using their size to push people around and defenses know they will be abused facing these guys week in and week out.
Nebraska
As a whole this unit is solid. They are young, but still very talented. They lost three starters last year, but the unit rallies around returning starter, center Mike Caputo. Caputo is a senior, who earned honorable mention all Big 12 last season. He is an all around great blocker. Although he doesn’t have the size that most Wisconsin linemen have (6’1 275), he is still extremely strong and a physical player. He also makes up for his size with great instincts and quickness. Those reasons are what makes him so tough to defend and really helps open up running lanes. Senior left tackle Jermarcus Hardrick has outstanding size (6’7, 320) and beat out the units only returning starter from last year, sophomore Jeremiah Sirles, for the starting job this season. Part of the reason may be that Sirles had to sit out all of spring ball due a shoulder injury. However this senior has proven himself as a more than capable blocker, both in pass protection and run blocking. Next to Hardrick is sophomore guard Andrew Rodiguez. He is also a massive physical player, weighing in at 325 pounds and standing six feet six inches tall. He will need to have a big game if Nebraska wants to have success running the football. Manning the right side of the line is sophomore Spencer Long and freshman Tyler Moore. This is the side of the line that shoulders the most pressure heading into the week. Long has great size for a guard (6’4 305) and has looked solid so far this year. However, this will be his first true test of the young season. Next to him is another guy with no starting experience prior to this season. Moore is a promising young tackle and has the size (6’6 290) that teams love to have. The pressure will be on these two players to not only clear the way for the running game, but also to help to keep QB Taylor Martinez upright, as you can bet Wisconsin will be picking on the youth.
Advantage: Wisconsin - Decisively
Both teams’ offensive lines are huge and rank among the biggest in football. But only one team’s unit can boast that they are among the best in football and that is Wisconsin’s. Nebraska’s young line has tons of talent and size, but they just are not at the point that Wisconsin is. The Badgers line is huge, talented, and experienced.
Overall Offense
Wisconsin
The Badgers feel that their offense is better than the offense last year that ranked 5th overall in points scored. They are off to a great start, averaging 48.5 points per contest, which is good for 6th in the nation. They also rank 13th in rushing yards so far this season, with 245.5 yards per game. The surprising fact is that the Badgers rank 26th in passing yards, averaging 286.8 yards per game. The offensive line is outstanding and one of the best in the nation. At quarterback Wisconsin can brag about one of the nation’s best and most efficient passers in Russell Wilson. At running back the Badgers have a two headed attack that is just about impossible to defend. WR Nick Toon is a very talented wide out who is often overlooked because of the school he plays for. This offense is far more balanced than it was last year and is extremely dangerous. They can score points in a flurry or grind down the clock.
Nebraska
Nebraska has pounded the ball to success so far this season. They have scored 42.8 points per game, which is good for 13th in the nation. They are nearly averaging an impressive 272.5 yards per game. However the offense struggles throwing the football. They only pass for 166.5 yards. However, why throw the ball when you can run for almost 300? If you cannot stop the run, you cannot stop this offense. This offense is powered by a big, young and talented offensive line, along with their catalyst, dual threat quarterback Taylor Martinez. He still needs to grow a passer, but his ability to make plays with his legs is remarkable.
Advantage: Wisconsin - Decisively
Although both teams put up huge offensive numbers, especially in points per game, the Badgers just have a more balanced attack. Nebraska’s offense is very one dimensional, although that one dimension is extremely effective. Martinez simply has not proven that he has the arm to be good enough to carry the Cornhuskers in the passing game. On the other hand the Badgers have one of the most balanced offenses in the nation this season and will enjoy great success. Defenses will have to pick their poison, load the box in an attempt to stop the run and have Wilson burn you or drop back, play coverage, and hope your defensive line can stop the potent running attack of Wisconsin. Either way, I don’t like the defenses odds.
Defense
Defensive Backs
Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s defensive backs are led by corner Marc Cromartie. He has made 19 total tackles and has made some nice breakups in the passing game. Senior defensive back Aaron Henry has been playing great so far this year. Last season he was a second team All Big Ten selection and he has been extremely important to the Badgers secondary, totaling 16 tackles. Shelton Johnson has been solid for the Badgers as well. He is a red-shirt junior, so he has four years of experience in Mad Town. He has 15 tackles, including 3.5 for a loss, an interception and a forced fumble.
Nebraska
The Nebraska secondary is solid. They are led by Daimion Stafford, who has 29 total tackles so far this year to go along with a forced fumble. He is a very physical player who just has a nose for the ball. Senior cornerback Alfonzo Dennard is one of the better corners in college football. He will likely be matched up on Toon all night, as he is Nebraska’s shut down corner this year. This game will be a great test for him. Senior safety Cassidy Austin has been an impact player in the Nebraska secondary as well. He has 20 tackles and an interception to his credit so far this season. Both Stafford and Austin will play vital roles in this matchup and need to play very well, particularly against the run, if the Cornhuskers want to win this game.
Advantage: Push
Both units are solid, but neither unit has that big time game changer. Nebraska’s secondary will likely be tested more by Wisconsin then the Badgers secondary will be tested, so it will be interesting to see who makes that big play.
Linebackers
Wisconsin
The Badgers are lead by two outstanding linebackers in Chris Borland and Mike Taylor. Borland has recorded 35 tackles, including an impressive five tackles for a loss. He has swatted down three passes and even recorded an interception. He is truly the playmaker of this defense and his name is almost always being called by the play by play announcers. You can bet you will hear his name over and over Saturday night as he introduces himself the Cornhuskers offense. Taylor has tallied 30 total tackles, including a sack and three for a loss so far this season. His tackle total is good for second on the team, behind of course, Chris Borland.
Nebraska
The Cornhuskers linebackers are led by Lavonte David. He recorded an impressive 152 tackles last season, setting a school record. This year he is off to another great start, notching 38 tackles, two for a loss, and an interception. What makes him so dangerous is that he can drop back in coverage and be a playmaker or play hardnosed football and stuff the run. Either way, he is always around the ball and making plays for this team. Will Compton, Nebraska’s middle linebacker, is a great compliment to David. He has played well in the middle of the defense, recording 22 tackles. This unit as a whole is a little inexperienced, due to playing a lot of nickel and dime in the pass heavy Big 12 last year, but they appear ready to go in the Big 10 this season.
Advantage: PUSH
Both defenses most talented players reside in the linebacking core. You can bet that you will be hearing Lavonte David and Chris Borland’s names all night long, as they will battle for who can record more tackles. These units will be instrumental in stopping the run and will be tested by great rushing attacks and outstanding offensive linemen all night.
Big Men
Wisconsin
Junior David Gilbert has burst onto the scene this season to record a team high three sacks. He has also forced a fumble and has made ten tackles. He has been the main pass rusher for the Badgers and is certainly someone to keep an eye on Saturday. The other guy to watch for up front for the Badgers is red-shirt senior Lous Nzegwu. Nzegwu has sacked the opposing quarterback twice so far this season and has chipped in with nine tackles. This unit is solid up front, playing physical and stout against the run.
Nebraska
This defensive unit is probably the strongest Cornhusker unit. They are big, physical, strong, and disruptive. They are lead by one of the most talented defensive tackles in the nation in Jared Crick. Crick is an NFL caliber player and just dominates opponents up front. He has 14 total tackles already this year, including three for a loss and a sack. Although he battled injury and sat out last week, he will be back at 100 percent and ready to go against the Badgers. He is a guy the Badgers need to keep in check if they want to have any success offensively. Cameron Meredith, a junior defensive end, is another guy to keep an eye on. He has already proven this year he is a very capable and disruptive force for the Cornhuskers, recording three sacks and 17 total tackles. If those numbers through four games were not impressive enough, he also has an interception. This defensive line is one of the best in the nation, and as good as the Badgers offensive line is, they will have their hands full all night.
Advantage: Nebraska - Decisively
This unit is outstanding and one of the premier defensive lines in the nation. Clashing against one of the top offensive lines this Saturday night will make for quite the matchup.
Overall Defense
Wisconsin
This unit struggled a little bit in week one although they only allowed 17 points. They were driven on by the Rebels several times, particularly early in the game, but a penalty, missed block or mistake would kill the drive. However they bounced back and have been playing great football ever since including pitching the only shutout of a BCS team in a 35-0 week two win over Oregon State. The Badgers have only given up 8 ½ points per contest and have demonstrated how talented this team is throughout the year.
Nebraska
This defense has not lived up to the hype or the expectations so far this season, surrendering 22 points per game. They were beaten up by Fresno State and Washington in back to back weeks. However all will be forgotten if they start to play up to their potential against the Badgers. There is a lot of pressure to perform on this side of the ball and if they cannot match what they are capable of, it will be a long day for the Cornhuskers.
Advantage: Wisconsin - Slightly
Going into the season no one would have expected Fresno State to hang 29 on Nebraska or Washington to score 38. However both happened and they happened at home. Nebraska’s defense was a preseason favorite by many experts, claiming to have one of the best units in the nation. So far Nebraska simply has not lived up to that. They may be more talented than the Badgers defense, but Wisconsin’s defense has been playing well and not making mistakes. Because of the to date poor performance by Nebraska the edge has to go to the Badgers.
Special Teams
Wisconsin:
Wisconsin kicker Kyle French doesn’t have a good field goal percentage, at only 50 percent. However, with the rate that Wisconsin puts up touchdowns, he has had a very limited number of chances. A deeper look shows that he has converted both of his two attempts that were between 20-29 yards. His two misses have been on very long field goal attempts, both 50 yards. It’s hard to knock a guy whose only misses have been from 50 yards out. French is an unproven talent, as he is only a red-shirt freshman. However he was a great high school kicker and has shown his accuracy in his only attempts this year. Brad Nortman, the Badgers punter, is averaging a solid 43.4 yards per punt, with a long of 57. Five of his eight punts have been fair caught, which would be a valuable weapon for the Badgers in this contest.
Kick returner ace and one of the Badgers running backs, James White, is averaging 23.6 yards per return this year. He is a dangerous guy to kick to because he has breakaway speed, great vision, excellent agility, and some power. WR Jared Abbrederis has been manning the punt return duties and has done an excellent job. He has had six chances for a return and averages an impressive 16.8 yards per return.
Nebraska
Dual kicker Brett Maher has had an excellent start to this season. He has connected on eight of his nine attempts, including a 50 yard boot. His lone miss was also a 50 yard try. He has been automatic from all areas of the field so far this year and could be a vital asset for the Cornhuskers Saturday. As a punter Maher is averaging 49 yards including a long of 61 yards.
Returning both kicks and punts is the speedy and dangerous Ameer Abdullah. He is averaging an amazing 42.5 yards per kick return, but those numbers are inflated due to his 100 yard touchdown return. As a punt returner he is averaging a human 12 yards per return. He has shown the ability to be a game changer, and is also a threat to take one to the house. Wisconsin needs to use caution when kicking to this guy.
Advantage: Nebraska - Decisively
Although both units are solid on each team, Nebraska just has more firepower. At the kicker spot they have a strong legged guy, who is much more proven than Wisconsin’s red-shirt freshman. In the return game Nebraska has already taken one kick to pay dirt, although White is a dangerous returner for the Badgers. The biggest advantage for Nebraska is at the kicker spot though. If the game comes down to a field goal, Nebraska should like their odds.
X Factors
Venue
Camp Randall is one of the toughest places to win in the entire nation. Badger fans pack the stands with a sea full of red, jump around, and make noise from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. The atmosphere is known as one of the best for a college football game. The Badgers don’t lose here often for a reason.
Advantage: Wisconsin - Divisively.
Nebraska may be used to playing in hostile environments when they visit Texas or Oklahoma, but the Big 10 and Camp Randall is a whole new animal. This place will be going nuts, as the fans try to will the Badgers to a rude welcoming for the Cornhuskers in their first ever Big 10 game.
Experience: Neither team has really played a close game this year, but Nebraska has been in a few games that have been tight for an extended period of time. In each of the four Badger games the team has raced to a quick and devastating lead. It will be interesting to see how the Badgers respond to a game on a national stage that will be much more tightly contested than they are used to playing. However the Badgers offense has many more returning starters and upper classmen starting, whereas Nebraska is relying on a lot of young guys to make a major impact. This lack of experience on the offensive side of the ball could be a crushing blow for the Cornhuskers.
Advantage: Wisconsin - Slightly
Both teams’ defenses are about equal in experience, but offensively the Badgers bring back many starters. Nebraska is relying on a lot of young guys, especially in the passing game to make plays. Wisconsin’s signal caller is a 5th year senior compared to Taylor Martinez who is entering his second season as a collegiate quarterback.
Coaching:
Brett Bielema has been coaching Wisconsin football for five full seasons and is entering his sixth. His Badgers have been to a bowl game in each season under his tenure, including the Rose Bowl last season. Bielema has an amazing 53-16 record as a head coach. He is experienced in coaching big games, playing the likes of Ohio State, TCU, Michigan State, and Iowa. He has proven he is a winner since day one. Pacing the sidelines across from Bielema is Nebraska Head Coach Bo Pelini. He is entering his fourth full season at Nebraska and has complied an outstanding 34-12 record. His teams have won double digit games in back to back seasons. He has some experience in big games, playing teams like Oklahoma and Texas.
Advantage: PUSH
Both of these coaches are outstanding young coaches. They have been ultra-successful since day one and continue to improve every year. This will be a great coaching battle, as well as a great battle on the field.
Keys to the Game
Wisconsin’s Offensive Line versus Nebraska Front 7
The Badgers are confident that their line is one of the best in the nation. The Cornhuskers are confident that their defensive line is one of the best in the nation. Something will have to give in this matchup. Both units are ultra talented, big, powerful, and full of pride. Winning this battle will be vital for each team.
Taylor Martinez versus Russell Wilson
Both quarterbacks can make plays with their feet and their arms. Wilson has a better arm, but Martinez has a better running ability. This game could come down to quarterback play. Will Wilson be able to shred the Nebraska defense? And if not, will he make plays with his feet? Will Martinez be forced to pass? If he is, can he handle it? This game could come down to which offense protects the football better, and that usually starts with your quarterback.
Nebraska Offensive Line versus Wisconsin Front 7
The Cornhuskers offensive line has been touted as both young and talented. Now is their chance to prove the latter. They are facing a physical Wisconsin defense that takes pride in what they do. They fly to the football and play with lots of emotion and intensity. Will this offensive line hold up against their biggest challenge yet?
What Wisconsin Needs to do to Win
For the Badgers to win this game they just need to go out and play their best football game. If they play this game like they are capable of, they will have no problem overcoming the Cornhuskers. The Badgers cannot afford to make mistakes in all facets of the game, including special teams. The Badgers will need to stick with their normal offensive game plan and not try to change it up just because they are playing a talented defense. If Wisconsin can run the ball effectively, which they always seem to do, they are next to impossible to stop. If the Badgers get out to an early lead this game could get out of hand quickly, as they can grind out the clock while still scoring, and add a tremendous amount of pressure to a young Nebraska offense.
What Nebraska Needs to do to Win
The Cornhuskers cannot afford to fall behind early in this game. They need to get off to a fast start, at the very least keeping pace with the Badgers. Although it’s impossible to silence the fans, they certainly can quite them by jumping out to an early lead. Nebraska’s biggest concern has to be their defense, the one area they probably felt they would excel at coming into the year. This unit needs to flat out play better if they want to win this game. If the defense plays like they are capable of doing and the offense can make a few big plays, especially early, Nebraska can find themselves winning their inaugural Big Ten game.
Prediction
Overall the Badgers are just too talented to lose this game, especially at home. If the Badgers ever have had a shot at winning a national title, this is the year. They are outstanding on both sides of the ball, particularly offensively. You can bet as good as Wisconsin’s offense has been, their best has yet to come. They will add a few wrinkles to the offense that has not been seen before. Nebraska’s defense has been playing poorly so far this year and this will be their toughest test all year. If the unit was playing better the game would be a lot closer, but the Badgers will win this game decisively. Russell Wilson will have a big day, shredding the Nebraska secondary, after Wisconsin running backs James White and Montee Ball gash Nebraska on the ground. Ball’s touchdown streak will continue and don’t be surprised to see the Badgers have over 200 rushing and 200 passing yards this game. This is a huge early battle for these teams and one that will certainly help one team vault up the rankings. But do not put too much stake into this game, as on December 3rd, when the Big Ten hosts its first ever Big Ten championship game, there could be a grudge match between these two programs.
Badgers 38 Nebraska 24
