The Wisconsin Badgers are entering the Illinois Fighting Illini game at 3-7, out of bowl eligibility contention, with their fourth-string quarterback, fourth-string running back, and a plethora of other
injuries.
Wisconsin picked up a ranked win over the Washington Huskies two weeks ago with very similar circumstances, and now faces an Illinois team that lost by 17 to that same Washington team. It is going to be challenging, but Wisconsin can give the Illini some trouble, and here’s how.
Carter Smith needs to feel comfortable early, and the coaching staff has to make that a clear priority. Wisconsin offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes should focus on designing a series of quick, simple, and timing-based throws that allow Smith to ease into the flow of the game without feeling overwhelmed.
By giving him high-percentage, short-yardage opportunities right away, Grimes can help build Smith’s confidence, establish his rhythm, and set the tone for the rest of the offense. He has also shown the ability to run, which has been the strong point so far of his game. Against Washington, he rushed for 47 yards and a touchdown. Utilizing all points of his game is crucial and will also help open the pass game for him.
No matter how well or poorly Carter Smith and the offense end up performing, Wisconsin will ultimately need to rely heavily on its defense to carry the load. The defensive front, especially the combination of the line and the linebacker group, must play at an elite level throughout the game, because anything less will leave the Badgers vulnerable.
Players like Mason Posa, Cooper Catalano, and Mason Reiger have the potential to be major difference-makers, and their ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage could dictate the overall flow of the matchup. In addition, Darryl Peterson is coming off a strong 2.5-sack outing against Indiana, and a similar performance would give Wisconsin a significant boost in pressuring the quarterback and controlling passing downs.
The secondary will also need to sharpen its coverage, limit explosive plays, and make Illinois uncomfortable enough to abandon the pass and funnel their offense toward the teeth of Wisconsin’s defensive strength.
Lastly, Wisconsin needs clean, disciplined execution across every phase of special teams. Kicker Nathaniel Vakos has had his ups and downs this season, and if the Badgers want a legitimate chance to pull out a win, they must capitalize on every scoring opportunity available.
The defense is strong but not dominant enough to completely shut down Illinois for four quarters, which means Wisconsin can’t afford to leave points on the field with missed field goals. The staff should also stay alert for creative opportunities—fake punts have been a bright spot this year, and if the timing is right, there’s no reason not to try to steal a possession again. Sean West has shown a real ability to deliver in those moments, and his reliability could once again provide a crucial spark.
If Wisconsin can execute these areas with consistency, it will give itself a real chance to hang around deep into the game. The path is narrow, but the formula is clear: protect the young quarterback, let the defense dictate the tempo, and avoid leaving points on the field. If the Badgers stay disciplined and capitalize on the few breaks that come their way, they can absolutely make this matchup far more competitive than the records suggest.
