The atmosphere of an away game is always bound to be different than when playing at home, especially when that game is set at a temporary venue. But even a 12,000 person stadium located directly off of windy Lake Michigan could not stop the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday. Wisconsin defeated Northwestern 23-3 as they secured their third consecutive Big Ten conference win.
While there were several offensive standouts, the defensive line was the true hero of this match, holding the Wildcats to just one successful field goal.
For the first time since 2015, the Wisconsin defense has allowed just one touchdown over its last three games for a combined total of 16 points, according to the Wisconsin Athletic Page.
Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke said the value of points allowed defensively says all you need to know.
“It’s an extremely huge asset to us to have a defense that’s been playing as well as they are right now,” Locke said after Tuesday’s practice. “Even in the event where I’ve turned the ball over or where we didn’t score, we got stopped on a fourth down, our defense has been ready to roll and answer the call time after time.”
For Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mike Tressel, the explosive Badger defense really appears to have found its footing these last several games in part due to a newfound aggressiveness.
“Just having the mindset of, ‘Hey I know Northwestern wants to play physical, we need to bring it to another level where they second guess if they really want it to be that physical,” said Tressel, in an Oct. 21 press conference.
A key defensive play for the Badgers came just seconds before halftime. The Wisconsin Athletic page described how linebacker John Pius forced a fumble before defensive lineman Elijah Hills recovered it inside Northwestern’s five-yard line. Immediately following this turnover, running back Cade Yacameli ran the ball three yards in for a touchdown, giving the Badgers a 14-0 lead into the half.
Yet another one came early in the fourth quarter when Wisconsin linebacker Sebastian Cheeks and defensive lineman Curt Neal combined for a sack in Northwestern’s end zone.
Wisconsin’s special teams group created opportunities for the Badgers throughout the game. An early one came when Northwestern’s kicking unit came out after a 4th and 2, but couldn’t pull off a punt when Wisconsin blocked the kick.
The Badgers had a blocked punt earlier in the game as well.
That being said, there were solid plays illustrated by Northwestern’s special teams too, after Jaiden Cameron blocked Wisconsin’s kicker Nathanial Vakos’ 41-yard field goal attempt.
Offensively, some standard culprits arose for the Badgers. Star running back Tawee Walker ran for over 100 rushing yards for the third straight week, something he attests to the strength of the offensive line.
“I get it from them,” said Walker after practice on Tuesday. “They’re playing so aggressively. I know they got my back so I just want to have their back when it’s my time.”
The camaraderie of this Wisconsin team coupled with the confidence that only three consecutive wins can grant you will be put to the ultimate test this upcoming Saturday. The Badgers are set to face No. 3 ranked Penn State at home, under the lights at Camp Randall at 6:30 p.m. CST
