No. 8 Wisconsin travels to Northwestern in what should be a deceptively tough game for the Badgers. Northwestern has been a royal pain for higher-ranked teams, and lost to Ohio State and Western Michigan by a combined five points.
Wisconsin vs. Northwestern 2016: Start time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know
Can Northwestern muddy up this game enough to stay with Wisconsin?
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The formula for the Badgers is simple. They run the ball and play suffocating defense. The defense has been magnificent, but the offense has been less so. They’ve been able to run the ball with some success, but they are not all that efficient, and they don’t have the kind of passing game to stretch defenses out. That hasn’t mattered much, though, as their record speaks for itself.
Northwestern has scuffled to a 4-4 record this year, but they’ve been a much tougher team than you’d figure with a .500 record. They don’t do anything amazingly well, but they are able to hang around with more talented teams and take their chances. They’re allowing under four yards per rushing attempt on defense, and if they can keep Wisconsin around that level then this game should stay relatively close well into the second half.
How to watch, stream, and listen
TV: 12 p.m. ET, ABC.
Radio: Wisconsin | Northwestern
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Wisconsin is favored by seven points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Bucky’s 5th Quarter for Wisconsin fans and Inside NU for Northwestern fans.
Three big things to know
1. Wisconsin’s schedule has been absolutely brutal this year, and they’ve performed more than admirably en route to their current No. 8 Playoff ranking. Northwestern won’t be the toughest team they’ve played, but the Wildcats gave Ohio State everything they could handle last week and are remarkably pesky. Don’t be surprised if the Badgers can’t put them away for a while.
2. Alex Hornibrook will start for Wisconsin, but Bart Houston has received playing time over the past few weeks as well. Don't be surprised to see both get playing time, as they'll try to keep Northwestern's excellent defense on its toes.
3. As for Wisconsin’s defense, they have been one of the best units in the entire country this year. They rank fourth in Defensive S&P+, and have kept the Badgers in every game while they figure things out on offense. One would think they can keep Northwestern under control, but this is why they play the games.
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