Wisconsin Football: 5 Badgers Who Will Shine Against Northwestern
Despite the blowout of Michigan in Ann Arbor and the prevailing Rose Bowl projections, the Wisconsin Badgers do actually have to play one more game before they can even begin thinking about postseason destinations.
No, without quarterback Dan Persa, Northwestern isn't nearly as dangerous as they could be. But, if the Badgers want to head to Pasadena come New Year's Day, they cannot overlook the Wildcats.
And, on Senior Day, don't expect them to.
Not in Camp Randall. Not with the Big Ten title on the line.
So, here are five Badgers who could have big days in Wisconsin's last regular season game of the year.
James White, Running Back
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Even though John Clay may be ready to go for Saturday's game, don't expect him to get a whole lot of playing time. There's simply no reason to risk his health when you have running backs like James White and Montee Ball more than capable of filling in.
White has 895 yards and 13 touchdowns on only 128 carries this season—tied with Clay for touchdowns and just behind him in yards. Expect him to pass Clay in both yards and touchdowns by the end of Saturday's game.
No, Northwestern's defense isn't as porous as Michigan's or Indiana's. But, it's still not great. After all, they did just allow 330 yards rushing to Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure last weekend.
White should have a big day once again on Saturday.
Montee Ball, Running Back
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Like James White, sophomore running back Montee Ball should have a huge day on Saturday.
There's really no need for a whole lot of explanation here.
Ball has been playing great (686 yards, 13 touchdowns on the year). Northwestern's run defense has been playing poorly. It's pretty simple.
Unless something unexpected happens, both Ball and White should both go over the century mark on Saturday.
Scott Tolzien, Quarterback
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Although quarterback Scott Tolzien probably won't get a whole lot of opportunities to pass on Saturday, you can be sure he'll make the most of every chance he gets.
This year, when given the chance, Tolzien has been one of the most efficient passers in the country. He's thrown for over 2,000 yards, 12 touchdowns and only six interceptions on 73 percent passing.
He'll probably have only 15 or so passing attempts on Saturday, but around 11 or 12 completions. No, Tolzien doesn't put up big numbers. He just gets it done.
In his last home game, don't expect anything different.
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Badgers' Defensive Line
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Without star quarterback Dan Persa, expect Northwestern to put it on the ground Saturday afternoon.
Last weekend against Illinois, starting quarterback Evan Watkins was only 10-20 passing for 135 yards and an interception. But, running back Mike Trumpy was able to pound out 129 yards on the ground, including an 80-yard touchdown dash.
However, if the Wildcats want to get anything going offensively on Saturday, they'll need to get past J.J. Watt and company.
Good luck.
Culmer St. Jean, Linebacker
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Now, although Wisconsin's defensive line should be able to stuff the run for the most part on Saturday, there will be times when Wildcat running backs do break through the initial scrum.
That's what linebackers are for. And that's what fifth-year senior Culmer St. Jean has been doing for the past four years: Taking down running backs.
This year, St. Jean leads the team with 59 total tackles, with 2 tackles for loss and an interception.
Like all the other seniors, St. Jean will want to walk out of Camp Randall for the last time Saturday on a good note.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
