FOUR THINGS TO WATCH
CAN UW'S GROUND GAME FLOURISH?
The Badgers averaged 267.1 rushing yards per game during their seven-game winning streak, with a high mark of 391 against Illinois and a low of 166 against Iowa. Freshman Braelon Allen rushed for at least 100 yards in each of those games and averaged 7.9 yards per carry and 144.7 per game. Minnesota smartly decided to take away UW's rushing attack in the regular-season finale and limited Allen to 47 yards on 17 carries. UW finished with 62 yards on 22 carries. The Sun Devils have allowed an average of 129.0 rushing yards but will be without three defensive starters. UW likely will be without center Joe Tippmann and right tackle Logan Bruss. Can the Badgers, with a makeshift offensive line, run the ball effectively?
UW NEEDS TOUCHDOWNS, NOT FIELD GOALS
Offensive inefficiency in losses to Penn State and Minnesota illustrated how the Badgers were agonizingly close to winning the Big Ten West and vying for the league title. UW reached the red zone four times in the 16-10 loss to Penn State but managed just one score, a 3-yard run by Chez Mellusi. UW reached the red zone just twice in the 23-13 loss at Minnesota and settled for field goals both times. Good teams find a way to reach the end zone. Can UW's offense be more efficient against the Sun Devils?
CAN MERTZ PROTECT BALL, MAKE CRITICAL PLAYS?
UW quarterback Graham Mertz struggled to protect the football early in the season. He had two touchdown passes and six interceptions in the first four games. His ball security and decision-making generally improved and during UW's seven-game winning streak he had seven touchdown passes and three interceptions. Mertz missed too many throws in the loss to Minnesota and had one critical interception that led to the Gophers' go-ahead touchdown early in the second half. He must protect the ball and hit open receivers against Arizona State.
APPLY PRESSURE BUT CONTAIN JAYDEN DANIELS
The passing numbers of Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels — 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions — are off from his first two seasons, when he passed for 22 touchdowns and threw only three interceptions. Nevertheless, Daniels remains a player who is capable of causing significant problems for UW defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Daniels has passed for 2,222 yards, an average of 185.2 per game, and rushed for 670 yards and six touchdowns. He is averaging 5.6 yards per carry and has a run of at least 20 yards in seven of 12 games this season. He needs 134 passing yards to reach 6,000 at Arizona State and needs 117 rushing yards to break the school mark for all-time rushing yards by a quarterback (1,404).
History lesson Did you know? Jeff Potrykus' prediction Jeff Potrykus
Many UW fans haven't forgotten the Badgers' 32-30 loss to Arizona State in 2013, so we'll revisit the teams' 2010 meeting in Madison.
UW surrendered a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the first quarter, came within inches of giving up a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on the final play of the first half and then needed to block an extra-point attempt with 4 minutes 9 seconds left to hold on for a 20-19 victory.
Tailback John Clay rushed 22 times for 123 yards and a touchdown, a 19-yarder that helped UW take a 20-13 lead with 2:08 left in the third quarter.
Scott Tolzien completed 19 of 25 attempts for 246 yards and a touchdown.
UW has allowed 16 runs of 10 or more yards this season, an average of 1.3 per game.
That is the lowest number in the country, ahead of Air Force (33), Clemson (35), Michigan State (35) and San Diego State (35).
Both UW and Arizona State will be missing key players Thursday night, though the Sun Devils have taken hits on both offense and defense. UW tailback Braelon Allen appears healthy and fresher, which bodes well for UW's ability to run the ball consistently. The Badgers are 5-1 in bowl games under Paul Chryst. They will improve that mark Thursday.
Wisconsin 24, Arizona State 17.