Mister Big Ten checks in again, this time with his outlook for the Wisconsin-Northwestern game.
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| Mister Big Ten back on campus |
For those that don't know, Mister Big Ten (MBT) has a unique perspective on the Big Ten Conference.
Having grown up in Chicago, MBT graduated from the University of Illinois where he developed his love for Big Ten football as a Fighting Illini. Yearning for brats and brews, MBT headed north to Madison, Wisconsin where he majored in Badger football while earning a masters degree. Then, after a brief stint at the University of Wyoming where he managed their rodeo program, MBT heeded the call of the Windy City and returned to Chicago where he joined Northwestern University as one of the lead academic advisors for pre-med students in Evanston, and professor of brewology.
So, MBT knows his Big Ten football: the trials and tribulations at Illinois. The 'jump around' craziness at Wisconsin. The resurgence of Northwestern Wildcat football, Chicago's Big Ten Team.
But before we get to his prediction, it's appropriate for some Q&A since it's been awhile since we last visited. So, let's have some Q&A with MBT.
Time For Q & A with Mister Big Ten
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| Mister Big Ten on mini golf tour |
MBT: Well, it's been a pretty busy summer with the miniature golf tour, advising duties at Northwestern, getting married. And I joined a new bowling team.
WWW: Whoa! What? A new bowling team?
MBT: Yep. Things sort of plateaued with the High Rollers so I felt it was time to change lanes. When the Northside Keggers called, I had to strike. It's all about timing.
WWW: And you got married, too?
MBT: Oh yeah. Being a bachelor for so many years was getting old and I finally met the girl of my dreams. So we tied the knot back in July. It's all about timing.
WWW: Hmmm. Is being married going to cramp your style and miss out on the important things like watching Big Ten football?
MBT: Not at all. My bride knows that Big Ten football is in my blood, like a worm in tequila. So I won't miss a beat when it comes to watching my teams this fall.
WWW: That's good to hear. And good to know your priorities are intact.
MBT: It's all good, my friend. It's all good.
WWW: Well, enough preamble. Let's have your take on Saturday's big game in Evanston.
MBT's TAKE ON WISCONSIN vs NORTHWESTERN
While the Wildcats hope to give Wisconsin a big surprise on Saturday, as they did to Penn State last week in their 29-6 win, they have to remember that the Badgers are not the Nittany Lions
One major advantage for Wisconsin is the size of their offensive line. Weighing in at an average of 319.6 lbs. and 6’5.8” inches, the Badgers have the 7th largest line in D1 football (the Big Ten averages 303.8 lbs for o-lines. They've got some big boys).
I expect this game to be a battle of the defenses initially as both teams try to figure out each other’s offense. The Wildcats are still running on last week’s steam and will undoubtedly play with confidence.
NU is currently ranked 16th in the country in scoring defense and held Penn State to only 50 rushing yards. So the game could be interesting if they can contain the run, which is a tall order given that Wisconsin has the number one rushing offense in the country.
Now let’s talk offense. The Cats looked great in the redzone in their win over Penn State, but the numbers show that they struggled at times. NU’s top slinger Trevor Siemian, has yet to reach his passing potential but is dangerous with his feet as he rushed for 3 TDs last week.
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| Bucky the Badger takes care of business |
I think weather and home field advantage could keep the Cats in this one until the second half when I expect Gordon to go full throttle. Wisconsin’s defense should manage well against the Wildcats offense (which ranks in the top 20 in all 4 categories: scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense, passing defense). So lock in the W for Wisconsin this Saturday.
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