Wisconsin Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Illinois in Week 9
Wisconsin football will look to continue its hot start to the season as they face the struggling Illinois Fighting Illini in Week 9.
The Wisconsin Badgers are coming off a 38-13 over the Maryland Terrapins last week, moving them to 7-0 on the season for the first time since 2004. The Badgers currently sit at No. 5 in both the AP and Coaches poll and are sitting in prime position in wake of the first release of the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Despite the perfect record, there are a few lingering questions hovering over the Badgers. First off is their schedule. A year after one of the more difficult schedules in the entire country, the Badgers have yet to play a ranked opponent this year and have just one win over teams that have a winning record currently (Northwestern).
The second issue coming the Badgers is their inability to dominate their opponents. Yes, they have some overpowering wins at BYU and Nebraska, but to make up for the weaker schedule, they need to win with style going through this year. While an undefeated season will more than likely clinch them a spot in the CFP, winning games in dominant fashion were certainly help their case should they stumble.
Traveling to Champaign, the Badgers will have another opportunity to show the country they are in fact deserving of their high ranking as they take on the Illinois Fighting Illini. Since starting the season 2-0, the Illini have lost five straight and are off to a 0-4 start in Big Ten play. Lovie Smith and his team have had chances to get in the win column, but let one slip away at home against Rutgers before losing a hard fought battle on the road at Minnesota. The Illini have lost seven straight to the Badgers and have not won a game in the series since 2007.
Here’s how to watch Saturday’s Wisconsin vs. Illinois game:
Date: Saturday, Oct. 28
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Champaign, Ill.
Venue: Memorial Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to Victory
The Badgers have been running over opponents this season, thanks in large part to freshman phenom Jonathan Taylor who made history last Saturday against Maryland becoming the sixth true freshman ever to reach 1000 yards in his first seven games.
It should be more of the same for the Badgers against the Illini rank dead last in the Big Ten in rush defense, allowing a woeful 211 yards on the ground per game. While the Badgers’ passing game continues to grow behind the stellar play of wide receiver Quintez Cephus and tight end Troy Fumagalli, the Badgers will be hoping they do not need to rely on them or the arm of Alex Hornibrook in this one.
For Illinois, offensive struggles- specifically at the quarterback position have haunted the team this year and the inconsistencies under center have proved costly all year. It is crucial the Illini take care of the ball and avoid short drives if they wish to hang around in this one.
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Prediction
There can be a little glimpse of hope for Illinois faithful as it is homecoming on Saturday for the school. Despite this, the two teams are on opposite sides of the spectrum this year and the Illini’s inability to stop the run will make it a field day for Jonathan Taylor and Bradrick Shaw. Taylor will continue to make his mark on the Heisman conversation and rush for another 200-yard game as the Badgers roll to dominating win they are in need of.
Final score: Wisconsin 45, Illinois 7