Written by David Regimbal at BleacherReports.com
The Badgers (10-2, 7-2) surged to the front of the pack in the College Football Playoff race this season, using a Week 1 upset of LSU to vault into the Top 10. Back-to-back matchups against Michigan and Ohio State were the only blemishes on an otherwise stellar season and a perfect 6-0 record against West Division opponents.
The Nittanty Lions (10-2, 8-1) looked like they were stuck in rebuilding mode after opening the season 2-2, which included a blowout loss to the Wolverines. But a 24-21 upset of Ohio State fueled an eight-game winning streak to close the season and helped clinch the brutal East Division.
It’s won’t just be the conference title on the line in Indianapolis this weekend. Both Wisconsin and Penn State are in play for a coveted playoff bid, and a convincing win could send either team to the final four.
Viewing Information
Date: Saturday
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Place: Lucas Oil Stadium—Indianapolis
TV: FOX
Radio: Wisconsin Badger Sport Network, Spartan Sports Network
Spread: Wisconsin (-3), per Odds Shark
Wisconsin Keys To Victory
Unleash Jazz Peavy
Dating back to the Barry Alvarez era in the 90s, Wisconsin’s identity has been centered around a big, aggressive offensive line and a powerful run game. That continued under head coaches Bret Bielema and Gary Andersen, but Paul Chryst has doubled down on the run-heavy strategy.
That’s why a complement on the perimeter is so pivotal to Wisconsin’s success.
Jazz Peavy has been that complement this season. The junior wideout leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, but he’s also a dangerous threat on jet-sweeps and has 263 yards and a touchdown on the ground this year.
Get After Trace McSorley
Wisconsin’s No. 3 scoring defense is built around the toughness of its front seven, and on Saturday, it needs to have its best game against the Nittany Lions’ improved offensive line.
That line was Penn State’s biggest weakness over the last few years, but with the mobile Trace McSorley behind center, the Nittany Lions have taken fewer sacks this year.
The Badgers excel at getting after the quarterback, though, ranking No. 27 nationally in total sacks this season. Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox should be aggressive in his play-calling in an effort to fluster McSorley and get Penn State’s offense out of rhythm.
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