Wisconsin returns to top-25
The Badgers proved to be a strong team last weekend when they defeated Northern Illinois University 44-3. This ended Wisconsin's two game losing streak, after they fell to both Illinois and Penn State on the road. At Camp Randall Stadium, however, the Badgers have yet to lose under the direction of head coach Bret Bielema.
For the majority of the season, Wisconsin had been ranked among the top ten teams in the nation. The rude awakening last week, when the Badgers fell off the charts, was all Wisconsin needed to get fired up.
Injuries have affected the Badgers throughout the season. However, it seems younger players are stepping up and filling important roles. The more comfortable and more experienced these young players become, the more powerful Wisconsin will be in the future.
Strong rushing game for Badgers
Last week against Northern Illinois University, Wisconsin rushed for 331 yards. With three solid players in Wisconsin's backfield, sophomores P.J. Hill, Lance Smith and freshman Zach Brown have forced opposing teams to constantly contest the rush.
Hill averages over 126 yards per game and has already found the end zone 13 times this season. Smith has only scored once this season, but averages 55 yards per game. Brown may not be as strong of a presence as the other two Badger rushers, but he has scored two touchdowns this season and averages just less than 18 yards per game.
This could continue to work in the Badger's favor, considering the great effort defenders put into buckling down on Wisconsin's rushing game, and the more opportunities senior quarterback Tyler Donovan may have to find receivers open down field.
Defense with an eye for the rush
When a defense is able to completely shut down the opposing team's rushing game, that is when coaches know things are finally coming together. Last week, the Wisconsin defense forced NIU to have -13 yards rushing.
Wisconsin has given up an average of 140.6 rushing yards per game, so an impressive defensive game against NIU might be all the Badgers need to be confident for the remainder of their Big Ten schedule.
Indiana gives up an average of 159.5 yards per game, but if the Hoosiers are able to read Wisconsin's offense, the game could get interesting. A shut-down rushing game would force Donovan to start using his arm, and with inexperienced players filling prominent positions for the injured Luke Swan and Paul Hubbard, Wisconsin might find its offense unable to handle the heat.
Top notch special teams
Senior kicker Taylor Mehlhaff has been consistent, hitting all 26 of his attempted extra point attempts. He also split the goal post in 12 of his 14 field goal attempts.
With an average of 41 yards per punt this season, senior punter Ken DeBauche has been a strong weapon for the Badger's special teams. Last weekend, DeBauche had one punt during the game, which ended up floating 52 yards down the field. This kick gave his teammates more than enough time to get down the field, forcing NIU's punt returner to call for a fair catch.
Indiana's kicker, junior Austin Starr, leads the Big Ten by hitting 15 of his 16 field goal attempts this season. Starr capitalized on all seven of his attempts between 40 and 49 yards, showing he is not only consistent, but also has a very strong leg and great blockers.
Indiana finds ways to score
The Hoosiers' offense has scored 283 points already this season, an average of 35.4 points per game, which is the second highest amount of points scored by any team in the Big Ten.
Indiana has a strong aerial attack and a quarterback that has completed 164-of-267 passes. Sophomore Kellen Lewis averages 244 passing yards per game. The Hoosiers have also scored 19 touchdowns through the air.
In addition, Indiana's rushing offense has been able to find the end zone 13 times this season and averages 162.6 rushing yards per game. Lewis has scored five of those touchdowns himself and leads his team with 59.5 rushing yards per game.
Opponents have struggled with shutting down Indiana's drives, considering its flexibility on offense. If the running game is not working, Indiana finds openings down field, and vice versa.
