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Thursday, March 28, 2024
Photos: The B1G Championship

The Wisconsin-Michigan State game figures to feature quite a bit of drama, as both chase playoff aspirations.

Questions at QB, special teams key to Big Ten opener in East Lansing

Wisconsin

Stuff Scott

For years, Wisconsin football has used a philosophy reminiscent of teams like the current Minnesota Vikings or the 1985 Chicago Bears—ground-and-pound offense and physical, tough defense. The Badgers have historically fielded teams designed to run the ball on offense, and manage the clock, leaving the high-profile talent to play in a defense designed to protect against the run. This season, the Badgers fit this strategy, as the most prolific and experienced part of their team is their front seven on defense. Behind players like junior defensive end Chikwe Obasih, and veteran linebackers Vince Biegel, Jack Cichy and T.J. Watt, the Wisconsin defense has given up only 82.3 yards per game in their first three games. Still, even with this recent and historic defensive dominance, Michigan State provides a big threat on the ground, as it tallied 260 rushing yards against then No.18 Notre Dame. If Wisconsin wants to beat the Spartans, they need to continue to contain the Michigan State running backs and not allow sophomore running back L.J. Scott to break long runs.

Quarterback questions 

Last week, the Badgers came in as a 35.5 point favorite against Georgia State, but ended up winning by only six after trailing for part of the fourth quarter. The Badgers’ defense looked the worst it has all year, allowing 269 pass yards and forcing no turnovers throughout the duration of the game. On offense, the Badgers struggled to move the ball in the earlier part of the game, and Bart Houston struggled to lead the team, continuing to force balls down the field and make poor decisions in the pocket. Really, aside from actually winning the game (which unfortunately proved to be more difficult than just showing up), one of the only positive result was the emergence of redshirt freshman quarterback Alex Hornibrook, who looked efficient and calm behind center. Hornibrook entered the game in relief and led Wisconsin to a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Going into the game against the Spartans, the Badgers will need to figure out which quarterback – experience or youth – to go with, and how to manage those emotions pregame. For Houston, he needs to make sure he is not fragile and afraid to make mistakes; for Hornibrook, he needs to make sure he is prepared for a more raucous environment, much different than entering a game at home against a less-than-stout defense.

Defensive back dominance 

Through the first two weeks of the season, the Badgers have not played against particularly strong quarterbacks. Going into the season, the biggest concern for the Badgers was their inexperienced defensive backs, but these young pass defenders have not had the chance to be tested against any elite, or even very good, for that matter, quarterbacks this season. Still, even with a lack of great passers on the opposing side, the Badgers defensive backs have struggled at points during the season already, allowing 269 passing yards against Georgia State, including a 60-yard pass that led to a Panthers go-ahead touchdown. Going forward, the Badgers will start to face better quarterbacks like Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett or Nebraska’s Tommy Armstrong Jr., and that first test against a very good quarterback comes on Saturday against Tyler O’Connor of the Spartans. O’Connor currently ranks No. 6 in the nation in passer rating. O’Connor has been efficient to start the year, with five touchdowns and two interceptions. With a quarterback like O’Connor, the secondary will have to tighten up their coverage and not allow deep passes down the field if the Badgers want to secure a victory in East Lansing.

Michigan State

Yards on Special Teams

Even with the sub-par game defensively against Georgia State, the Badger defense is still a top unit in the nation, especially with their experienced front seven. Accordingly, Michigan State will likely not be able to move the ball as easily as in their first two matchups. As such, the Spartans will need to find other ways to move the ball down the field, and they will have the opportunity to do that on special teams. The Badgers currently give up 19 return yards per punt, which is good for the No. 119 ranking, out of 124 teams, in the nation. Michigan State may have an opportunity to swing this game on special teams.

Field Goal Kicking

Through two games this season, Michigan State has only attempted one field goal, and senior kicker Michael Geiger missed that 43-yard attempt. Geiger has hit big-time field goals in his career, including a game-winning 41-yard kick against No. 3 ranked Ohio State in 2015. He became an internet sensation after ruining Ohio State’s playoff hopes with a celebration where he ran around the field twirling his arm like a sideways helicopter. Still, even though Geiger has made season-changing kicks in his career, his lack of attempts this season may leave him rusty, and could be a huge influence in the game. With Wisconsin’s tough defense, the Spartans may not be able to convert every trip to the red-zone, and a late miss from the twirling kicker could lead to a Spartan season setback.

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Early Lead

If Michigan State can jump out to an early lead, they will have a chance to control the tone of the game. The Spartans have a dynamic rushing attack, and they will be able to continue running the ball if they get a quick advantage. The Badgers will then have to pack the box, allowing one-on-one coverage on the outside that O’Connor can exploit at his convenience. Additionally, if State can grab the lead early, the green and white crowd will create a tough atmosphere for the Badgers. With either the mistake-ridden Houston or the young Hornibrook (who has not played in front of a ruckus opposing crowd), a loud, distracting environment will not make it easy for the Badgers’ quarterbacks to be precise and at the top of their game.

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