The Wisconsin Badgers have a massive task on hand this Saturday, as they try to upset No. 20 Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines, like the Badgers, are coming off a bye week and even get head coach Sherrone Moore back from a two-game suspension.
Here are three keys Wisconsin needs to upset Michigan in the Big House.
Start Fast, for once
Since Luke Fickell has been the head coach of Wisconsin, the Badgers have shown a tendency to start football games slowly. As the Badgers prepare for a gauntlet of October football, Wisconsin cannot
allow the opposition to take an early lead.
Wisconsin appeared to have a quick start against Maryland with an extended catch-and-run play to Trech Kekahuna, but the drive stalled and Maryland blocked a Badgers field goal attempt. That cannot happen this Saturday.
Another way the Badgers strike first to quiet a revved-up crowd in the Big House is to score after forcing a turnover to swing momentum. Michigan has lost only two fumbles this season, but getting the Wolverines to cough up the ball will help spur an upset.
Stop the run
For any outstanding defensive performance, stopping the run is essential. As maligned as the Badgers have been this year against Alabama and Maryland, Jeff Grimes’ unit comes in as one of the best run-stopping defenses in the country.
Wisconsin faces a different rushing challenge against Michigan, as the Wolverines boast a physical running game with running backs Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall, and have increased quarterback Bryce Underwood’s involvement in running the ball. Against Nebraska, Michigan was the more physical team in the trenches and gashed the Huskers for 286 rushing yards.
Speaking of Underwood….
Make Underwood uncomfortable in the pocket
In Oklahoma’s 24-13 win over Michigan, the Sooner defense held Michigan to 142 passing yards on nine-of-24 pass attempts, thanks in part to constant pressure by the Oklahoma defense. Wisconsin must follow a similar script to disrupt the Wolverine offense.
Now, Underwood is more than capable of beating the Badgers with his arm. While Nebraska held Michigan to 105 passing yards, multiple Wolverine wide receiver drops throughout the game stalled the Michigan passing game. Not to mention the Nebraska defense allowed 286 rushing yards, so why throw when you have been successful running the ball?
It’s a tall task for the secondary, especially with Preston Zachman once again ruled out with injury.
However, the Badger defense not only must make Michigan a passing team for a chance at an upset but also disrupt Underwood’s timing with his receiving targets. Two weeks ago, Malik Washington and Maryland attacked the Badger secondary successfully through the air. If the passing defense has not improved through the bye week, it will be a long day for Wisconsin.
