1. Stopping the Run
The Wisconsin defense has given up four rushing touchdowns in each of the last two games. Last week junior running back Shonn Green torched the Badgers for 217 yards and four touchdowns. Two weeks before the Iowa game, junior running back Chris Wells carried for 168 yards against Wisconsin for Ohio State. Illinois freshman Jason Ford broke out for a huge 172-yard rushing day on 19 carries last week against a weak Indiana defense. Ford also rushed for three touchdowns in his first start while replacing Daniel Dufrene. While Illini quarterback Juice Williams has been held to under 50 yards rushing the last two weeks, he is capable of breaking free for a big game if the Badgers aren't careful. Williams put together a 92-yard effort against the Badgers last year, and even though Rashard Mendenhall is now a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Badgers defense will still have their hands full against the Illini rushing attack.
2. Keeping It Close
Wisconsin has allowed its previous two opponents to jump out to early double-digit leads. If the Badgers are going to come out with the win, they need to come out of the tunnel fully focused and ready to play. Penn State built a 17-point lead two weeks ago and the Hawkeyes were able to put 14 on the board last week before Wisconsin had a chance to catch its breath. Iowa went on to rack up their highest point total against Wisconsin since 1978. With questions surrounding Wisconsin's offense, especially its quarterback, it may be on the defense to keep the game close early. The defense could not do that over the past two weekends, but three weeks ago when Ohio State was limited to 20 points, Wisconsin had a chance to pull out the win late. To win this one, the defense must muster up a performance on par with the one against the Buckeyes.
3. Stopping Juice Williams
Last week Wisconsin faced sophomore quarterback Ricky Stanzi, a pocket passer. This week's challenge will be much different. Fighting Illini junior quarterback Juice Williams is well-known for his running ability, which helped lead Illinois to a victory against the Badgers last year. What is even more impressive is his passing performance over the last three weeks. Williams has averaged over 347 passing yards per game and has totaled seven touchdowns in that stretch. His main target has been the athletic sophomore wide receiver Arrelious Benn. Benn has gone over 100 yards receiving in each of the Fighting Illini's previous four games for a total of 543 yards and three touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Will Judson is also a threat with 356 receiving yards this season. The Wisconsin secondary will need to run tight coverage schemes if they are to disrupt a potent Fighting Illini offense that has been running on all cylinders recently.
4. Eliminating the Turnovers
The Badgers have given away their fair share of turnovers this season and will need to keep them to a minimum if the defense is to stay fresh against a quick Fighting Illini offense. Wisconsin must hold onto the ball to avoid the minus-three turnover deficit it saw against Penn State and Iowa. Junior quarterback Dustin Sherer and freshman running back John Clay will need to put several scoring drives together if they are going to defeat the Fighting Illini. Illinois is 4-0 when holding opponents to under 21 points this season, so the Badgers cannot afford to turn the ball over on scoring opportunities. Last weekend, head coach Bret Bielema tried to avoid putting Sherer in down-and-distance situations by running the ball on first and second down. Even so, Sherer still made questionable decisions in the passing game. Expect Bielema to look for other options behind center if Sherer starts off with an early interception.
5. Fading Bowl Hopes
Dreams of a Rose Bowl berth for the Badgers are now distant memories. Wisconsin has lost four straight games for the first time since 1996 and most analysts now project the Motor City Bowl as the team's end-of-the-season destination, against either Ball State or Central Michigan. The Badgers have tough games against Michigan State and Minnesota to go along with weaker matchups versus Indiana and California Polytechnic. If the Badgers can come away with a victory today, they have a good shot at finishing with a winning record. Illinois, however, needs a victory on Saturday or it will fall to .500 with Iowa, Ohio State and Northwestern still on the schedule. This game is a must-win for both teams. The loser will be caught in an uphill battle the rest of the season if it is going to maintain any hope of making it to a bowl game.
