Wisconsin Badgers get started again. It feels like that has been a sentence used about this football team multiple times this season. First, we heard in October when they played Illinois. Second, we heard it after Wisconsin needed to delay for two weeks because of COVID-19. This will be the third time after a pause since Wisconsin could not play last week against Minnesota. The Axe game is not happening for the first time since war times which is completely wild. Wisconsin stayed home and they’ll be playing Indiana this Saturday. The Big Ten upstart will look to upset the Badgers and keep their hopes of playing in a Big Ten title game alive.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
1. Graham Mertz needs to protect the football – If Graham Mertz doesn’t protect the football, Wisconsin cannot win this game. Indiana is a good team, not a great team. But if Wisconsin turns the ball over, they’re in real trouble. Mertz had five turnovers in the game against Northwestern. He looked like a freshman quarterback out there. Hopefully, Mertz can figure out this week, and if he cannot, Jack Coan is waiting in the wings. Don’t be surprised if Coan comes in because of Mertz struggling again.

2. Badgers’ defense adjusts to a different quarterback – Heading into this one, Wisconsin focused likely on the dual-threat ability of Michael Pennix Jr. Now that he is out for the year with an ACL tear, they give the ball to Jack Tuttle. He is more of a pocket passer. Wisconsin had some hiccups against Peyton Ramsey who you could compare to Tuttle, but I don’t think it’s anything to be alarmed over.

3. Will Wisconsin have their receivers back? – It does sound like Danny Davis will be available. Who knows about the rest of the receiving core for Wisconsin but it would be vital. People seemed to forget that in bemoaning Wisconsin’s loss to Northwestern. They also have Jack Ferguson healthy after he had a shoulder injury during the Northwestern game.

4. Badgers’ secondary takes a hit without Wildgoose – Wisconsin will not have Rashad Wildgoose who hurt his shoulder then proceeded to declare for the NFL Draft. Badgers will look to replace him in the back end. Wildgoose is a solid player for Wisconsin, so, Badgers will need Donte Burton to step up. Burton got torched last week a couple of times against Northwestern. Hopefully, with more time to prepared this week, Whop Philyor will not give him trouble.

PREDICTION
As much as people love Indiana (And I do too), they haven’t really beat anyone notable. Wisconsin is easily their second-toughest game, and the toughest defense they’ve faced. Hoosiers scored 20 points against a bad Maryland defense. That has to concern you if you’re Indiana. I’m riding with Wisconsin here and think this one will not be very close. Wisconsin 28 Indiana 14

Charlie.