1. Run defense
The main criticism the Badgers received after their win over UNLV last Thursday was that the run defense looked shaky at times. The criticism may be a tad bit harsh considering the Badgers allowed only 146 rushing yards, but the team will face a tougher rushing attack in Oregon State on Saturday.
That being said, Wisconsin may have less to worry about this coming Saturday, because Oregon State and the nation's leading rusher Malcolm Agnew felt a pop in his hamstring in practice earlier this week and is doubtful for the game. The true freshman rattled off 223 yards on the ground, including three touchdowns last Saturday.
""It doesn't matter who's back there,"" co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash said. ""They're going to come out ready to play after what happened last Saturday, and if [Agnew] is there or if another back is, it doesn't really matter. We have to prepare the same.""
The main reason for the Badger's shaky start defensively can be attributed to poor tackling throughout the game.
""In the first game that's always an issue,"" linebacker Chris Borland said. ""But there's no excuse, we didn't tackle as well as we should've and we'll get better at it.""
2. Chris Borland rebound
Borland said after last week's game he felt that he could have played a little better in his first game since returning from an injury early last season.
Borland had seven tackles- good enough for best on the team- in the rout over UNLV, but the sophomore linebacker is hungry for more against the Beavers.
""I think it was solid,"" Borland said. ""I wasn't spectacular by any means, but I made every play that came my way. Just need to continue to improve.""
Borland and the rest of the defense caught a surprise when UNLV came out with a pistol offense and used all sorts of formations, something the Badgers rarely see.
""It was an entirely new look, but we adjusted well on the fly,"" Borland said.
This week, Borland and the rest of the defense have had a few extra days of preparation and will face an offensive style they are much more familiar with.
3. Oregon State QB play
Junior Ryan Katz of Oregon State didn't look as sharp as the coaching staff would've liked in the Beavers' loss to Sacramento State in overtime last week, and redshirt freshman Sean Mannion looked impressive backing up Katz in the latter stages of the game.
Mannion's success has prompted Oregon State's coaches to rotate quarterbacks for Saturday at Camp Randall.
They both have a good command of the offense,"" Ash said. ""We're going to prepare for what they do, and they're not going to change what they do necessarily.""
Considering the Oregon State offense has an attack much like Wisconsin's, the Badgers' secondary and the rest of the pass defense will get a good test that will prepare them for offenses similar to what they'll see throughout the rest of the season.
4. Offensive line depth
The Badgers have always held the reputation of having huge, overpowering offensive linemen. The team has also proved over the years that it has no trouble rebuilding at the position. We'll see if the Badgers can live up to these expectations Saturday, as starting left guard Travis Frederick is not expected to play after hurting his left knee. Sophomore Ryan Groy is expected to start.
Oregon State only allowed 2.2 yards per carry against Sacramento State. Granted, Sacramento State is an FCS team, so Badger fans should show little concern considering dual-threat Russell Wilson and the powerful one-two punch of Montee Ball and James White in the backfield.
5. Manasseh Garner return
Russell Wilson passed the ball extremely well in Wisconsin's 51-17 win over UNLV, and it will be interesting to see if the return of sophomore wideout Manasseh Garner can make the passing attack even more dangerous.
Wilson put the ball in the air only 13 times in the contest but still came away with 255 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Will Garner's addition after his hernia surgery open up the passing lanes even more? Will another threat at wide receiver open up the already potent rushing attack?
Garner's return should complement senior Nick Toon and sophomores Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Duckworth very well.
Furthermore, Oregon State allowed 296 yards through the air against FCS opponent Sacramento State, so don't be surprised if Wilson connects with Garner and the rest of the receivers early and often.
