The Wisconsin Badgers take on the No. 6 Oregon Ducks this Saturday night in Eugene. Last season, the Badgers fought tooth and nail with the Ducks at Camp Randall Stadium. Despite holding a 10-6 halftime lead over the No. 1-ranked Ducks, the Badgers fell 16-13 on a field goal by Atticus Sappington, and a late interception by Matayo Uiagalelei sealed the deal.
That was the last time the Badgers put forth a substantial inspirational effort against a Big Ten opponent for four quarters. It will take much
more than effort to go into Oregon and knock off the Ducks in what should be an intimidating Autzen Stadium crowd.
Here are three keys to this game for Wisconsin.
Meet at the Quarterback
Oregon’s only loss of the season, a 30-20 setback to then-No. 7 Indiana Hoosiers, was due in part to making Dante Moore uncomfortable. Moore was sacked six times and threw two interceptions, as the Hoosier defense kept the quarterback flustered throughout the game.
Wisconsin has not done a good enough job the last two years at making plays behind the line of scrimmage, but establishing a competent pass rush to get to Moore keeps your upset chances alive.
Play Your Game
The Ducks do not possess great speed. They have ELITE speed, and Wisconsin cannot afford to get into a track meet with this team. If that happens, the Badgers will be run out of Autzen Stadium by halftime.
On offense, Wisconsin needs to control the tempo by running the ball effectively and gaining positive yardage. As Michael Zehrbach mentioned, establishing the run will set up play-action for Hunter Simmons, keeping the Ducks’ defense on the move.
Perfect Special Teams Play
I’m not asking for Sean West to run another unscripted fake punt like he did against Ohio State. However, I am asking for West (or Atticus Bertrams) to consistently pin the Ducks back in their territory.
The Badgers have done a poor job of scoring, outside of their blowout win over Middle Tennessee. If Wisconsin finds itself deep in Oregon territory, Vakos will be called upon. Let’s hope we get the 2023 version of Vakos this Saturday in Eugene.
