College Football Rankings: Previewing Nebraska vs Wisconsin

When the Nebraska Cornhuskers decided to leave the Big 12 for the Big Ten, the general consensus was how Nebraska was going to adapt to the competition in the Big Ten. 

Now, the time has come for Nebraska to finally open play inside of the Big Ten, and what a way to open with the best team in the Big Ten, the Wisconsin Badgers.  

The game this week in Madison, Wisconsin features two teams that are very skilled in the offensive positions. Nebraska runs their entire offense through the arm and legs of their quarterback Taylor Martinez. The sophomore quarterback leads this Nebraska team in passing, obviously, and rushing. On the season, Martinez ranks second in the conference in rushing. 

If Wisconsin is going to win this game, they must shut down Martinez. When you take away his running ability, which is his first option, the Nebraska offense struggles. If this happens, look for Nebraska to turn to junior running back Rex Burkhead.

Wisconsin’s success has been based on stellar defensive play with an offense that has been dominate in rushing and passing this year. But Wisconsin’s four wins this year have been against either teams from non-BCS schools or Oregon State.  

During the offseason, Wisconsin received transfer student Russell Wilson from North Carolina State. Last year, Wilson led the Wolf Pack in passing and was one of the best quarterbacks in the Atlantic Coast Conference. So far this year, Wilson has been everything that the Badgers hoped he would be as their starting quarterback. He’s posted two straight 300-yard passing games with 11 touchdowns and only one interception this year.  

This game at Camp Randal Stadium will be an epic game. But look for Wisconsin to come out victorious against Nebraska’s first game in their new conference. 

Twitter: @tjmcaloon