Wisconsin football is coming off a statement win against Iowa, can the Badgers keep it rollin’ against Michigan in Week 12?
The Wisconsin Badgers improved to 10-0 on the season for the first time in program history following their win in week 11 over the Iowa Hawkeyes 38-14. The Badgers’ defense was more than excellent, holding a Hawkeyes team that put up 55 points against Ohio State to just 66 total yards.
Continuing their toughest stretch of the season, the Badgers will host the 8-2 Michigan Wolverines in Week 12. This game was already circled at the beginning of the season for being one of the biggest games of each team’s year, and with a light slate of games on the schedule — this week’s matchup between the Badgers and Wolverines serves as the biggest of the week and another chance for Wisconsin to add a win over a ranked team to their resume.
Believe it or not, the Wolverines hold a 50-14 advantage over the Badgers in the all-time series. Although a lopsided, mark- the two teams often produce a close contest every time out. Last season, Michigan hung on as a top five team over the Badgers at home, winning 14-7. Prior to last season, the Badgers had won three out of the last four.
Here’s how to watch Saturday’s Michigan vs. Wisconsin game:
Date: Saturday, November 18
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Madison, WI
Venue: Camp Randall Stadium
TV: FOX
Live Stream: FOX Sports Go
Keys to Victory
Two of the better defenses in the Big Ten, and in the country, will square off on Saturday- leaving each offense as the x-factor to their success. During the Badgers beatdown of Iowa, the 14 points surrendered were not of the defense, but instead two pick sixes off the arm of quarterback Alex Hornibrook. At one point the game was 17-14 with the Hawkeyes driving before the Badgers defense forced a fumble and returned it for the touchdown.
It is critical that Hornibrook and the offense take care of the ball. Freshman running back Jonathan Taylor, while great, has had issues hanging on to the ball as well- as he lost a fumble last week versus Iowa.
For Michigan, the offense has been clicking a lot better since the quarterback move that put Brandon Peters behind center. A ruckus crowd and a top five defense is going to be a tall task for Peters and the young Wolverines offense. Ball security and time of possession will be huge factors on whether or not Michigan can pull off the upset. Whichever team turns the ball over the least, will likely be the team that comes out on top.
Prediction
It was evident within the Badgers team last week that they were sick of getting disrespected, winning 38-14 over a team that beat Ohio State by 31 and also lost to Michigan State and Penn State by a combined nine points — proving that what they did to them is hard to do.
Wisconsin can smell blood as their playoff chances continue to rise and the defense, although banged up with injuries, is coming off their best performance of the year. Both teams will struggle to score early, but Wisconsin’s defense and their confidence will prove to be too much for the Michigan offense.
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A close and competitive game is sealed off with a Badgers turnover to keep their undefeated season and playoff hopes alive.
Final score: Wisconsin 27, Michigan 13