Nebraska vs. Wisconsin: Why Rex Burkhead Will Have Monster Game for Huskers

Rex Burkhead is a monster. He can do anything on the field, and he has become the heart and soul of the Nebraska Cornhuskers' offense.

Now, with the Huskers' first Big Ten game on Saturday, Burkhead will need to come up big. Wisconsin is the reigning Big Ten Champion, and the Badgers have won 13 straight games in Madison dating back to October 2009.

After losing in the Rose Bowl last year, the Badgers have started this year out on a tear. Bucky has done a lot of push-ups already this year, but that shouldn't matter against Nebraska.

Because no matter how many points Wisconsin scores, Burkhead will be ready with his answer.

Despite inconsistent play from Taylor Martinez, Burkhead has been a rock for the Husker offense.

His yards per carry average has risen in each of his three years in Lincoln. After four games this year, his average is near seven yards. That is, every time he touches the ball, on average, the Huskers will gain seven yards.

That's absurd.

Looking deeper into his splits, you will notice that Burkhead averages nearly 12 yards per carry inside the 40s. So, when the Huskers are in the middle of the field, he has the ability to pick up a first down with every touch.

On the road, that will be key.

While the Huskers are in the middle of the field, Burkhead will be able to extend drives, allowing the Huskers to hold the ball longer and score on longer drives.

By keeping the ball away from the Badgers, the Huskers will be able to keep the crowd at bay. In turn, this road test will seem a little less daunting for Nebraska.

Not to mention, Burkhead knows how to find the end zone. He has seven touchdowns this year, which matches his total from all of last season. Six of those touchdowns have come in the red zone.

On the road, it is imperative to close out drives with touchdowns. As long as Bo Pelini continues to give the ball to Burkhead inside the 20, the Huskers have a good chance of scoring six points.

With all this going for him, Burkhead will surely have a monster game in Madison.

With his long runs, drive-extending first downs and nose for the end zone, Burkhead will be the difference-maker for the Huskers.