Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Wisconsin Badgers Complete Game Preview

It's been three years since Nebraska visited Madison, Wisconsin. During that trip, the Huskers fell to the Badgers 48-17. In 2012, Nebraska was able to redeem that loss with a 30-27 win over the Badgers at home, only to receive another big loss at the hands of Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship.

Having only met eight times total, the series is currently tied at four wins apiece. Wisconsin is 7-2 overall this season, while Nebraska is 8-1.

A lot is on the line for this particular matchup. What makes this one different than before is that the two are now in the same division of the Big Ten conference. Whoever wins will likely head to Indianapolis in December for the championship game.

To mark the beginning of what's hoped to be a big rivalry, the two programs will now play for the Freedom Trophy. “Trophy games are part of the tradition of college football, and I’m thrilled that we’re going to be introducing one into our rivalry with Nebraska,” Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez said, per Huskers.com.

With so much on the line, can Nebraska escape Madison with a win and keep the dream of a conference title alive?

Where: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin

When: Saturday, November 15, at 3:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ABC

Listen: Husker Sports Network or Sirius Channel 91, XM 91

Betting Line via Odds Shark: Nebraska (+6)

Nebraska's Keys to Victory

Nati Harnik/Associated Press

1. Stop Wisconsin's Run Game

Stopping Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon is easier said than done, isn't it? The running back has been nothing short of impressive so far this season, and many have been looking forward to his showdown with Nebraska I-back Ameer Abdullah.

What makes Gordon so troublesome for the Huskers is exactly what makes Abdullah, when healthy, troublesome for opponents. Against Purdue, for instance, Gordon rushed for a game-high 205 yards and a touchdown. He also had 44 receiving yards and another touchdown, per BTN.com.

“He can do it all. He can make guys miss in the open field, he can run between the tackles, he’s explosive," senior safety Corey Cooper said, per Huskers.com. "There’s not much he can’t do. Like I said, it’s going to come down to tackling and getting 11 guys to him because he’s a tough guy to tackle one on one."

It's not just Gordon the Huskers have to worry about either. Sophomore running back Corey Clement will also keep the Blackshirts on their toes. He's rushed for 720 yards and seven touchdowns on 114 attempts this season so far.

If Nebraska wants to stay in this game, finding a way to limit Wisconsin's rushing attack will be imperative. If the Blackshirts let Gordon and Clement get away, it's going to be a long day for Nebraska.

2. Limit Mistakes

"Wisconsin is a hard-working team, and we have to take care of the ball. If we turn the ball over like we did, and make mistakes like we did, we are going to lose."

When quarterback Tommy Armstrong said that after defeating Purdue, it felt like a wake-up call. Head coach Bo Pelini commented that Armstrong may have been too hard on himself, but the quarterback wasn't willing to make excuses. He was clear on his message: If the Huskers don't figure out the mistakes, the Badgers will win.

Armstrong put the pressure on himself to get it figured out. "It's on me," he said. And he said it a few more times before leaving the podium.

It's not just Armstrong who has to figure out how to limit mistakes. While the sophomore absolutely needs to make better decisions in certain situations, he hasn't lost his team. In fact, his team is still very supportive of him. Junior I-back Imani Cross was clear about that after beating Purdue:

"

The life of a quarterback isn't easy. Miscommunications are going to happen. Missed snaps are going to happen. But I think one thing he did well today, was stay poised. We won the game because Tommy Armstrong was poised. He continued to lead us.

"

Armstrong has thrown at least one interception in all but three games this season. Against Wisconsin, that can't happen. Neither can fumbles, miscommunications or anything else. No one expects the Huskers to be perfect but to win in a hostile environment against a ranked opponent, they're going to have to be as close as possible.

3. Stay Calm

This may seem like an obvious statement, and maybe it is. However, it's just as imperative as anything else the Huskers can do to win against Wisconsin.

Camp Randall Stadium is a tough environment. Nebraska fans who visited three years ago left feeling less than welcome. “I made a vow to never go back,” Lincoln resident Parker Dolen said, per the Kearney Hub.

The Huskers need fans to show up, though. Support can do wonders for any team, especially away from home. However, the team itself needs to find ways to stay positive even if the going gets tough.

If things start to go in Wisconsin's favor, Nebraska can't fall apart. If the Huskers can't maintain their composure from start to finish, it's going to be a rough day at Camp Randall.

Quotes were obtained firsthand, unless otherwise noted.

Wisconsin's Keys to Victory

Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press

1. Limit Nebraska's Run Game

Similar to Nebraska needing to limit Wisconsin's run game, the Badgers also need to limit the Huskers' run game. In fact, if the two teams just took their defenses out of the game, it could just be called a track meet.

In all seriousness, the Badgers do need to prepare for Nebraska to run the ball. Whether or not Abdullah plays, the Huskers are capable of moving the ball on the ground. Wisconsin can't overlook that.

But the Badgers are probably wondering if Abdullah will play. After all, the two games where he was seriously limited, McNeese State and Michigan State, the Huskers found themselves struggling. The Spartans were even able to take advantage of Abdullah's lack of production and hold on to a win, despite a comeback attempt by Nebraska.

Back to the question, though. Will Abdullah play? "We’ll see on Saturday, but I anticipate him playing," Pelini said during the Nebraska weekly press conference, per Huskers.com.

So, that's that. The Badgers should anticipate a healthy Abdullah and a healthy Abdullah is a dangerous Abdullah. However, even if he's not in, the Huskers aren't helpless. Instead, Nebraska has Imani Cross, who has 332 yards and five touchdowns this season, and Terrell Newby, who has 271 yards for four touchdown.

So, with or without Abdullah, Nebraska's run game is going to have to be a primary focus. Overlooking it could be problematic for the Badgers.

2. Put Pressure on Tommy Armstrong

Armstrong is still young. As a result, he's still learning. As a part of that learning curve, mistakes happen, and they typically happen for Armstrong when he's put under a lot of pressure.

Part of putting pressure on Armstrong is forcing him to make short passes. That's arguably where he struggles the most, as Eric Olson of the Associated Press pointed out.

If Wisconsin allows Armstrong to throw a deep ball, he's one of the best. That means the Badgers need to eliminate the option of the deep ball and force Armstrong to make the short passes that have plagued him so much this season.

Against Purdue, Armstrong threw two unfortunate interceptions. He pegged it on miscommunications, which is something the Badgers can take advantage of if it happens at Camp Randall.

"That was a little miscommunication," Armstrong said after the Purdue game. "But like I said before, I'm the one with the ball in my hands. I have to make the final decision of where I go with the ball and unfortunately I made the decision that came back to haunt us."

Pressure tends to lead to miscommunications, too. If the Wisconsin defense can attack the Nebraska offensive line, Armstrong will be in trouble. That's where the mistakes happen.

3. Take Advantage of the Home Crowd

Home-field advantage is good for anyone. For Wisconsin, Camp Randall can be a huge part of winning a game.

"I know that place can get loud at times so you just have to make sure you’re doing everything during the week that you can to prepare for the crunch time of the game when the crowd gets loud and hectic," Nebraska senior offensive lineman Jake Cotton said, per Huskers.com.

Going back to putting pressure on Armstrong and the Nebraska offense, loud and hectic is exactly what Wisconsin fans need to provide. A hostile environment can wreak havoc on the best of teams.

For the Badgers, they have a great stadium and atmosphere. Using that to their advantage won't hurt one bit.

Quotes were obtained firsthand, unless otherwise noted.

Nebraska Players to Watch

Eric Francis/Getty Images

Tommy Armstrong (QB, Soph.)

"Like I've said each and every week, the teams don't stop us, we stop ourselves," Armstrong said after defeating Purdue. "It all starts off with me."

That was the last time fans heard from Armstrong. With a bye week, Armstrong had time to work and watch film without many extra distractions. Pelini made that clear when asked about Armstrong's mental state this week, per Huskers.com:

"

I think he understands that there’s room for improvement and it takes a challenge to roll up his sleeves and go back to work to try to get better each and every week. That’s what our goal is really across the board. It helps when your leaders, especially in the position of quarterback, take that attitude because I think it streams down to everyone else.

"

Armstrong is maturing. The matchup with Wisconsin will provide the sophomore an opportunity to redeem what he felt was a poor performance against Purdue. After all, he's thrown for 1,827 yards on 230 attempts this season.

He has completed 53 percent of his passes, and he's thrown for 13 touchdowns. That's what Armstrong needs to focus on. Against Wisconsin, he has an opportunity to do just that.

Maliek Collins (DT, Soph.)

Maliek Collins received high praise from Pelini at the Huskers' weekly press conference. Per Huskers.com, the coach couldn't help but talk up the defensive tackle:

"

He reminds me a lot of Glenn Dorsey when he was at LSU, which to me is high praise. Glenn was a heckuva player. He’s bigger than Glenn was at that point. When I first got to LSU Glenn was probably in the 275 or 280 range. But very athletic and explosive. Played well with his hands. I see a lot of similarities in how they play, how they move. Some of their strengths. What Maliek has though is that he’s a little bit bigger. Over 300 pounds. He’s doing many of the similar things I saw Dorsey do.

"

Pelini went on to say that Collins is the "total package" and that he's a "pretty talented guy." Talk about quite the compliment. It's justified, though.

Collins has recorded a sack against both Rutgers and Purdue. He has also had 11 solo tackles this season and 18 assisted tackles. Wisconsin will absolutely need to pay attention to Collins. He's only a sophomore, which means his potential is only starting to shine.

Quotes were obtained firsthand, unless otherwise noted.

Wisconsin Players to Watch

USA TODAY Sports

Melvin Gordon (RB, RS Junior)

The Melvin Gordon versus Ameer Abdullah showdown has been one many have been looking forward to. As of now, it's not certain that Abdullah will be available for the Huskers on Saturday, but Gordon is ready to go for the Badgers.

Gordon is an impressive running back, too. He currently leads the nation in rushing yards per game at 166.8, per ESPN.com. That means the Blackshirts are going to have their hands full stopping Gordon.

So far this season, Gordon has 1,501 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on 198 attempts. He's also caught two more passes for touchdowns.

The NFL is obviously interested in Gordon. NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah even compared him to Kansas City's Jamaal Charles, per NFL.com.

Gordon has had only one game with less than 100 rushing yards. That was against Western Illinois at the beginning of September. He's going to make it difficult for Nebraska to do the same.

Rob Havenstein (OL, Sr.)

Right tackle Rob Havenstein is a major part of Wisconsin's offense. He may not be the first one mentioned because Gordon typically gets that nod. However, Halvenstein is worth watching, too.

The reason why is because Havenstein isn't afraid to do what he needs to do to help Wisconsin win. Per the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, Havenstein summed up his approach this season:

"

With my whole season and career winding down, every time I take that field, whether it is practice or especially in a game...I can't come back next year. They won't let me. I'm going to try, but they physically won't let me. I just want to make the most of the time I have. So there is no hesitation when that ball is on the ground. Go get it. Knock someone out if you have to. Whatever you can do to get that ball back so I'm not off that field for a snap longer than I should be.

"

Havenstein's teammates recognize his effort, too. "You've got to bust your butt 115% every play, and that is one of the things he does as far as leading by example," senior defensive lineman Warren Herring told the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel in that same article. "Every practice he is running everywhere. He is very vocal."

Herring went on to call Havenstein a leader, which is what makes him a player worth watching. Ultimately, a strong offensive line helps players like Gordon be successful and Havenstein is a part of making that happen for the Badgers.

What They're Saying

Eric Francis/Getty Images

Head Coach Bo Pelini

On whether Ameer Abdullah will play against Wisconsin: "We’ll see on Saturday, but I anticipate him playing."

On defensive tackle Maliek Collins:

"

When we first got him. He reminds me a lot of Glenn Dorsey when he was at LSU, which to me is high praise. Glenn was a heckuva player. He’s bigger than Glenn was at that point. When I first got to LSU Glenn was probably in the 275 or 280 range. But very athletic and explosive. Played well with his hands. I see a lot of similarities in how they play, how they move. Some of their strengths. What Maliek has though is that he’s a little bit bigger. Over 300 pounds. He’s doing many of the similar things I saw Dorsey do.

"

On how Wisconsin has changed since the 2012 Big Ten Championship game:

"

It’s interesting because there is a new staff, but it’s very similar in what they’re doing. It’s really the same offense. I mean there are a few wrinkles here and there, but they do a good job. They know what they want to do. They’re physical and well-coached, and they execute very well. It hasn’t changed a whole lot. And you know what, it was probably a smart move on their part. You come in, you have a defensive guy taking over. Why mess with a good thing? And they haven’t. They’ve done a good job of sticking with what they’re doing. I actually spent a lot of time learning, trying to figure out why they were doing things and how they did it. They’ve put a good product on the field.

"

On struggling against ranked opponents on the road:

"

It’s hard to win on the road against good football teams in tough environments. But I know that those last five games won’t have anything to do with what happens on Saturday. The team that executes the best is going to win.

"

On stopping Wisconsin's running game:

"

We need to execute our game plan. We have to tackle well. They have good backs. It’s going to come down to being physical up front, guys being disciplined and playing their gaps, and putting their face on somebody and tackling them when you get there. It comes down to execution. The team that executes the best will win the football game. No question about it.

"

On Camp Randall:

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It’s a great atmosphere. The fans are into it. It’s loud. It was even like that back when they weren’t quite as good of a football team when I was in the Big Ten. It was still a loud place. Good venue and good place to play. When Coach (Barry) Alvarez got in there and got that thing going, that probably took everything to another level, including the crowd.

"

On the Freedom Trophy:

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I actually haven’t seen the design of it. I know (Director of Athletics) Shawn (Eichorst) and Coach Alvarez and the universities came up with the idea. And I think that anything we can do to honor the veterans is a good idea. I don’t think you can do enough to honor the men and women who serve our country. I don’t think you can ever do enough. It’s a great idea.

"

Sophomore Safety Nate Gerry

On slowing down Wisconsin's running game:

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When we watch film, a lot of people miss tackles. They give them all those leaky yards which lets the offense do a little run through that puts you on your heels. So that’s one thing, as a defense, that we need to do better this week, is tackle. We can’t give up those leaky yards.

"

On Wisconsin's quarterbacks:

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On tape, one guy likes to throw the ball a little more. One guy can obviously run the ball a little better than the other can. We have to recognize who is in and whatnot. Depending on who’s in, we have to recognize what type of plays we are going to get. It’s just recognition and formations of who is in the game.

"

 On the Freedom Trophy:

"

I think it’s kind of cool. I just thought about that last week how we never really get to play for a trophy. So I think’s it’s kind of cool that we get to play for a trophy, but you still have to treat it like any other game. You just have to come out to win, because if you don’t, you’re not getting any trophy.

"

On personal progress:

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I don’t really like to talk about myself that much. I just try to do what I have to do. I try to do my job to help the defense. The type of defense we play is where you do your job and count on who’s on your left and right to do their job. I think that’s one thing our defense has done pretty well this year, is just doing their job. I try to be accountable, because I know they’re counting on me to do my job.

"

Senior Offensive Lineman Jake Cotton

On battling with Wisconsin:

"

As an offensive lineman, you definitely look forward to games like this. Games in cold weather and mid-November games against a team like Wisconsin, who is known for running the ball. This is definitely an exciting game to prepare for and watch film for. It should be a really fun game.

"

On road games:

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I know when you go on the road against ranked opponents you are going to be getting the team’s best shot. We are going into this game like any other game. We are going to prepare the same way. Maybe prepare a little harder. We are just a bunch of guys who are ready to play.

"

On Wisconsin's atmosphere:

"

There is a great atmosphere at that stadium. They’re a great team, great program, with a great fan base. I know that place can get loud at times so you just have to make sure you’re doing everything during the week that you can to prepare for the crunch time of the game when the crowd gets loud and hectic.

"

All quotes obtained via the Huskers weekly press conference, unless otherwise noted.

Prediction

Nati Harnik/Associated Press

Here's to hoping I-back Ameer Abdullah is available for the Huskers against Wisconsin. After months of waiting to see Abdullah face-off with Badgers running back Melvin Gordon, it would be a little disappointing to not see it happen.

However, if Abdullah must sit out (and obviously a player's health is more important than anything else), the Huskers are not left with nothing. On the ground, Nebraska has I-backs Imani Cross and Terrell Newby. Even quarterback Tommy Armstrong is capable of scrambling and running when needed.

And when Armstrong needs to put the ball in the air, he has a pretty good lineup with Kenny Bell, Jordan Westerkamp and De'Mornay Pierson-El. When the Nebraska offense gets on a roll, it can be hard to stop. The question is whether or not that will happen and whether or not offensive coordinator Tim Beck will give his group the best game plan possible.

Bo Pelini understands the task at hand. During Nebraska's weekly press conference, he acknowledged the matchup with Wisconsin won't be an easy one, per Huskers.com:

"

It’s hard to win on the road against good football teams in tough environments. But I know that those last five games won’t have anything to do with what happens on Saturday. The team that executes the best is going to win.

"

That's truly what it will come down to. Whichever team ultimately executes the best will get the win. So, who will do just that?

With both teams wanting to take control of the Big Ten West, it would be premature to assume either team has a guaranteed win over the other. If anything, it's going to be a battle until the very end.

Expect a back-and-forth battle up until the fourth quarter. Nebraska will squeak by Wisconsin, but not by much. It will be oddly reminiscent of the Huskers' win over the Badgers during the regular season in 2012.

It won't be perfect, but no matter what, it will be full of highlights from Gordon and hopefully Abdullah. If nothing else, it will be a fun game to watch. Just don't expect it to be an easy win either way.

Prediction: Nebraska 34, Wisconsin 31

For complete team coverage and everything Huskers, you can follow Erin on Twitter @erinsorensen.