The Badgers (1-4 Big Ten, 6-4 overall) come into this weekend's football game looking to put distractions off the field behind them and become eligible for postseason play. To do so, they will have to stop the Fighting Illini of Illinois (2-3, 3-6).
The Badgers worked all week to maintain focus in practice after two of the team's leaders'sophomore running back Anthony Davis and senior wide receiver Lee Evans' found themselves in trouble this past weekend.
\We are not focusing on the off-field things, but we're just trying to focus on the on-field things, the things that we can control,"" freshman wide receiver Brandon Williams said.
A victory would give Wisconsin seven wins, making them bowl eligible, something that they were unable to accomplish last year. With tough games at Michigan (4-1, 7-2) and then at home with Minnesota (3-2, 7-2), this game looks to be the easiest of the three to win.
""This is a real big game. Going to any bowl is good. Two seasons in a row with no postseason is not good,"" Williams said.
The game is also important for Illinois who, despite their mediocre record, could still become bowl eligible if they can finish up the season with three straight wins.
The Badger offense has some question marks in their lineup this weekend, as both senior quarterback Brooks Bollinger and junior quarterback Jim Sorgi went down with injuries last weekend. It appears that Sorgi will be available, but there is no word on the health of Bollinger. With off-field troubles, it appears the Badgers will be without Anthony Davis, so expect to see a lot of freshman running back Dwayne Smith.
The Fighting Illini have some quarterback issues themselves. Juniors Jon Beutjer and Justin Ward have split time under center. While both players are benefiting from the time on the field, the team could suffer from the lack of continuity at quarterback. Nonetheless, Illinois is second in the conference in total offense with more than 265 yards per game through the air. Wisconsin expects to be ready for either
of them.
""As I watch the two quarterbacks, I think they are pretty similar. We'll prepare for both and anticipate seeing both,"" head coach Barry Alvarez said.
Illinois' favorite receiving target is junior wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. The Biletnikoff Trophy candidate is leading the Big Ten with 112 receiving yards per game.
""We can't let them get big hits. We have to make sure that they earn everything that they get,"" defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said.
Last week the Badger defense held Iowa to a season low 20 points, but they know that there is room for improvement. They are looking to play solid on Saturday, not only in stopping the powerful passing offense, but also the running game, led by senior halfback Antoineo Harris, who is fourth in the Big Ten in rushing.
""We've done a lot of good things the last three weeks. But we have to be consistent for four full quarters,"" Cosgrove said.
Offensively, the Badgers mustered only three points last week and are looking to find their offense of two weeks ago. To do so, they will need to get a rhythm going early both on the ground and through the air.
""We just have to go at them full speed. We have to establish the run first and wait for the pass to come, and hopefully a win will come,"" Williams said.
To get that win, Wisconsin needs to maintain a strong defense and score early and often. Different players have shown an offensive spark at times this season and whether it is Bollinger or Sorgi, Davis or Smith, someone on offense needs to step up their game and carry this team into postseason eligibility.
