Wisconsin Football: 3 keys to victory over Michigan in Week 4

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 29: Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines attempts a pass against the Florida Gators in the first quarter during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /

1. Force Shea Patterson to rely on his arm

Coming into the season, the conversation was that Michigan’s new offense would bring Jim Harbaugh and company out of the dark ages. So far, the results have been uninspiring.

Michigan currently ranks No. 69 in rushing offense, and No. 78 in passing offense. Shea Patterson, in particular has been particularly uninspiring thus far.

The Michigan play-calling has been far too conservative in their first two games, and Patterson has barely looked good, never mind the elite level many Michigan fans thought he would be.

On the flip side, true freshman Zach Charbonnet has been very good to start the season, averaging nearly 4.6 yards per carry. Wisconsin has the best run defense in the country, and they should devote their defensive game plan towards slowing Charbonnet.

Stacking the box will force Patterson to throw the ball down field, which he hasn’t had to do a lot in 2019. Forcing him to throw the ball vertically will lead to mistakes that Wisconsin can take advantage of.

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Wisconsin’s defense is top-notch, and Michigan struggled with less when they took on Army. I expect the Badgers to force Patterson to try to win the game. If they can force Michigan to throw the ball frequently, the Badgers should win.

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