The Northwestern Wildcats will play the Wisconsin Badgers in a Big Ten game on Saturday afternoon at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Northwestern has alternated losses and wins over their last five games, while Wisconsin has lost three of their last four games.
Northwestern Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats are 4-5 (2-4) this year after they lost to Iowa by a score of 10-7 last week. Northwestern tied the game at seven in the fourth quarter, but they allowed the game winning field goal on the very next drive. The Wildcats out gained Iowa by a total of 170-169 and they forced one turnover in the game. Northwestern has conference wins over Maryland and Minnesota this season. The Northwestern offense is scoring 20.1 points per game with 193.6 passing yards per game and 98.6 rushing yards per game, while going 39.4% on third downs. Brendan Sullivan has thrown for 714 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions for the Wildcats this year. Cam Porter has rushed for 382 yards and two touchdowns, while Bryce Kirtz has caught 33 passes for 507 yards and four scores. The Northwestern defense is allowing 24.2 points against per game this season.
Wisconsin Preview
The Wisconsin Badgers are 5-4 (3-3) this season after they lost to Indiana by a score of 20-14 in their last game. Wisconsin trailed 17-7 at halftime and cut the lead to 17-14 in the third, but Indiana was able to hang on for the win. The Badgers out gained Indiana by a total of 344-261 and turned the ball over two times in the game. Wisconsin has conference wins over Illinois, Rutgers, and Purdue. The Wisconsin offense is averaging 23.6 points per game with 213.7 passing yards per game and 162 rushing yards per game, while going 42.8% on third downs. Braedyn Locke has thrown for 777 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception for the Badgers this season. Braelon Allen (questionable) has rushed for 754 yards and eight scores, while Will Pauling has caught 46 passes for 500 yards and three touchdowns. The Wisconsin defense is giving up 19.1 points against per game this year.
Wisconsin Badgers Team Facts
- Wisconsin has lost three of its last four November games as a favorite.
- Wisconsin has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Wisconsin has lost the first half in seven of its last nine games against conference opponents.
- Each of Wisconsin's last four home games have gone UNDER the total points line.
Northwestern Wildcats Team Facts
- Northwestern has lost each of its last 10 road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of Northwestern's last four games.
- Northwestern has lost the first half in each of its last five road games against conference opponents.
- Each of Northwestern's last four road games against conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Pick
Wisconsin comes into this game after a disappointing loss to Indiana last weekend, and the Badgers are dealing with quite a few injuries. Northwestern is only 2-4 in the conference, but they are playing with a good amount of confidence right now. The Wildcats have played much better than I thought they would this year and they nearly beat Iowa last week. I think Wisconsin is going to continue to struggle with their injuries and I think Northwestern can keep this game close. Take the points with the Wildcats.
AUTHOR: David Racey
