Heading into the season, Nebraska and Wisconsin were the overwhelming picks to win the Big Ten West. However, they’ve both had varying degrees of disappointment this season and start Big Ten play 0-1 after losing Week 1 games in which they were favored.
How to watch Wisconsin vs. Nebraska on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
Which preseason Big Ten West contender will bounce back?
Wisconsin looked to be in good shape to win the division even last week, but the Badgers’ offense sputtered in a 10-6 home loss to upstart Iowa, and they are looking for answers going forward, with star running back Corey Clement out. Wisconsin has a great defense, but it has lost to the two power conference teams it has played this year -- the Badgers also lost their season opener to Alabama -- and the rush offense that this program is known for has been nonexistent.
Nebraska has been even more disappointing, sitting at 2-3 with last-second losses to BYU, Miami and Illinois. Some of that is just plain bad luck, but part of the problem is a weak defense and poor decision-making. The Huskers should have more wins, but they’re already in a hole with the loss to Illinois, and with a tough schedule, they face an uphill battle to win the Big Ten West.
The winner of this game can still make some noise in the division race. The loser is all but out of contention.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC | ESPN2
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Nebraska is favored by one point.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Bucky’s 5th Quarter for Wisconsin fans and Corn Nation for Nebraska.
Three big things to know
1. Wisconsin’s offense looked good against lesser teams, and it played well against Alabama, but the Badgers were listless against Iowa. Can they find a running game, or at least get the passing game on track?
2. On that same note, this game is going to come down to Nebraska’s defense. The Huskers might have the best offense in the Big Ten West, but it’s not going to dominate anyone on offense. The defense has to hold up against the Badgers.
3. This is essentially a Big Ten West elimination game, and the loser is going to be on the way to a very disappointing season. It’s a big game, but not for the reason we might have predicted a month ago.
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