Badger Football Preview : Wisconsin vs. Michigan

Madison, W.I.~  The #5 Wisconsin Badgers will play their second ranked team in as many weeks when host #24 Michigan. Last week the Badgers steam rolled the then #20 Iowa Hawkeyes 38-14. The Wisconsin defense absolutely dominated the Iowa offense, allowing just 66 total yards and no points ( the 14 points were both scored on pick-six’s from Iowa’s defense.)

Now Wisconsin needs to take care of Michigan to brighten their chances of College Football Playoff. The Michigan offense has been struggling of late but have bounced back from losses with victories over Rutgers, Minnesota, and Maryland. The Wolverine’s defense, however, is a big bright spot. Wisconsin will probably not be able to run the ball as efficient as they have been as Michigan is a top team throughout college football in run defense. The defenses 3rd down efficiency ranks first in the nation too. Both teams are alike as Wisconsin and Michigan both struggle in the passing game. Alex Hornibrook needs to step it up in the passing game. He now has 7 consecutive games with an interception and he threw two last week against Iowa.

On Saturday it will definitely be a defensive battle, but the Badgers just have a better all-around defense. That will  allow them to win the game. I think that the Wisconsin Badgers will find a groove in the passing game Saturday. The Badgers will jump out to an early lead, but Michigan will definitely not leave without a fight.

Final Score : Wisconsin 24 Michigan 16

Wisconsin QB Alex Hornibrook has thrown an interception in 7 straight games.

ESPN’s pregame show, College GameDay will be coming to Madison this weekend and will be on air from 8-11 A.M. on Bascom Hill. Last season GameDay came to Wisconsin twice. Once for a game at Lambeau Field in which Wisconsin upset #5 LSU, and once in Madison for No.2 Ohio State vs. the #8 Badgers, in a game where Wisconsin lost in OT. The College GameDay crew also came to the Big Ten Championship for Wisconsin vs. Penn State.

ESPN’s College GameDay in Madison