The Wisconsin Badgers Take On Penn State In The Big Ten Championship

Big Ten Championship: 6 Wisconsin Badgers (-3) vs. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions

Saturday: FOX 8:00 Lucas Oil Stadium

Are they the two best teams in the conference? Probably not, but they’ve beaten who they’ve needed to beat to get to this point. Will the winner of this game sneak into the college football playoff? Well, now that Washington manhandled Colorado last night, I don’t believe that will be the case. Barring a massive upset in the ACC Title Game it is unlikely the Big Ten Champion will get a berth into the big dance. Whether you think this is fair or not is for another blog another time, but this game nonetheless should be fantastic.

How’d They Get Here?

Wisconsin’s two losses this year came in back to back weeks to Michigan and Ohio State. In both of those contests, the Badgers were either tied or had a lead in the fourth quarter, but came up just short. Wisco benefited this year by playing in the weak Big Ten West division, where they were able to get to the title game despite two conference losses. If they were in the East division, Wisconsin would’ve finished fourth. Instead they’ll compete for the championship and have an outside shot at a college football playoff berth.

Penn State’s only conference loss came to Michigan in blown out fashion, but a miraculous win over Ohio State turned out to be the deciding tiebreaker for the West division. Since that win, Penn State has blown away their inferior opponents and currently ride an eight game winning streak coming into this one.

Offense 

Wisconsin has gotten to this point with two quarterbacks, Bart Houston and Alex Hornibrook, and have been riding the hot hand in each game. Hornibrook enters this game questionable after getting knocked out of last game with a head injury. Whether he’s able to suit up or not, Houston should get the nod over Hornibrook based off his recent play. Houston has just looked noticeably better and has moved the offense more efficiently in the last few weeks. Houston also gives the Wisconsin offense another dimension of the ground game, as he is more mobile than Hornibrook with his scrambling ability. On the ground, the Badgers rely on the talented Corey Clement who has gone over 1,100 yards with 14 touchdowns this year. The Badgers key to success is manageable quarterback play, a dominant rushing attack, and a stout defense. If they avoid turnovers, run the football well, and don’t put their defense in tough spots they should win most games they play.

Penn State is a very similar team to Wisconsin in the sense they pride themselves in the running game, led by standout tailback Saquon Barkley (1,219 yards 15 TDs). Sophomore quarterback Trace McSorley has given this team an added dimension to the offense with his ability to throw the deep ball. With his 2,976 yards, 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions McSorley has done more than just manage football games for this team. McSorley’s most reliable deep threat, Chris Godwin, will have a big role in this game if the Nittany Lions are going to come out on top. The junior receiver has caught nine touchdowns on the year so you can expect to see him on quite a few deep balls throughout the game. McSorley also loves to target his giant 6’6 250 lb tight end Mike Gesicki, second on the team in receptions (44).

He could be a major match-up problem throughout the game.

Defense

This is each team’s bread and butter. Penn State’s defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown in their last eight quarters and their last five opponents have averaged just 1.9 yards rushing per attempt. The Lions have held four teams under 50 yards rushing this season, including three of their last five. Wisconsin’s defense is ranked among the top 10 nationally in scoring (3), rushing (3), third-down stops (3), pass-efficiency (5), red-zone stops (5) and yards allowed (7).  The Badgers never allowed another opponent to reach the 100-yard mark on the ground after LSU’s Leonard Fournette did it in the season’s opening game. They lead the country in interceptions while McSorley has thrown only five on the year, something has to give. Wisconsin’s two outside linebackers, T.J. Watt and Vince Biegel are the stars of their show. You might know T.J.’s brother…uhhh hey J.J.

Prediction: 

Wisconsin 23

Penn State 21 (+3)

Don’t bet this game. These teams are just too even that this can go either way. Penn State’s offense is more dynamic than Wisconsin’s, but I give the defensive edge to the Badgers. You don’t know who, if any, Badgers’ quarterback is going to show up and make a big time play in this game. It could very well be the Corey Clement vs. Saquon Barkley show. Expect an ugly, classic Big Ten clash, headlined by defense. In all likely hood the winner will head to the Rose Bowl, but if Clemson falters Saturday night the door swings wide-open for the Big Ten champion. I’ll say a crucial late Penn State turnover dooms the Nittany Lions in this one, but expect a tight one throughout. Gus Johnson will be on the call. Buckle up.