This game figures to be the first real look at both teams -- though Wisconsin and Arizona State have a combined record of 3-0 and have yet to give up points of any kind, each of the games they have played so far have come against severely overmatched competition. Sun Devil and Badger opponents have yet to record any wins of their own, and two of their three games were played against FCS teams. One focus for Arizona State will be getting its run game on track -- the Sun Devils only rushed for 3.6 yards per carry against Sacramento State last week.
How to watch Wisconsin vs. Arizona State: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Neither of these teams have given up points this season. Yes, that’s true.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
At the very least, the scoreless streak should end in Tempe -- Saturday night will bring a meeting of two top-25 offenses.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Wisconsin comes into this one ranked 20th in the AP Top 25 and 18th in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll, while the Sun Devils are knocking on the edge of the top 25 in both -- a win over the Badgers would surely get them in. Arizona State is 2-1 against Wisconsin, losing 20-19 in 2010. Neither team has started conference play yet.
Three names to know
Melvin Gordon, James White, Corey Clement (Wisconsin running backs) -- No Montee Ball? No problem. The Badger running game has picked up right where it left off last season, due to these three guys. The carries have been split pretty evenly between them -- 22 for Gordon, 33 for White and 29 for Clement. The production has been just as even -- not one of three has rushed for more than 284 yards, and no one for fewer than 250.
Grandville Taylor (Arizona State linebacker) -- The former walk-on with the fantastic name has an even better story. Now a starter for the Sun Devils, Taylor had an interception and a fumble recovery to go with four tackles last week. He'll be in charge of stopping those three names above.
Jared Abbrederis (Wisconsin wide receiver) -- Abbrederis fell just short of reaching the thousand-yard mark the last two years. Both times, he led the Badgers in receiving yardage, and the 6'2 senior provides a big target on the outside for quarterback Joel Stave.
Two things at stake
New Wisconsin head coach Gary Andersen will look to remain undefeated with a tough two game stretch coming up. A trip to the Horseshoe against No. 4 Ohio State is just two weeks away, and after that, the Badgers will face No. 17 Northwestern at home. As of now, those are the only ranked opponents on the schedule and look to be the biggest games the Badgers’ season. Before that, though ... Arizona State.
Arizona State, considered a contender in the Pac-12 South, will open up conference play next week against No. 5 Stanford. This game will serve as a proving ground of sorts -- it will provide far more insight into their true talent level than last week’s 55-0 thrashing of Sacramento State.
How to witness
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 PT) ESPN
Online streaming: ESPN3
Further reading
For more on Arizona State, visit House of Sparky. Head to Bucky’s 5th Quarter for your Badger needs.
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