Coming off two consecutive losses, including last week's 20-17 heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Ohio State, the Wisconsin Badgers must be looking for some sort of respite.
Unfortunately, there is no rest for the weary.
The Badgers (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) square off against the No. 6 team in the nation this Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium. Joe Paterno and his Penn State Nittany Lions (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten) look to continue their dominance in the Big Ten and hand Wisconsin their third straight loss.
The most difficult task for the Badgers is figuring out how to contain PSU quarterback Darryl Clark. A dual-threat to run or pass, Clark has thrown for nine touchdowns and only one interception. Clark has also managed 4.2 yards per carry and four scores on the ground.
Speaking of rushing, Nittany Lions tailback Evan Royster must also be a focus of the Badgers' defense. Royster is averaging 7.8 yards a touch and has eight touchdowns. In other words, Wisconsin needs to be on the top of its game on defense.
Luckily, the Badgers have had some shining moments on the defensive side of the ball in the previous games. Sophomore safety Jay Valai has come on strong in recent weeks, tallying seven tackles, a sack and two forced fumbles against the Buckeyes.
Valai will need to be in top form against Penn State, who feature talent at the tight end position—players who Valai will be matched up with in coverage. After struggling early in the season in pass defense, Valai has made strides, holding Fresno State tight end Bear Pascoe to just three catches and 32 yards in Week three.
The Badgers must also tighten up their mental game on defense. Last week, confusion between several players resulted in the go-ahead score, an 11-yard option scamper from OSU quarterback Tyrelle Prior.
Wisconsin must be sharp in all four quarters if they hope to upset Penn State. A big win over PSU on their home field will gave the Badgers a chance to turn things around for the remainder of their conference schedule.
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about 1 month ago
Good article. I was at that Badger game last wknd.....it was a tough loss to swallow. I am actually thinking WISC can pull it off this wknd....I really have a good feeling about it :)
Thanks for the read!!
from about 1 month ago
Wisconsin will probably not pull it off. Wisconsin is a run first offense, and PSU has one of the best run defenses in the nation. PSU doesn't have a great pass defense, but Evridge is not that good. PSU's offense is very explosive and can put a lot of points on the board. Even though this is an away night game for PSU, and Wisconsin will play them tough because they are pissed about losing two straight and one at home, PSU will just be to much for them. However, I expect Wisconsin's hard hitting defense to keep PSU from blowing them out or scoring too much. I have PSU winning 27-16.
Great article, Steve. I just don't see the Badgers upsetting the mighty Nittany Lions. The most likely loss for Penn State will come at Ohio State in two weeks, if PSU loses this season. If Penn State gets through these next three games undefeated, Iowa and Indiana should be easy wins, and then the pressure is on against Javon Ringer and the Spartans at home for the finale. If they win that game and are still undefeated, say hello to NC for PSU.
about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comment! I hope you are right about the Badgers pulling off the upset!
about 1 month ago
Isaac...great points. Evridge has been inconsistent, to say the least, this season. I think 27-16 is a fair prediction.
Being a Badger fan, I hope for a win. But I must also be realistic.. :-)
about 1 month ago
This should be a close game - and a great one. The Badgers are always tough at Camp Randall, and no doubt the fans will be ready.
A few keys in my eyes... 1) Jordan Norwood - who likely will be back for PSU - he has been the most consistent receiver - adds another dimension to PSU's offense. 2) The Lions should try and take out the WI running game, mainly Clay and Hill - therefore forcing Evridge to have to beat them. He has been inconsistent and it will be a challenge to keep up with PSU offense - if they're on. 3) Clean slate for WI - they have to move on and forget the two tough losses, and I think they will do that.
Anyway, we could go on and on talking about it... I think it is going to be a good game though.
from about 1 month ago
Kevin,
I think it should be a great game as well. As long as Evridge can keep handing the ball off to his backs and the "D" plays at its highest level, Wisky might have a chance. Otherwise, it might be a long night for the Badgers.
And since predictions are floating around, I will give one of my own:
Wisconsin - 23
Penn State - 21
The Badgers NEED this win...at home, after two gutwrenching losses...time to get back on track!
from about 1 month ago
Definitely should be a great game - and the Badgers really do need this game, so no doubt, they will show up ready to play. I wouldn't expect anything else.
Sometime, I would be interested in talking Packers football with you, but I'll save that one for another day. This day belongs to the Nits and Badgers. Take care man...
about 1 month ago
34-14 PSU is my guess. I am a PSU fan but love the players and coaches at WU. Hard working and alot of class after losing two games they should have won.
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