Close Article Return to stream X
NCAA Football

5 Bold Predictions For Auburn vs. Wisconsin In Outback Bowl

+Read full article

5 Bold Predictions for Auburn vs. Wisconsin In Outback Bowl

Joel Stave Wisconsin
Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY SPORTS

Auburn and Wisconsin meet in the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day in Tampa. Wisconsin lost coach Gary Andersen at the end of the season and the Badgers will be coached by Athletic Director Barry Alvarez, who will have his hands full trying to stop the Tigers and their fast-paced offense.

5. Gus Malzahn Will Speed Up the Badgers

Gus Malzahn Auburn
John David Mercer, USA TODAY SPORTS

5. Gus Malzahn Will Speed Up the Badgers

Gus Malzahn Auburn

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn loves for his teams to play fast. In this game, he will be able to set the tempo against a Wisconsin defense that will not know what's coming next. Malzahn saw what Ohio State did to Wisconsin and he will take advantage of that.

4. Barry Alvarez Will Prove He Can Still Coach

Barry Alvarez Wisconsin
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY SPORTS

4. Barry Alvarez Will Prove He Can Still Coach

Barry Alvarez Wisconsin

Barry Alvarez is coming out of retirement to coach one more time. In 2013, he coached the Badgers in a 2014 loss to Stanford in the Rose Bowl. Expect his Badgers' team to be prepared and to hang with Auburn in this game, as Alvarez coaches in place of Gary Andersen.

3. Cameron Artis-Payne Will Hang With Melvin Gordon Statistically

Cameron Artis-Payne Auburn
Shanna Lockwood, USA TODAY SPORTS

3. Cameron Artis-Payne Will Hang With Melvin Gordon Statistically

Cameron Artis-Payne Auburn

This doesn't mean that Cameron Artis-Payne is as good as Melvin Gordon. What it means is that Auburn's offense will run more plays and Artis-Payne will likely get more carries in the game. And, in the end, he could have more rushing yards and a victory.

2. Melvin Gordon Will Have a Strong Final Game at Wisconsin

Melvin Gordon Wisconsin
Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY SPORTS

2. Melvin Gordon Will Have a Strong Final Game at Wisconsin

Melvin Gordon Wisconsin

The Heisman Trophy finalist did not like how he played against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. He should find some running room against Auburn, which would allow him to make one positive final impression on NFL scouts.

1. Nick Marshall Will Lead Auburn to a Win

Nick Marshall Auburn
John David Mercer, USA TODAY SPORTS

1. Nick Marshall Will Lead Auburn to a Win

Nick Marshall Auburn

If this game comes down to quarterback play, which it could, Auburn has a distinct advantage with Nick Marshall behind center. This is Marshall's final game and he's not going to let his team lose in this one.

Your Favorites