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Surprise. This is the second straight week that the Big Ten has a battle of top-25 opponents. The Nebraska Cornhuskers control their own destiny as winning out would ensure a spot in the conference title game. The same can be said for the Wisconsin Badgers so there is a lot on the line in this one as the winner is most likely headed to the conference championship in Indianapolis.
Nebraska has one of the best running backs in the nation in Ameer Abdullah and one of the best running quarterbacks in the nation in Tommy Armstrong Jr. — accounting for the 10th-best run game in the country. On the year, Abdullah has amassed 1,250 yards and 17 touchdowns while also catching 13 passes for 169 yards and two scores out of the backfield. Armstrong Jr. is second on the team with 571 yards rushing and four scores to go along with a solid 1,827 yards and 13 passing touchdowns. Jordan Westerkamp has emerged as the team’s top performing receiver, catching 33 passes for 600 yards and four touchdowns while first-team All-Big Ten wide out Kenny Bell has 34 catches for 577 yards and two scores.
Wisconsin has a very similar offense to Nebraska in the fact that it is also known for its run game, ranking fifth in the nation, to go along with a less impressive pass game. Joel Stave has taken back over as the team’s starting quarterback after starting the year on the bench, struggling to find a rhythm. Stave has 642 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions while completing just 54 percent of his passes. Tanner McEvoy remains in the rotation as a running QB threat, rushing for 442 yards and four scores. Ahead of McEvoy in the rush attack is backup running back Corey Clement who has 720 yards and seven touchdowns. Melvin Gordon is the best running back in the conference — and possibly the country — rushing for 1,501 yards and an incredible 19 scores. Alex Erickson leads the team in receiving, catching 35 passes for 467 yards and three scores.
Defensively, the Badgers have had one of the best units in the nation this year — like they do every year. Wisconsin ranks third in points allowed per game while also coming in with the best total defense in terms of yards allowed per game in the country. Nebraska has been a much-improved unit from a year ago, ranking 16th in points allowed and 25th in total yards allowed per game.
Nebraska will travel to Wisconsin to take on the Cornhuskers at 3:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, Nov. 15. The game will be broadcasted on ABC.
PREDICTION: Nebraska 30, Wisconsin 38
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at [email protected].
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