Battered Badgers head to Northwestern
Wisconsin’s convincing win over Illinois leaped the Badgers a few spots to No. 20 in the Associated Press poll. The Badgers also remain on the path to Indianapolis — the site of the Big Ten Conference title game.
Despite a banged up secondary, the Badgers’ defense forced five turnovers in the 49-20 win over Illinois. Heading into Saturday’s road game against Northwestern, the Badgers would like to continue their trend of securing takeaways.
The Badgers (5-3, 3-1 West) have a tougher challenge against the Wildcats (4-3, 4-1). Last season, Northwestern played solid for four quarters before dropping a 33-24 decision to the Badgers.
“You can always expect anything in a game like this,” Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said. “They’re fun to play because you know that you will be tested.”
Chryst said slowing down Northwestern senior quarterback Clayton Thorson is the first order of business for his defense.
“He’s a real good quarterback, competitive, and I think that’s their team,” he said. “The games we’ve had with them in the past have been, you’ve got to fight for everything.”
The health of several key players is one of Wisconsin’s biggest concerns. Defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk it out with an injury, while nose tackle Olive Sagapolu is questionable with a left leg injury.
If Sagapolu can’t play, that’s a big blow for the defense. The senior has been playing a high level and is also coming off snagging his first career interception last week. Four defensive backs are listed as questionable for the game, including safeties D’Cota Dixon, Scott Nelson and Reggie Pearson.
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor should receive a steady diet of carries against the Wildcats, especially with cold weather conditions suited for a strong running game. Taylor has run for at least 100 yards in every game this season, and leads the nation with an average of 158.4 yards per game.
