The Wisconsin Badgers host Michigan football for a high-noon showdown Saturday at Camp Randall. Here are three keys for a road win for Michigan.
The Michigan Wolverines come into Madison with a lot to prove. Their non-conference wins against Middle Tennessee State and Army were lackluster, to say the least. Their shiny new offense under first-year coordinator Josh Gattis has sputtered so far this season.
Quarterback Shea Patterson has not fully acclimated himself to the new spread offense. Although he’s not thrown any interceptions this season, he’s lost three fumbles and sacked six times. The run game hasn’t found its traction yet this season either running for 3.8 yards per carry.
Wisconsin’s non-conference slate, on the other hand, has been the complete opposite. Not only does the Badgers’ offense look like a well-oiled machine, they’ve shut out both of their opponents so far. Johnathan Taylor is looking like he’s trying to break fellow Badger Ron Dayne’s school rushing record, and Jack Coan seem comfortable in the offense. The return of Quintez Cephus gives the Badgers a legitimate receiving threat offensively.
The Wolverines need this win much more than the Badgers. Don’t get me wrong, Wisconsin has expectations to get back to Indianapolis and play for a Big Ten Championship, but Michigan wants to make the playoff, and this is the year they are supposed to finally take down Ohio State.
How can the Wolverines come away with a road win?