Game To Watch: #10 Wisconsin at #19 Northwestern: November 21, 2020

In a match-up of undefeated teams, Wisconsin will take on Northwestern this Saturday at 3:30. The Badgers are 2 – 0 having missed two games due to Covid, but looked very impressive in both wins. Northwestern is 4 – 0 coming off a big win over previously unbeaten Purdue. The winner will hold a key tie breaker in the Big Ten West and have a leg up to win the division and play in the Big Ten Championship game.

Recent History

The two teams have played each other tough recently, splitting the last six games evenly with none of the wins by more than 14 points. The home team has won the last two games with Northwestern winning 31 – 17 in 2018 and Wisconsin winning 24 – 15 last year. The games have been physical contests that test the toughness of both teams, expect more of the same in 2020.

Top 25 Players

What To Watch For…

Has Graham Mertz knocked off the rust?

Mertz opened the season with a near perfect performance against Illinois. Making the first start of his career, he completed 20 of 21 passes for 248 yards and 5 touchdowns and led his team to a 45 – 7 win. Mertz then tested positive for Covid and had to quarantine and go through the Big Ten’s safety protocols. With minimal practice time between the Illinois game and Michigan game, Mertz was not as sharp against the Wolverines, completing just 12 of 22 passes for 127 yards with 2 touchdowns. To be fair, he was not asked to do much against the Wolverines because of the way the Wisconsin running game was dominating. Nonetheless, it was noticeable that Mertz had been away from the field and needed to get back in rhythm. With a full week of practice and preparation to get ready after the unexpected time off, Mertz should look more like the quarterback who was so sharp in Wisconsin’s season opener.

How good is the Northwestern defense?

The Northwestern defense has played very well through four games in 2020. They have allowed just 14 points per game, ranking in the top ten in the country in scoring defense and rushing defense. The Wildcats have not given up more than 20 points in a game this season. Wisconsin has a balanced offense, having proven they can run the ball effectively against Michigan and that they can throw the ball efficiently against Illinois. Northwestern will need to prepare for a running attack that can attack with power inside and speed around the edge, while also defending a quarterback that can beat you in the passing game. This is the toughest test Northwestern’s defense has faced this season. The Wildcats will rely on their trio of senior linebackers in Blake Gallagher, Paddy Fisher and Chris Bergin. They are the top three tacklers for Northwestern and are instinctual players who are always around the football. Their ability to plug the holes in the running game, while also closing passing windows for Mertz underneath will determine if Northwestern can slow down the Badgers’ offense.

Will Wisconsin’s defense contain Peyton Ramsey?

Peyton Ramsey is not the prototypical quarterback. He doesn’t wow people in camp settings in shorts and a tee shirt. What he is, is an excellent leader who is creative and finds ways to make big plays and win games for his team. Ramsey is a bit unorthodox, but that is what makes him difficult to defend. He can throw the ball accurately when he is under pressure or on the move. He is a good athlete who will scramble when the play breaks down and turn a busted play into a key first down. He is a headache to gameplan for because a lot of the big plays he makes come outside of the gameplan. Wisconsin has been suffocating on defense in their two games this year, allowing just 9 points per game. They just shutdown Michigan’s Joe Milton last week, holding him under 100 yards passing and under 20 yards rushing. The Badgers use a variety of blitzes and stunts to confuse the offensive line and the quarterback, creating pressure and forcing mistakes. Ramsey is a savvy quarterback who will trust his instincts, if his instincts are right he could beat the Wisconsin pressures and find open receivers and running lanes, if they are wrong Wisconsin’s defense will keep on rolling.

Prediction

Wisconsin is favored by 7.5 points against Northwestern. The Badgers have dominated both of their opponents this season, while Northwestern has won their last three games by one score. Northwestern has a quarterback and a defense that will make plays and not allow Wisconsin to enjoy another blowout win. This Wisconsin team has the most talented quarterback they have had in some time, combined with the traditionally strong running game the Badgers will be able to hold off the Wildcats for a hard fought win. Wisconsin 31 Northwestern 21.

For more content like this don’t forget to subscribe to our website.

For the latest content follow us on twitter @saturdayscfb & @cfbsaturdaysC or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CFBSaturday

The Event Horizon-016 Image taken by Bely MedVed is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.