Wisconsin Badgers know they’re not dead in the race for the Big Ten West title. Minnesota is undefeated and two games ahead of Wisconsin. But the Golden Gophers have a tough game against Iowa on Saturday. If they fall, the Wisconsin-Minnesota rivalry game will be the most hyped version of this game in some time. And you could make a case that College GameDay could be there in chilly Minneapolis. But Wisconsin needs to keep their focus on this week as they take on Nebraska. It is a ‘rivalry game’ but it has been one-sided with domination by Wisconsin. Can they keep it up?

THREE STORYLINES TO WATCH
1. Can Nebraska defense slow down Wisconsin – Badgers are facing a bad defense this week. This is arguably one of the worst defenses they’ve faced this season. Nebraska has allowed 30+ points to five of their six Big Ten opponents. The only team they did not allow 30 points to is putrid Nebraska. This could spell a huge day for Jonathan Taylor, Jack Coan, Quintez Cephus. Cornhuskers struggled more against the pass, so, let’s hope Paul Chryst lets Coan sling the ball a bit.

2. How to avoid another Illinois’ loss – I do think the Illinois loss is not as bad as it was back in October. The Illini are now bowl eligible and seem like a real team in college football. But that loss happened because Wisconsin could not finish drives and allowed explosive plays. If Nebraska can hold strong on defense or Adrian Martinez hit a few big plays, it could be a tight game for Wisconsin.

3. Comeback kings? – Wisconsin isn’t known for comebacks. But this has been a problem for Nebraska all season. In a few of their losses this year, Nebraska allowed a shit ton of points in the fourth quarter. Do not be surprised if this game is close headed to the fourth quarter then Wisconsin comes up with a huge fourth quarter. It has been a story of Nebraska’s season. Taylor had 130 yards in the fourth quarter last week, and that could happen again this week.

CHARLIE’S PREDICTED PLAYER OF THE GAME
Quintez Cephus – I wouldn’t say that Quintez Cephus is underrated this season, but to me, he showed himself to be an NFL Draft pick next season. The dude can ball and Coan keeps feeding him the football of late. Given Nebraska’s struggles against the pass, I can see Cephus having a huge day and aid Wisconsin in victory.

PREDICTION
Wisconsin should have no issues with Nebraska. I am a bit scared of the Cornhuskers needing two more victories to be bowl eligible with three games left. Coan will have a successful day through the air, and Taylor should be able to run through Nebraska. Wisconsin 37 Nebraska 17

Charlie.