Tag: Northwestern

Wisconsin upcoming opponent makes significant quarterback change in Week 9 win

Wisconsin upcoming opponent makes significant quarterback change in Week 9 win

The Wisconsin Badgers (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) enter the schedule stretch that will likely define how the season is viewed. That is due to the upcoming trio of rivalry matchups, the first coming this weekend on the road at Iowa (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten).

Wisconsin fell to Iowa 15-6 at Camp Randall Stadium in 2023. Saturday’s Week 10 matchup presents a chance at redemption for that loss, and a chance for Luke Fickell’s team to show that its Week 9 loss to No. 3 Penn State doesn’t signal a larger slide.

Related: Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 9: Penn State makes a statement

Iowa enters Saturday after a dominant 40-14 win over Northwestern in Week 9. The Hawkeyes have been mostly up-and-down to start the season, with big wins over Minnesota and Washington, plus tough losses to Michigan State and No. 4 Ohio State.

The dominant victory over Northwestern may signal a turning of the corner, however, because it coincided with the team inserting QB Brendan Sullivan into the starting lineup in place of Cade McNamara.

Kirk Ferentz made the move early in the first half with the Hawkeyes trailing 7-3. Sullivan, a Northwestern transfer, instantly made the move appear to be the correct one. The Hawkeyes went on to score 37 unanswered points, highlighted by three consecutive touchdown drives to begin the second half.

Sullivan’s dual-threat ability changed the game for an offensive unit that only featured star RB Kaleb Johnson up to that point. As seen below, his speed brings a dimension that Iowa has lacked for years.

Sullivan finished the afternoon nine of 14 passing for 79 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions and a QBR of 74.8. He also added 41 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz did not confirm any long-term plan when speaking with reporters postgame. “We’ll see on that,” he said. “Permanent’ is a strong word.”

From an outside perspective, it would be surprising to see Ferentz go back to a QB in McNamara whose season-long stats tell the story — 104 of 172 passing, 1,017 yards (127 yards per game), six touchdowns, five interceptions and a 37.1 QBR. The Hawkeyes were winning games with him under center, but almost entirely due to a strong defense and the emergence of RB Kaleb Johnson.

The glimpse of the Hawkeyes’ offense with a dual-threat QB in Sullivan under center, albeit against a poor Northwestern defense, should be all the staff needs to make the permanent change.

From a Wisconsin perspective, Sullivan’s emergence changes the calculus of the matchup. The Badgers have famously struggled with dual-threat quarterbacks — including with Penn State backup Beau Pribula just last week.

That emergence, if Ferentz keeps him in, significantly lowers Wisconsin’s chances at escaping Kinnick Stadium with a victory.

We will monitor what the Iowa head coach says during his weekly media availability ahead of the Badgers and Hawkeyes meeting at 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday night.

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Wisconsin defense enters top 10 of important metric after Northwestern win

Wisconsin defense enters top 10 of important metric after Northwestern win

Wisconsin’s defense continues to trend positively in almost every key metric and measurement.

The unit has been on a historic run over the last three weeks. It has allowed only 16 total points (six to Purdue, seven to Rutgers and three to Northwestern). That is the fewest the team has allowed over a three-game stretch in Big Ten play since 1998.

Related: Wisconsin’s defense among best in college football in key stats after 23-3 win vs. Northwestern

The recent dominance has Luke Fickell and Mike Tressel’s unit up to No. 18 nationally in scoring defense, No. 7 in pass defense and No. 14 in total defense. It’s hard the argue the Badger defense not being a top-15 unit in the sport at this stage of the season.

Another key metric shows the Badgers’ current strong standing: Stop rate.

ESPN’s Max Olson recently shared the metric’s updated rankings through Week 8. Wisconsin is up to No. 9 in the nation with a stop rate of 75%.

The statistic, as described by Olson, is ‘the percentage of a defense’s drives that end in punts, turnovers or a turnover on downs.’ Or, in other words, ‘stops.’

Wisconsin has risen in the rankings after boasting a stop rate of 81% against Purdue, 93% against Rutgers and 91% against Northwestern.

The team scored a combined 117 points over those three games. But that defensive dominance has been at the center of the stretch that has turned around the team’s season.

Wisconsin’s defense will now face a true test on Saturday when No. 3 Penn State visits Camp Randall Stadium. Another dominant showing, and it may be time to consider the unit among the nation’s top 10.

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Wisconsin’s Jake Renfro PFF’s highest-graded center from Week 8

Wisconsin’s Jake Renfro PFF’s highest-graded center from college football Week 8

Wisconsin center Jake Renfro was PFF’s highest-graded player at his position in college football Week 8.

The service gave Renfro an overall grade of 88.3 — nearly nine rating points better than the second-highest grade on Wisconsin’s offensive unit: WR Will Pauling’s 79.7 mark.

Related: Studs and duds from Wisconsin’s win over Northwestern: Tawee Walker continues strong play

Renfro helped the Badgers control a strong Wildcats defensive front. Wisconsin rushed for 199 yards on 4.6 yards per carry during the 23-3 win, that after Northwestern entered the contest ranked No. 9 in the nation in rush defense (87.5 yards per game, 2.9 yards per carry).

He also led the Badgers’ offensive line to allow only one sack and play yet another penalty-free game — continuing their overall dominance as a unit.

Wisconsin’s season-long statistics are continuing to reflect the team’s dominance up front and resurgent run game. The Badgers now rank No. 35 in the nation in rush offense (194 yards per game), No. 22 in sacks allowed (1.14 per game), No. 13 in tackles for loss allowed (3.57) and No. 8 in fewest penalties per game (4.00).

Renfro and the unit have a big upcoming test when No. 3 Penn State visits Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday. The Nittany Lions enter with the nation’s No. 10 rush defense (95 yards per game allowed, 3.2 yards per carry), No. 14 pass defense (167.5 yards per game) and No. 6 total defense (262.5 yards per game).

Wisconsin’s offensive line will play a key role in the matchup as the Badgers look to notch a program-defining victory.

The Badgers and Nittany Lions will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT.

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Wisconsin coach jumps into Lake Michigan after Badgers win over Northwestern

Wisconsin was sure to enjoy the win over Northwestern

Wisconsin continued its midseason resurgence with a 23-3 win over Northwestern on Saturday.

The Badgers improved to 5-2 with the win and 3-1 in Big Ten play. It is the team’s third straight victory, all by a sizable margin (52-6 over Purdue, 42-7 over Rutgers and 23-3 over Northwestern). Importantly, it brings the team to the doorstep of bowl eligibility with a crucial stretch upcoming.

Related: Biggest takeaways from Wisconsin Badgers critical win over Northwestern

Wisconsin’s Oct. 26 primetime matchup against No. 3 Penn State is sure to dominate the conversation all week. But before Badgers turned the page from their road victory over the Wildcats, they were sure to enjoy the environment.

That environment: Northwestern’s temporary lakefront stadium on the shores of Lake Michigan.

How they enjoyed that environment: the team rushed to the shores of the lake as strength and conditioning coach Brady Collins took a celebratory swim.

Wisconsin’s social media team was sure to capture the moment.

https://twitter.com/BadgerFootball/status/1847723153419600258

That is the excitement of a team that has won three straight conference games by a combined margin of 117 to 16, completely turning its season around in the process.

For more postgame reaction and analysis, check out our takeaways from Wisconsin’s win over Northwestern and the standouts, both good and bad,  from the matchup.

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RECAP: Wisconsin escapes Northwestern with a 23-3 victory

Quick reaction to Wisconsin’s win over Northwestern:

Wisconsin escaped Evanston, Illinois with a 23-3 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday.

The Badgers improve to 5-2 on the season and 3-1 in Big Ten play with the win. Northwestern, meanwhile, drops to 3-4 with the loss.

Related: Badgers fans excited after important win over Northwestern

The game fit the script of many Wisconsin vs. Northwestern games over the years. The game had its ugly stretches, highlighted by a collection of blocked and missed field goals throughout the first half. There was a feeling that points were at a premium, at least until Wisconsin built its lead in the second half.

The game changed in the final moments before the halftime break. 50 seconds remained in the period when Northwestern had the football on its own 13-yard-line after a 10-yard first-down run by RB Joseph Himon II. Instead of running the ball into halftime trailing just 7-0, David Braun’s team decided to get aggressive. QB Jack Lausch dropped back to pass, was pressured by a collection of Wisconsin defenders, and coughed up the football. Badgers DT Elijah Hills recovered the fumble at the Wildcats 3-yard-line, setting up an easy score and a 14-0 halftime lead.

Northwestern did show signs of life early in the second half. It drove down to Wisconsin’s goal-line, though the Badgers held strong and kept the drive out of the end zone. That theme defined the afternoon — Wisconsin meeting every Northwestern punch with a clear response.

The Badgers went on to orchestrate a long touchdown drive to close the third quarter with a 21-3 lead. Northwestern’s offense didn’t have enough to battle back in the game.

Wisconsin’s performance was far from perfect. QB Braedyn Locke turned the ball over twice, K Nathanial Vakos had a field goal blocked and the Wisconsin defense missed several key opportunities to force Northwestern turnovers. But the Badgers finished with another decisive margin on the scoreboard. The team has completely turned around its season after a rocky 2-2 start.

Wisconsin now continues into a season-defining home matchup with No. 3 Penn State

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Wisconsin vs. Northwestern injury report: Wildcats without starting safety, kicker

All the latest updates and news on Northwestern’s injury report ahead of a Week 8 game vs. Wisconsin:

The Wisconsin Badgers (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) and Northwestern Wildcats (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) are now just over one hour from kickoff of their Week 8 Big Ten matchup.

The contest is set to begin at noon ET, 11 a.m. at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern has released its final injury status report with those minutes continuing to count down before kickoff.

Related: Wisconsin at Northwestern: TV channel, radio station, matchup preview and betting line for Saturday’s game

The Wildcats will be without starting kicker Jack Olsen and starting safety Devin Turner, among others. The only player listed as ‘questionable’ is starting right guard Josh Thompson.

The Badgers, meanwhile, will be without starting wide receiver Bryson Green for the second consecutive week. Other players listed as ‘out’ include S Kamo’i Latu, WR Tyrell Henry, TE J.T. Seagraves, OL Leyton Nelson and DL James Thompson Jr. There are no players listed as questionable

Here is the full injury report entering Saturday’s Week 8 game between Wisconsin and Northwestern:

Northwestern injury report

  • Questionable: Josh Thompson
  • Out: Devin Turner, Brendan Flakes, Caleb Komolafe, Matt Keeler, Jack Olsen, Jack Bailey (season)

Wisconsin injury report

  • Questionable: None
  • Out: Chez Mellusi, Tyler Van Dyke, Bryson Green, Joseph Griffin, Kamo’i Latu, Tyrell Henry, J.T. Seagraves, Tamer Dalloul, Evan Brown, Leyton Nelson, Rob Booker and James Thompson Jr.

Northwestern K Jack Olsen injury update

Olsen missed the Wildcats’ Week 7 win over Maryland (lower-body injury). He remains out for Saturday’s contest. Punter Luke Akers is likely to fill in after going 3/3 on field goals and 4/4 on extra points in the win over Maryland.

Northwestern S Devin Turner injury update

Turner exited Northwestern’s Week 7 win over Maryland with an injury. He is out for Saturday’s game against Wisconsin, leaving Northwestern somewhat thin in the secondary.

Wisconsin WR Will Pauling injury update

Pauling left Wisconsin’s 42-7 win over Rutgers with an upper-body injury. Luke Fickell noted earlier this week that the injury was not a concussion. The star receiver is available against Northwestern.

Badgers starting WR Bryson Green, on the other hand, is out for a second consecutive game. C.J. Williams will likely see increased snaps in his absence.

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Wisconsin vs. Northwestern injury report: Badgers without starting wide receiver

All the latest updates and news on Wisconsin’s injury report ahead of a Week 8 game vs. Northwestern

This story was updated to add new information.

The Wisconsin Badgers (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) continue their 2024 season on Saturday afternoon with a road matchup against the Northwestern Wildcats (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten).

Wisconsin has released its final injury status report with less than two hours remaining before the noon ET, 11 a.m. CT kickoff at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois.

Related: Wisconsin at Northwestern: TV channel, radio station, matchup preview and betting line for Saturday’s game

The Badgers will be without starting wide receiver Bryson Green for the second consecutive week. Other players listed as ‘out’ include S Kamo’i Latu, WR Tyrell Henry, TE J.T. Seagraves, OL Leyton Nelson and DL James Thompson Jr. There are no players listed as questionable

Northwestern, meanwhile, will be without kicker Jack Olsen and starting safety Devin Turner, among others.

Here is the full injury report entering Saturday’s Week 8 game between Wisconsin and Northwestern:

Wisconsin injury report

  • Questionable: None
  • Out: Chez Mellusi, Tyler Van Dyke, Bryson Green, Joseph Griffin, Kamo’i Latu, Tyrell Henry, J.T. Seagraves, Tamer Dalloul, Evan Brown, Leyton Nelson, Rob Booker and James Thompson Jr.

Northwestern injury report

  • Questionable: Josh Thompson
  • Out: Devin Turner, Brendan Flakes, Caleb Komolafe, Matt Keeler, Jack Olsen, Jack Bailey (season)

Wisconsin WR Will Pauling injury update

Pauling went down with an upper-body injury during Wisconsin’s 42-7 win over Rutgers. Luke Fickell clarified this week the injury was not a concussion. The star receiver is available against Northwestern.

Northwestern K Jack Olsen injury update

The Wildcats were without Olsen during their Week 7 win over Maryland (lower-body injury). He is also out for Saturday’s contest.

Punter Luke Akers is likely to fill in after going 3/3 on field goals and 4/4 on extra points in Northwestern’s win over Maryland.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Northwestern likely without starting kicker for game vs. Wisconsin Badgers

Northwestern likely without starting kicker for Saturday vs. Wisconsin Badgers

This is a story to watch as the Wisconsin Badgers (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) take the field against the Northwestern Wildcats (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) in Week 8: Northwestern starting placekicker Jack Olsen is battling an injury and is unlikely to play in Saturday’s game.

Wildcats head coach David Braun clarified Olsen’s injury status when meeting with the media earlier this week:

Related: 10 keys to a Wisconsin Badgers victory over the Northwestern Wildcats

“As of right now, we do not expect Jack [Olsen] to play this week,” Braun said. “It looked like it was going to be anywhere from two to four weeks. We’ll continue to monitor that, but do not expect Jack to play this week.”

The Wildcats were also without Olsen during their 37-10 win over Maryland in Week 7. Saturday’s game against Wisconsin still fits into that ‘two-to-four-week’ timetable that Braun noted for Olsen’s unspecified lower-body injury.

Northwestern punter Luke Akers took over the field goal-kicking duties for the Wildcats against Maryland. He had a fantastic performance: 3/3 on field goals (43, 38 and 38 yards, respectively) and 4/4 on extra points.

Those three field goal attempts were the first of Akers’ five-year career as Northwestern’s primary punter.

It does run in the family for the now versatile specialist — his father David Akers spent 16 years as an NFL placekicker, 12 of them with the Philadelphia Eagles. David’s storied NFL career included six Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro seasons and four All-Pro second-team selections.

Luke Akers’ performance is one to watch as the Badgers and Wildcats meet at noon ET, 11 a.m. CT on Saturday. Most games between the two programs turn into a slugfest where points are at a premium. Akers will likely be called upon to replicate his fantastic debut performance as the team’s replacement kicker.

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WATCH: Big Ten Network analyst explains resurgence of Phil Longo’s Wisconsin offense

WATCH: Big Ten Network analyst explains resurgence of Phil Longo’s Wisconsin offense

Big Ten Network analyst and former Michigan tight end Jake Butt took to the video board this week to break down Wisconsin’s recent resurgence, specifically on the offensive side of the football.

That resurgence has seen point totals of 52 and 42 over the last two weeks in the Badgers’ blowout victories over Purdue and Rutgers, respectively. The unit has suddenly found a balance with RB Tawee Walker running the ball effectively and QB Braedyn Locke improving by the week.

Related: 10 keys to a Wisconsin Badgers victory over the Northwestern Wildcats

Butt explained some of the reasons for Wisconsin’s night-and-day improvement on the offensive side of the football:

“It starts with the run game, and they’re finding something with Tawee Walker,” Butt began. “Well, off that run game you can start to affect the linebackers with play-action. Tawee has been a physical back, Rutgers knows they have to come downhill — bang, we’re going to rip a post right in that vacated area.”

His demonstration continued to show the different concepts and schemes Longo can build off of a strong, successful, downhill rushing attack. It also continued to show Locke’s improvement under center and his ability to threaten defenses sideline-to-sideline.

Here is the full two-minute breakdown:

Butt went on to stress the importance of the Badgers’ upcoming trip to Northwestern.

“The big question was ‘who are they going to be as a team?'” he continued. “Luke Fickell comes in and he wanted to reidentify, offensively, defensively. And that’s why these past two weeks, and this weekend, are so important. Because you talk about Wisconsin playing those opponents, now all of the sudden it’s ‘Penn State has to play Wisconsin, Oregon has to play Wisconsin.’ They’ve become a dangerous team there in the middle of the conference.”

Wisconsin is next on the field on Saturday at noon ET, 11 a.m. CT against Northwestern. Another decisive victory would build substantial momentum entering a big-time home matchup with top-ranked Penn State on Oct. 26.

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Wisconsin reenters Josh Pate’s ‘JP Poll’ top 25 entering Week 8

Wisconsin reenters Josh Pate’s ‘JP Poll’ top 25 ranking entering Week 8

The Wisconsin Badgers have returned to the top 25 of national college football analyst Josh Pate’s weekly rankings.

The Badgers rocketed up to No. 19 overall after their second consecutive blowout victory — the latest a 42-7 win over Rutgers. Wisconsin leaped an entire 20-25 group of SMU, Louisville, Arkansas, Utah, Florida and Boise State.

Related: Badgers Wire staff predictions for Wisconsin Badgers at Northwestern football

Pate lists Wisconsin as his seventh-best Big Ten team, behind Ohio State (No. 1), Oregon (No. 4), Penn State (No. 9), USC (No. 15), Iowa (No. 17) and Indiana (No. 18).

He also emphasis that the list is a power rating as opposed to a power ranking — much like ESPN SP+. It works to evaluate a team solely based on its quality and not on its resume. That explains Ohio State’s place at No. 1 despite losing at Oregon on Saturday.

Here is Pate’s full top 25:

https://twitter.com/JoshPateCFB/status/1846359028231729543

All metric systems have significantly upgraded the Badgers after their back-to-back blowout wins. Wisconsin fans feel as if the team has turned the corner, and most rating systems agree with that sentiment.

Next up for the Badgers is a road trip to Evanston, Illinois on Saturday to face the Northwestern Wildcats. A third consecutive decisive win would push the Badgers to 5-2 on the season and 3-1 in Big Ten play, and could see the team enter the AP Top 25 for the first time this season.

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