The Wisconsin Badgers take on No. 2 Indiana at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington this Saturday on an emotional high. The Badgers are coming off their first win over a ranked opponent since 2021 and come
into Indiana with newfound confidence and momentum. It’s a win that this team and fan base needed after a six-game losing streak and ten straight losses to Big Ten opponents dating back to last season.
Now, the Badgers take on their third top-10 opponent of the season, who possesses an offense that can score at will.
Here are three keys to this game for Wisconsin if they want to shock the college football world this weekend.
Meet at Mendoza
The Badgers’ defense was relentless against Demond Williams Jr. last Saturday, registering five sacks against the Washington quarterback. As a result, Washington had a difficult time trying to muster any offense against the Badger defense.
Wisconsin must find a way to disrupt Fernando Mendoza on Saturday. Mendoza leads an offense that has the most first downs of all FBS teams with 262, and is converting 56.9% of their third downs. When Mendoza is locked into his targets, the Indiana offense is unstoppable. Mike Tressel’s unit must get to Mendoza and register some sacks.
Run the ball
Gideon Ituka and Carter Smith did an effective job running the ball against Washington last Saturday. With the Badgers lacking a consistent downfield passing attack, Wisconsin must lead the way on the run game against Indiana. That, of course, is easier said than done, as the Hoosiers boast a solid rush defense that’s allowing 83.7 rushing yards per game. It’s a staunch task, but it’s got to happen to pull the big upset.
Avoid Long Third Downs
Indiana has, far and away, the most tackles for loss in the Big Ten with 85 TFLs, and is second behind Minnesota with 31 sacks. This Hoosiers’ defense knows how to get behind the line of scrimmage and make big plays. Therefore, whoever is at quarterback for Wisconsin, the Badgers’ offense cannot find themselves behind the chains against this Indiana defense. If they do, it will be a long day in Bloomington.
