Exciting Showdown: Wisconsin Football vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Preview
Looking to build off their 52-6 win last week against Purdue, Wisconsin football hits the road for a key battle with Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights a lost on the road to Nebraska last week 14-7. It was the first loss of the season on what has been a surprising 4-1 start. A win for the Badgers would likely build some momentum they need as teams like Oregon, Penn State, and Iowa still loom. Kick off is 11 AM CST on BTN. Here is a preview of tomorrow’s game.
Wisconsin Football Needs to Have the Better Run Offense
This game will be decided in the trenches. Rutgers has one of the best running backs in the country in Kyle Monangai. He is averaging over five yards a carry and has already ran the ball 116 times and at least 19 times on every game, He is what makes this Scarlet Knights offense roll.
On the other hand, the Rutgers run defense has been brutal to this point, giving up almost 160 yards on the ground a game. Last week was the first time they did not give up 100 yards rushing in a game (97). Wisconsin football is averaging 170 yards on the ground a game. The Badgers have also played much better teams than Rutgers. If Wisconsin gets the run game going like they could, this could be a very nice afternoon.
Make Athan Kaliakmanis Beat You
Wisconsin football is very familiar with Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. It will be the fourth time they see him as he came over from Minnesota. The arm talent is there, but the production never really has. Arguably his best college game came in Madison, but that was a few seasons ago.
Kaliakminis’ numbers are not bad either. He has thrown for eight touchdowns and only three interceptions, but Rutgers doesn’t want to put the game in his hands either. If the Badgers are able to contain Monangai and force Rutgers to throw the ball, I this secondary can get to him and force some turnovers. If he is not in a comfort zone, he has shown to made mistakes in the past.
Prediction
If you have listened to any Wisconsin football podcasts this week, you have probably heard either this will be a close game or the Badgers roll in this one. I think both can be true in some way,
One one hand, there is a reason the Scarlet Knights are 4-1. They have ran the ball well, thrown the ball well when needed, and have gotten key defensive stops. There is no joking about their home crowds now. It is a big time advantage.
On the other hand, the best win for Rutgers has come against a Washington team that had to fly across the country on a Friday night instead of a traditional Saturday. That does matter. I think they had a chance to prove some doubters last week against Nebraska and only scored seven points. Against their last three power four teams, Rutgers is only averaging 18 points a game.
Wisconsin football has been tested multiple times already with games against Alabama and USC. They have found success in the run game against both these teams. If the Badgers can get their run game going right away, I like their chances.
You have to get a road win with this schedule and with games like Iowa, Oregon, and Penn State looming, these are the games to have to win. I think the Badgers build off their momentum from last week and get a key road win tomorrow.
