Monte Ball could be out for this game and if he is I may even take Wisconsin ML. Ball just doesn't seem to be the same guy and the offensive line is taking all the hit right now. Ball's back ups James White and Melvin Gordon ran for 177 yards and 3 TD's on 23 carries and Wisconsin made a change at QB in freshmen Joe Stave who was 12-17 for 210 yards. Now going on the road to play Nebraska is no easy task by any means, but Wisconsin is likely to play run first football and they've had great success in this match up doing so.
Now I think this line is a little crazy and I"m not sold on Taylor Martinez success of 70% throws 9 TD/ 1 INT for a 180 QB rating. For one he's faced pass defenses ranked 122nd, 29th, and 84th along with an FCS foe. Wisconsin is ranked 36th holding opponents to 57.02% completion percentage. What's going untold is how good Wisconsin's defense has been. Their run defense is even better as they are 1 of 3 teams not to allow a rush of more than 20 yards. They've allowed just 1 rushing TD all year and are ranked 19th allowing 94 ypg and only allow 2.9 ypc. They faced a similar style offense from Utah State and kept that rushing attack in check as well. Once Nebraska is unable to run they will turn to the passing game and Martinez always struggles against teams with good LB and Wisconsin has just that.
Arguably the best duo in the country is Mike Taylor and Chris Borland combining for nearly 300 tackles a year ago. They are backed up by a terrific safety duo as well. Wisconsin can really stack the box as Nebraska really does not have major threats on the outside and Martinez really doesn't have the zip on the ball to throw accurately outside the numbers. Martinez stats against Wisconsin last year 11-22 176 yards 3 interceptions as Wisconsin dominated. Of course this game is at Nebraska but their defense is allowing 4.8 ypc and they are 103rd allowing 225.7 yards per game on the ground while allowing 44% conversions ranked 80th while Wisconsin's defense is 16th allowing 29.63%. As always defense wins and so does Wisconsin at least on the spread.
