Wisconsin football vs. Northwestern: Game details, four storylines to watch Saturday

Posted by author October 18, 2024 Football

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Wisconsin (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) vs. Northwestern (3-3, 1-2)

When: 11 a.m. Saturday.

Where: Martin Stadium, Evanston, Illinois.

TV: Big Ten Network with Jeff Levering (play-by-play), Jake Butt (analysis) and Brooke Fletcher (sideline).

Radio: FM-97.3 and AM-920 in Milwaukee and a state network with Matt Lepay (play-by-play), Mark Tauscher (analysis) and Patrick Herb (sideline).

Line: Wisconsin by 7½ points.

Series: Wisconsin leads the series, 62-38-5, including a 30-20-1 mark in Evanston.

Coaches: Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell (12-8, second season; 75-33, ninth overall) vs. Northwestern David Braun (11-8, second season).

More: Game 7 Wisconsin football two-deep for Northwestern Wildcats

FOUR STORYLINES TO WATCH

Wisconsin can’t let Northwestern win battle up front again

Northwestern won the battle up front on both sides of the ball last season, a fact that seemed to still steam Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell earlier this week when he talked about that game. It’s safe to assume the UW players were reminded of that during practice this week and that there will be an added edge to controlling the game up front.

How much pressure can UW put on the Wildcats‘ inexperienced QB?

Wisconsin’s Braedyn Locke won’t be the only redshirt sophomore calling the shots Saturday. Northwestern’s Jack Lausch is set to make his fifth start. The Chicago native appears to be settling into the role over the past two games, completing 59% of his passes for 446 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. His play has improved as the protection for him has gotten better. Can UW change that trend and put some pressure on an inexperienced player? It could go a long way toward winning on the road.

What team will come out of the blocks best?

Northwestern scored its most lopsided win of the season last week at Maryland. UW is coming off convincing victories over Purdue and Rutgers. The common thread? Each of those performances was sparked by a strong start that carried over to the entire game. Who gains the early advantage this time? Can that team make it stick?

Ball security is a must for the Badgers, especially on the road

Funny things sometimes happen when Wisconsin plays Northwestern. One way to guard against that is to protect the ball. The Wildcats used four turnovers to score 37 points and beat Maryland by 27 points despite being outgained 355-283. Three fourth quarter Terrapins turnovers led to Northwestern points that helped the Wildcats blow open a close game.

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