Behind Enemy Lines: Q&A with Wisconsin Badgers expert

What are your 3 keys for Wisconsin to win on Saturday?

1. Get an early lead.

That’s the way the Badgers win this weekend. Until the offense can figure things out, they will need all the help they can get from the defense, plus more. Getting the lead is going to be huge for this offense. When opposing teams have gotten a lead is when Mertz starts throwing interceptions, forcing passes to move the ball up the field. If Wisconsin can get the lead, they will be able to lean on the running game and take some pressure off of Mertz.

2. Win the turnover battle.

The Wisconsin offense, Graham Mertz in particular, has been prone to turning the ball over. Again, the defense is going to have to step up and make some plays. The Badgers haven’t won the turnover battle in any game yet this year. If the Badgers can limit their turnovers and force the Wolverines to make some mistakes, they will be in a much better position to win on Saturday.

3. Run the ball, control the time of possession.

Again, take the ball out of Mertz’s hands as much as possible. If the Badgers can depend on the run game, there will be fewer mistakes made. Also, keeping the defense off the field is always a recipe for success. In the Notre Dame game, the Irish had the ball three times longer than Wisconsin in the first half. That can’t happen. The Michigan offense looks like they can move the ball and put up some points, so Wisconsin will need to limit the Wolverines’ time with the ball. The Wisconsin defense is great, but if they are on the field constantly, they are bound to give up some points.

Give us your score prediction!

I have no clue what to think about this game. On one hand, I’m starting to think Michigan is for real. But on the other hand, I just don’t trust the Wolverines. After another stinker of a game from the offense, I think (hope) that Paul Chryst will change things up and come up with a game plan that will fit Mertz better than what they’ve been doing with him. Throwing 40+ times a game is not good for Wisconsin. Right now, I think Michigan has the confidence that they are going to win this game and Wisconsin is still trying to figure out who they are. I’ve got Michigan winning at Camp Randall in a game that is pretty close throughout.

Michigan 23 – Wisconsin 17