Penn State vs. Wisconsin: 10 Keys to Battle for Big Ten Bragging Rights

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The Wisconsin Badgers play host to the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday in a game where the winner will represent the Leaders division in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game on December 3rd.

Both teams are coming in high after Wisconsin staged a second-half comeback over Illinois and Penn State went into Columbus and escaped with a six-point victory.

Here are 10 keys to the game on Saturday afternoon in Madison.

Home-Field Advantage

Wisconsin has been dominant at Camp Randall since Bret Bielema took over for Barry Alvarez in 2006.

The Badgers sport a 39-3 record at home under Bielema, and haven't lost in Madison since October 17th, 2009.

In short, it will be incredibly tough for Penn State to come in and escape with a win.

Wisconsin's Interior vs. Devon Still

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Wisconsin's star center, Peter Konz, dislocated his ankle on November 14th at Minnesota. He will be out until at least the conference title game. This leaves the center spot to Ryan Groy.

One thing we have learned from Wisconsin is that they reload along the offensive line. Groy is more than capable of making an impact, but he will surely be tested against Penn State's Devon Still, a player that is among the best at his position.

What helps Groy is that Wisconsin's run-blocking is predicated heavily on double-teams, and Still plays the three technique, meaning he lines up over either guard.

Montee Ball

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Montee Ball has run wild on opponents this season, as he is second in the country in rushing yards (1,466), and touchdowns (25). He also set the Big Ten record for total touchdowns (30).

Last weekend against Illinois, the Wisconsin offense started off slow, and it showed as they went into halftime down 17-7. In the second half, Montee Ball exploded for over 160 yards rushing and proved that Wisconsin's offense goes as he goes.

The Badgers will need a big game from Ball on Saturday against Penn State's 34th-ranked rush defense.

Matt McGloin

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As usual, Matt McGloin is a key component to the Penn State attack.

Wisconsin is no stranger to putting up points—they rank fifth in the country at almost 45 points per game. In contrast, Penn State is in the lower portion of the country in scoring at just 21 points per game, good for 106th.

Whether or not the Penn State rushing attack stalls, McGloin will have to make plays through the air to keep up with Wisconsin's offensive attack.

Wisconsin's Defensive Line vs. Penn State's Offensive Line

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If there has been any knock against Wisconsin's defense this year, it has been the play of the defensive line. They have been bullied around in the run game and this has led to Mike Taylor and Chris Borland leading the Big Ten in tackles.

Penn State boasts one of the better running backs in the Big Ten, and the Wisconsin defensive line will have to make plays on Saturday. 

If they are able to contain Silas Redd, there is a high probability that the Penn State offense will stall.

Russell Wilson's Running Ability

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Russell Wilson is a definite pass-first quarterback, but his running ability is as good as there is in college football.

Braxton Miller exposed Penn State's inability to contain a scrambling quarterback, and Russell Wilson has shown plenty of times this season that he can extend plays with his legs.

Derek Moye vs. Antonio Fenelus

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This is the most exciting matchup of the day. Derek Moye is Penn State's star wide receiver and a big-play threat.

He will be shaded by Wisconsin's Antonio Fenelus, another all-conference performer who has been one of the Badgers most consistent players on defense.

Moye has a considerable height advantage, but Fenelus is a fierce competitor with a lot of confidence in his abilities.

Penn State's Punt Team vs. Jared Abbrederis

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Jared Abbrederis is the nation's leading punt returner: He averages almost 17 yards per return. He will be returning punts from one of the Big Ten's best punters, Anthony Fera.

However, Penn State ranks 61st in the country in punt return yardage defense. They will have to cover all possible seams for Jared Abbrederis, and not let the Badgers gain good field position.

Wisconsin Special Teams

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Wisconsin's special teams have been very, very shaky this season. Along with getting punts and field goals blocked, their kickoff team hasn't been much better, evidenced by their play against Purdue.

This unit has been the difference between Wisconsin vying for a spot in the BCS Championship and attempting to earn a Rose Bowl berth.

If special teams has a lapse, Wisconsin could find themselves playing catch-up on their own field.

Nick Toon

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In Wisconsin's only two losses this season, Nick Toon was invisible. The senior from Middleton had a hot start to the season, and had people chirping that his productivity was finally catching up to his physical abilities.

Wisconsin cannot afford to have to Nick Toon miss a beat against another ranked opponent. Russell Wilson will rely on him to make plays.