Wisconsin Football: 2017 game-by-game predictions
By Shane Lunnen
Wisconsin heads out on the road again, this time traveling to Lincoln to take on Nebraska.
With Tommy Armstrong gone, Nebraska has a new quarterback this year in Tulane transfer Tanner Lee. In two seasons with the Green Wave, Lee passed for 3,600 yards and 23 touchdowns, but he also threw 21 interceptions. If he cleans up the turnovers, he could be a solid choice for the Huskers. The Huskers have three running backs vying for playing time with Devine Ozigbo, Tre Bryant and Mikale Wilbon. Stanley Morgan Jr. and Demornay Pierson-El are the weapons at receiver for Lee to target.
The Husker defense is pretty good on the back seven. The linebackers have a lot of depth and talent, led by Dedrick Young. He has 110 total tackles in his two years at Nebraska and is looking to have a great junior season. The strength on defense comes from their secondary, led by senior safeties Joshua Kalu and Kieron Williams.
The last two games between these two teams have been close, with the Badgers winning last year’s meeting in overtime. The Huskers have not beat the Badgers since 2012 and in that year, Wisconsin avenged that loss in the Big Ten championship game under the old Leaders and Legends division format.
Wisconsin’s winning streak over Nebraska should continue in another close game. Expect a defensive battle, with the teams tied at 17 late. Badger kicker Rafael Gaglianone hits the game winning field goal as time expires and they remain undefeated.