Wisconsin Badgers Football: Can Arizona State Handle Northern Exposure?

On September 27, 2008, the Michigan Wolverines upset the no.9 Wisconsin Badgers 27-25, in a dramatic game featuring nine turnovers.

Steven Threet was the quarterback for the Wolverines that day.

This Saturday, Threet goes to Madison, Wisconsin to face the Badgers at the helm of another team, the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Threet threw two interceptions in the victory to only one touchdown. But it was enough.

This season, Threet has already thrown for 630 yards, and five touchdowns to go with three interceptions.

The Sun Devil's defense is ranked 7th in the NCAA against the run and 17th in total defense, allowing just 247 yards per game, or two more than Wisconsin averages per game rushing.

This seemingly impenetrable defense runs up against the Badger offense which averages 439 yards per game.

Something has got to give.

Arizona State's offensive and defensive numbers look great, but in their first two games, they played Portland State and Northern Arizona University, both in the FCS in the security of their home turf.

Going to Madison is a different story.

What to expect from the Badgers on offense -

True, ASU linebacker Vontaz Burfict is a monster, bit if any o-line in the country can handle him, it will be Wisconsin.

And while ASU and head coach Dennis Erickson have had a reputation for solid defenses in recent seasons, the Badgers will offer a stiff challenge to their defensive mettle.

Should the Badgers limit or completely eliminate turnovers, they will have no problem scoring.

Even without Nick Toon and David Gilreath, the Badger offense will be effective against Burfict and company

What to expect from the Badgers on defense -

This is where things get interesting.

As mentioned before, ASU has been spectaculer on offense, and the Badgers have been solid on defense.

But ASU's offensive line has been decimated by walk-offs by potential starters, and the Badger defensive line will have a field day.

Defensive end J.J. Watt will have a stellar day continuing his great year.

Also, Mike Taylor and Chris Borland, both starting linebackers who have been out due to injury, could potentially start on Saturday together for the first time this season.

Prediction -

ASU will manage to hang in and go to halftime trailing 14-10, but John Clay and company will wear down the Devil's defense in the second half, and the Badgers will win going away, 41-24/

Key players -

Wisconsin senior quarterback Scott Tolzien will be the key the the Badger's success.

Tolzien has been less than spectacular this season, throwing only one touchdown to two interceptions.

Should Tolzien complete his passes to the correct team, the Badgers will have no trouble winning this one.

Key Stat -

Red zone offense needs to get better for the Badgers. After James White's fumble through the end zone for a touchback and Tolzien's fumble on fourth down inside the twenty, the Badgers are only 10-13 in the red zone this season.