Wisconsin vs. Northwestern: Stone Cold Final Score Prediction
As the autumn chill sets in, the Wisconsin Badgers gear up to host the Northwestern Wildcats in a Big Ten showdown at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin is looking to rebound after back-to-back losses have pretty much knocked them out of the Big Ten West race, while Northwestern's season, to put it nicely, has been a rollercoaster.
Oct 28, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) throws a pass during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Ohio State won 24-10.
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Wisconsin's Quest for Consistency
The Badgers (5-4) are looking to rebound from a frustrating to Indiana. Despite outgaining the Hoosiers when it comes to total yardage, turnovers were their undoing. Wisconsin's offense has averaged just 23.6 points per game so far this season, and they have really left a ton to be desired since starting QB Tanner Mordecai went down with an injury a few weeks ago.
Mordecai's replacement, Braedyn Locke has shown flashes that he can lead the offense, but he is only completing 50% of his passes, which is not going to be enough to win most games. As far as the Badgers rushing attack goes, Braelon Allen, who is currently listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Northwestern, has been crucial for the offense.
So far in 2023, the Wisconsin defense has been their strength, conceding just 19.1 points per game, which could be pivotal in what could be a close matchup against Northwestern. If the Badgers defense can ball out on Saturday, they will walk away with a home victory.
Northwestern's Resilience
Northwestern (4-5), on the other hand, is coming off a narrow loss to Iowa. In a game that showcased their tenacity, Northwestern ended up losing on a 52-yard field goal with just 14 seconds remaining in the game. With a 4-5 record, the Wildcats have proven their capability to win in the Big Ten, as they have victories over Maryland and Minnesota.
The Northwestern offense, led by quarterback Brendan Sullivan, has been a mixed bag, showing promise in the air with 193.6 passing yards per game but struggling on the ground. On the receiving end, Bryce Kirtz has been a standout, providing a reliable target downfield.
The defense has been moderately stingy, allowing 24.2 points per game, suggesting they can hold their own in tight contests.
Stone Cold Prediction
Wisconsin needs a win in the worst way, and Northwestern just so happens to be one of the worst teams in the entire Big Ten. If Braelon Allen suits up and plays for the Badgers on Saturday, and can be his usual productive self, then it should be a relatively easy win. With that being said, I just don't see Wisconsin pulling away from anyone at this point, though they will do enough to win the game.
Wisconsin 20, Northwestern 13
