Wisconsin football must avoid looking ahead vs. Kent State in Week 6

Fresh off of an ugly victory against Northwestern, Wisconsin football takes on MAC opponent Kent State. Here’s a preview prediction and how to watch.

The win the Badgers had against the Northwestern Wildcats was as Wisconsin as it gets. The Badgers didn’t try to do too much as they gave star running back Jonathan Taylor the ball 26 times for another 100-yard game. Jack Coan wasn’t spectacular, but he didn’t cost the Badgers the game either.

This was definitely a case where styles make fights. Northwestern doesn’t have anything on offense that scares you, but it matched up well against a power offense like Wisconsin. It didn’t have to worry about a lack of perimeter speed on defense or not having enough talent on the outside when teams go to four wide receivers against a power running team like the Badgers.

The Badger defense pushed the Northwestern offense around all day last weekend, and the Wildcats could get nothing going. The Badger front completely shut down the Northwestern running game.

The Badgers get ready to host the Kent State Golden Flashes of the MAC. Wisconsin has all the advantages in this game, and should win handily.

Here’s more information on the game:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 5
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Madison, Wisc.
Venue: Camp Randall Stadium
TV: ESPNU
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Wisconsin needs to make sure everyone leaves this game healthy, especially Taylor and every member of their offensive and defensive line. In order to do that, if this game is out of hand early, the starters should sit early.

To ensure the game does get out of hand early, the Badgers need to assert themselves physically on the offensive and defensive lines. Taylor should be in the second level of Kent State’s defense all game long. Jack Coan needs to have a good game as well after the performance he had against Northwestern.

Kent State’s chances are simple: play the game of a lifetime and hope the Badgers have already started looking at the Michigan State game.

Betting Odds

Courtesy of Bovada

Line: Wisconsin -36
Over/Under: 59

Prediction

Kent State is a program without much football history. Wisconsin should win this handily. The Badgers have taken care of business all season long against inferior opponents, and this game should be no different.

Final Score: Wisconsin 49, Kent State 0