The Wisconsin Badgers look to avenge last year’s loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide Saturday, who stormed into Camp Randall Stadium last September and blew the Wisconsin Badgers off their home turf 42-10.
Wisconsin’s recent struggles leave the Badger faithful little reason to believe their squad will fare much better this year when Wisconsin rolls into Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to take on No. 19 Alabama. Still, the Crimson Tide aren’t what they were with Nick Saban at the helm, creating an opportunity for Wisconsin to keep the game close.
Alabama
Alabama’s season has been a tale of two games. After an extremely disappointing season-opening loss to Florida State, Alabama stormed back last week, obliterating Louisiana-Monroe 73-0. Quarterback Ty Simpson was virtually untouched against ULM, completing all 17 of his pass attempts for 226 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, under heavy pressure from the Florida State defense, Simpson went just 23/43 and struggled to lead Bama to victory.
Alabama’s rushing offense, however, has averaged just 149.5 of their 462 yards per game. Alabama finished with just 87 rushing yards on 29 carries against Florida State.
Defensively, Alabama held ULM to 148 total yards and caused 3 turnovers. But against Florida State, Boston College transfer Tommy Castellanos’s relentless effort (16 rushes for 78 yards) exposed holes in the Alabama defense, which eventually allowed 230 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground.
3 Keys to Success
PRESSURE
Wisconsin has totaled eight sacks in their two games, nearly reaching the halfway mark of their 2024 total, 17. It’s evident defensive coordinator Jim Tressel has made creating more pressure a priority. Doing so Saturday will go a long way in giving Wisconsin a chance to keep the game close.
Simpson, against Florida State, under pressure. On third down, Simpson averaged just 5.9 air yards per throw against the Seminoles, a recipe for disaster. Florida State also produced a 42.4% pressure rate when not blitzing, which proved too much for the Bama offense.
Wisconsin senior linebackers Darryl Peterson III and Mason Reiger, as well as Senior defensive lineman Brandon Lane Jr., consistently got after the quarterback last weekend and must continue to do so against the Crimson Tide. Also, the secondary will benefit heavily from intense pressure. Passing plays would not be extended, and the dynamic Alabama receiving core would have a tough time improvising and getting out of their breaks.
Run the Clock
Against Florida State, Castellanos and company’s rushing attack wore down the Alabama defense There weren’t many explosive plays, but the Seminoles just kept pushing the rock forward. Their offensive line played with an edge, fighting for every inch.
If the Badgers can replicate what Florida State did and put a few long drives together, beating Alabama becomes much more doable. Too often has Wisconsin’s offense gone three and out or failed to cross the 50 yard line. Against a powerhouse like Alabama, that will get you into deep trouble. The offensive line must start clicking for running backs Dilin Jones and Darrion Dupree. Keeping the Tide off the field as much as possible limits opportunity for disaster.
Big Plays
Forcing turnovers are imperative to a Wisconsin win. So far, Wisconsin has intercepted three passes which all proved game changing. Creating a turnover or two would shift momentum and provide Wisconsin with the game-flipping boosts needed to complete an upset.
Offensive gash plays will also be key. In recent years, the Badgers have struggled to rack up big plays. We have seen a bit more of this in their first two matchups, but against Bama, it must be done. Whether Jones breaks a 25 yard run up the gut or Vinny Anthony II converts on a post to get into the redzone, anything that could open up the Wisconsin offense will be necessary. It doesn’t just energize the team, it demoralizes the opponent.
Alabama has won 83 straight home games against unranked opponents, a sign that should jar Wisconsin. But Alabama’s poor performance against Florida State, and their disappointing season last year, showcases their vulnerability. By finding success in the pass rush and run game, Wisconsin has a realistic path to victory.
The game kicks off at 11:00 a.m. and will air on ESPN.
