Nebraska vs. Wisconsin: Why Winner Will Win Big Ten

Picks for this weekend aside, the winner of Saturday's matchup in Madison will win the Big Ten.

These teams are easily the class of the conference. They have the best defenses, some of the best running games and the most dynamic quarterbacks (assuming Taylor Martinez is playing well).

No team in the Big Ten can play the smash-mouth football these two teams identify themselves by. Even though Nebraska has been unimpressive through their first few games, they will be able to make adjustments and start stopping teams consistently.

As for Wisconsin, teams simply can't score on them. Front to back, they have one of the most complete defenses in the country. Factor in the fact that their defense doesn't have to play too often, because of the offense's long possessions, and Wisconsin always has a fresh, tough defense.

Then, when you look at each team's best asset, the running game, you're talking about two of the best in the country.

Right now, the Huskers and Badgers are ranked eighth and 13th, respectively. When those rushing attacks get into the Big Ten, they will continue to (literally) run over teams. The offensive lines, skill players and play calling are all too tough for anyone to completely stop.

There are some good defenses in the Big Ten, but none will be able to slow down Martinez/Rex Burkhead or Russell Wilson/Montee Ball/James White.

However, the most important players on these teams (for completely different reasons) are the quarterbacks.

Wilson completely changes the Badgers. Last year, they became too one-dimensional, which was their downfall in the Rose Bowl. Now, they are throwing for almost 300 yards each game. When you add a great passing attack to one of the best rushing attacks in the game, you score points. And lots of them.

As for Martinez, he simply needs to manage the game. The Huskers can hold other teams from scoring, but only if they don't get great field position. If Martinez starts turning the ball over, the Huskers can't run their possession rushing attack. They play better from ahead, so Martinez needs to hold onto the football and avoid poor decisions.

On top of that, he is one of the fastest quarterbacks in the country. When he hits the open field, he's usually gone. Basically, when he avoids turnovers, he is a great quarterback. Such a concept, huh?

So, regardless of who wins this game, they will find themselves in the Big Ten Championship Game, perhaps against the other. Nevertheless, I don't see anyone except Nebraska or Wisconsin winning the Big Ten.