Wisconsin at Indiana
Kickoff: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Ind.
Weather Forecast: 61F, Sunny, 0% chance of rain
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: WIBA-AM 1310, WIBA-FM 101.5 and the Badgers Radio Network
The Consensus
Jake Harris (7-1, +116): Wisconsin 35, Indiana 14
Adam Hoge (7-1, +122): Wisconsin 31, Indiana 13
Benjamin Worgull (BadgerNation.com): Wisconsin 41, Indiana 20
The Reasoning
Wisconsin restored a lot of people's faith after shutting out Purdue on Halloween. The Badgers lead the Big Ten in rushing offense, while the Hoosiers are eighth in rushing defense. Wisconsin is also best in the conference against the run, while Indiana ranks eighth in rushing offense. These mismatches could very well tell the story of the game. Expect a heavy dose of John Clay early from Wisconsin. The Big Ten's leading rusher had a phenomenal day against Purdue and should be able to wear down a suspect Hoosier defense. The coaches appear to have lost some confidence in Scott Tolzien, but he shouldn't have to do much to ensure a victory for the second week in a row.
Wisconsin is a very healthy team right now, with the only major injury to linebacker Mike Taylor. His replacement, though, is gaining steam in a bid for Freshman of the Year. Chris Borland has been outstanding this season, and his indefatigable energy is emblematic of a rejuvenated defense certainly capable of shutting down the eighth-ranked scoring offense in the league.
Bret Bielema's teams have walloped Indiana in each of his three years as head coach, including twice on the road. That trend should continue with this match-up of two teams heading in opposite directions. Wisconsin is fresh off of a shutout victory and knows it should be favored to win its remaining four games and finish 10-2. Indiana has blown three fourth-quarter leads in opposing Big Ten stadiums and must win two of its last three just to become bowl-eligible. It is uncertain how much gas the Hoosiers have left in the tank after giving Big Ten leader Iowa all it could handle last week, only to collapse at the end.
Factor in the injury to Indiana's star kick returner, Ray Fisher, and maybe even Bielema's own special teams unit will join the party as the Badgers notch an easy victory.
Who has the edge?
Offense: Wisconsin
Defense: Wisconsin
Special Teams: Wisconsin
Coaching: Wisconsin
Intangibles: Wisconsin
-Jake Harris
