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Wisconsin vs. Michigan: Stream, keys, and predictions

By Eric Robinson

ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 22: Josh Metellus #14 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a first half interception with Lavert Hill #24 and Chase Winovich #15 while playing the Nebraska Cornhuskers on September 22, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 22: Josh Metellus #14 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a first half interception with Lavert Hill #24 and Chase Winovich #15 while playing the Nebraska Cornhuskers on September 22, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 25: Jonathan Taylor #23 and A.J. Taylor #4 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrate a touchdown against the Minnesota Golden Gophers by Taylor during the fourth quarter of the game on November 25, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Badgers defeated the Golden Gophers 31-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 25: Jonathan Taylor #23 and A.J. Taylor #4 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrate a touchdown against the Minnesota Golden Gophers by Taylor during the fourth quarter of the game on November 25, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Badgers defeated the Golden Gophers 31-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Wisconsin Keys To Victory

Establish The Workhorse: How good has Jonathan Taylor been for Wisconsin this season? He’s first in the FBS in rushing yards per game at 169.8 per game. He also leads the Big Ten in rushing touchdowns and rushing yards. Behind his stellar play, the Badgers are fourth in the FBS in rushing offense. How important is Taylor to this Wisconsin offense? Well, be mindful that 66.3% of the plays ran by the Badgers on offense are run plays. So yes, getting Taylor going early and often will likely be beneficial for the Badgers to pick up a road win.

Get To The Quarterback: Five. Just five sacks has been registered by the Badgers defense this season. That’s good for being tied 121st in the FBS. This comes after being tied for eighth last season in sacks as a team with 42. The Michigan offensive line is one of the better units in the FBS in sacks allowed and have only given up eight on the season. For a unit that has been good overall, this particular aspect truly sticks out.

Calm and Cool Hornibrook: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook has to be efficient in this one which will only help the dynamic run game of the Badgers. Rewind the clock back to 2016 in the last visit to Ann Arbor for Wisconsin and you will see Hornibrook go 9-for-25 for just 88 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions. Go back to last season’s matchup against Ohio State and he completed just 47% of his passes with two interceptions. The bad Hornibrook has been dreadful to watch but he can definitely be a proper game manager. Playing a well-coached Michigan defense means he will have to be.

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