Wisconsin Preview

As I mentioned in my pre-season preview back in August, this game doesn't scare me. There are many reasons why I think that way:

• Michigan hasn't lost to Wisconsin in Ann Arbor in 14 years



• The key to stopping Wisconsin is stopping the run



• They usually don't have a mobile QB and rely on the pass only in situations like 3rd and 7.



• Wisconsin is built for power and not speed
  

Wisconsin as a program still believes in the old style power Big Ten Football. Even Penn State has moved towards more of a spread offense these days. So how does Michigan match-up and what are the keys to this game?

Michigan's defense was build by Lloyd Carr to beat the Wisconsin's of the world. As we know, it wasn't built to stop the App. State's of the world. Wisconsin has a talented Offensive Line (they always do) so it will be interesting to see if the Defensive Line can beat the blocks and get into the running lanes to stop Hill and Company from Wisconsin.

The #1 Key to this game is Michigan's Linebacker Play. Michigan's linebackers have been running hot and cold all year. They have speed and pretty good instincts but at times over run a play or not in the proper running lanes to stop a big run. This was on display against ND when the LB's missed opportunities to be in the correct running lanes and the ND back went for 7-10 yards. The Michigan LB's will also have to cover the Wisconsin TE's during passing plays. If Michigan can be physical with the TE's and cover them closely, this will give Wisconsin few options in the passing downs and hopefully give time for the Michigan Dline to get to the QB. If Michigan LB's have a long day, the Wisconsin offense will control the clock and time of possession.

Wisconsin is a talented team but have started slow in most of their games, they were down 14 -0 before they rolled off 52 straight against Marshall. They also played a close game against Fresno State at Fresno.
Wisconsin also hasn't seen too many spread teams this year. Michigan will have an advantage on Offense if the play like they did against ND without the obvious turnovers.

Let's look at the tale of the tape:

Style Match UP (Power vs Spread): Advantage Michigan

Team Experience: Advantage Wisconsin

When Wisc. is on Offense: Oline vs DLine: Push

When Mich. is on Offense: Oline vs Dline: Advantage Wisconsin

QB Play: Push

Running Backs: Hill vs McGuffie: (Hill has been banged up but is said to be healthy - Michigan is much deeper at this position) Push if Hill is healthy.

Special Teams: Advantage Michigan

When we look back at this game, we will have to answer two questions: Did Michigan stop the run and was Michigan able to move the ball on offense? If Michigan is continually giving up yards in the running game and going 3 and out on offense the prediction is pretty easy: Lots of Pain!

If Michigan can move the ball and score in the 20's, I think they have a very good shot at winning this game. I would like to see Michigan get the ball to the WR's in space. It's also time for the Carson Butler's of the world to make an impact. As we all know, they also have to limit the turnovers, which I hope they have been working on for two weeks.

All the predictions I have seen have Wisconsin winning easy. I don't agree, I think the two weeks of practice have helped and I think Michigan is ready for the Big Ten season. (I know it seems like a homer prediction but I don't think too many people had Oregon State beating USC last night either). Look for a turnover to be the difference in this one.

Michigan 27 Wisconsin 20

Go Blue!