Fifth Quarter Consensus: Badgers Get By Sun Devils
by Jake Harris on Sep 17, 2010 8:13 AM CDT
in Wisconsin Badgers Football
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PrintThe Predictions:
Adam Hoge (+33): Wisconsin 27, Arizona State 17
Jake Harris (+39): Wisconsin 27, Arizona State 21
Adam Tupitza (+41): Wisconsin 34, Arizona State 27
John Veldhuis (+42): Wisconsin 35, Arizona State 17
Phil Mitten (debut): Wisconsin 23, Arizona State 20
The Reasoning:
You'll notice only one of the five of us has Wisconsin winning this game by more than two touchdowns, despite the fact that Arizona State has been picked to finish ninth in the Pac-10 by several preseason publications. The Sun Devils have only beaten two FCS teams and conventional wisdom says they will be in over their heads at Camp Randall Stadium.
This game, though, is scary for a number of reasons. First, the Badgers haven't exactly intimidated anyone themselves by posting back-to-back unimpressive victories over non-BCS teams. Wisconsin has turned the ball over at inopportune times, failed to convert scoring chances in the red zone and gave up several big pass plays against a bad San Jose State team a week ago.
Secondly, starting wide receivers Nick Toon and David Gilreath both will not play Saturday, the former because of a lingering turf toe injury and the latter after suffering a frightening concussion during last week's game. It will be up to Isaac Anderson, Jared Abbrederis and Kyle Jefferson to step up in the passing game. Gilreath's absence also hurts the return game. Starting right tackle Josh Oglesby also isn't expected to play, but he could.
All the injuries on offense could spell trouble for Wisconsin against an Arizona State defense that was tops in the conference last season. Talented but undisciplined linebacker Vontaze Burflict leads an outstanding unit that likes to get upfield quickly. A strong secondary could cause problems for quarterback Scott Tolzien if he has another shaky performance.
Finally, the Sun Devils' quarterback, Steven Threet, beat the Badgers once before, when he played for Michigan. Down 19-0 in the third quarter, Threet led a remarkable comeback to defeat Wisconsin 27-25, one of just three wins the Wolverines posted in 2008. That loss was the beginning of a four-game losing streak for the Badgers. Threet sat out his transfer year and is now bigger and faster. The Badger defense needs to contain him and the Sun Devils' fast-paced offense. ASU head coach Dennis Erickson is 2-0 in Madison with two different teams.
Wisconsin will have to truly earn this win.
Who has the edge?
Offense: Wisconsin
Defense: Arizona State
Special Teams: Wisconsin
Coaching: Arizona State
Intangibles: Wisconsin
-Jake Harris
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A week ago, I would have said Wisconsin by 3-10
But for some reason I’m feeling better about this. I hope I’m not mistaken.
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On, Wisconsin!
Maybe I'm just leery of Threet
or maybe I’m not quite sold on the defense’s ability to close out, but I think ASU will make this a game in the 2nd half. I can see UW going into the 4th up by a healthy margin but giving up a couple scores, not enough to lose but more than plenty to worry about.
Just so long as they win I’ll be happy.
*grinds teeth*
Michigan 08 was ridiculously stupid, but I know one thing the Sun Devils can’t count on this year. That’s Allan Evr*dge’s inexplicable ability to be absolutely TERRIBLE in clutch situations. Throwing a horrible interception for a touchdown? Throwing ANOTHER one in the redzone? And finally, fumbling in the Michigan redzone?
No. That won’t happen this time. If the offense is can enable it, I think Bielema will run up the score. Hopefully he knows what happened the last time he eased off in the second half against Steven Threet.
Excuse me while I go vomit. You successfully brought up the biggest reason I hate Michigan football.
Keller is currently re-learning how to speak in complete sentences... 808NaNz808 on Arrowhead Pride
"Because one of the great minds of the 21st century is raising glow-in-the-dark fish and weaving serapes..." -Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory
For all the crap we give Wil Wheaton, he can still tackle better than Asante Samuel...
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Sep 17, 2010 9:46 AM CDT reply actions
37 - 17
Think we’ll have a couple breakdowns in the secondary but should be able to run the ball. Hoping for a little more focus after last week’s disapointing game.
Having Toon and Gilreath out is my major concern for this one.
Get a ife broseph
A defining game for Tolzien
With his top targets out, pressure is on. It will be tough for UW to throw on ASU, so I don’t expect too much, but … Tolzien has a chance to prove last year was no fluke with a smart, gutsy performance on Saturday.
Wouldn’t soph Kraig Appleton look good in this spot … (sigh).
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Badgers Football Schedule
| UNLV | Thu 09/01 | W 51 - 17 |
Oregon St.
|
Sat 09/10 | W 35 - 0 |
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@
Northern Illinois
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Sat 09/17 | W 49 - 7 |
| South Dakota Coyotes | Sat 09/24 | W 59 - 10 |
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Nebraska
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Sat 10/01 | W 48 - 17 |
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Indiana
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Sat 10/15 | W 59 - 7 |
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@
Michigan St.
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Sat 10/22 | L 31 - 37 |
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@
Ohio St.
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Sat 10/29 | L 29 - 33 |
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Purdue
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Sat 11/05 | W 62 - 17 |
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@
Minnesota
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Sat 11/12 | W 42 - 13 |
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@
Illinois
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Sat 11/19 | W 28 - 17 |
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Penn St.
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Sat 11/26 | W 45 - 7 |
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@
Michigan St.
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Sat 12/03 | W 42 - 39 |
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@
Oregon
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Mon 01/02 | L 38 - 45 |
