Wisconsin Football: 2017 game-by-game predictions
By Shane Lunnen
The Badgers are undefeated as they enter Big Ten play after a bye week. It will be a tough test as Northwestern has a chance this season to unseat Wisconsin in the Big Ten West.
In 2016 the Wildcat offense had an up and down season, but the good news is that two of its best players are back. Quarterback Clayton Thorson and running back Justin Jackson will hope to improve the Wildcat’s fortunes on offense in 2017. Jackson ran for over 1,500 yards last year and is a really tough runner to bring down. The offensive line must improve this year to give Thorson more time in the pocket.
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald is a defensive minded guy and his team this year could be one of the better defenses he has coached during his tenure. The strength will be in the secondary, where a returning starter will line up in every position. They’ll have to replace linebacker Anthony Walker who left early for the NFL, but they have a lot of depth at that position and Nate Hall looks to be a solid replacement.
Northwestern knows this will be a huge chance to make a statement in the Big Ten. Fitzgerald will have his team ready to go from the start of the game. The teams will feel each other out in the beginning with some good defensive stops. Northwestern strikes first after an interception gives them great field position and Jackson turns it into six points. Alex Hornibrook bounces back, leading the Badgers quickly down the field and finding Jazz Peavy in the endzone. The teams trade field goals and punts until the fourth quarter, when the Badgers break through with a touchdown drive and then hold the Wildcats on their final drive.