FOUR THINGS TO WATCH
Does Wisconsin or Oklahoma State have better depth to compensate for personnel losses?
UW enters the bowl game without several key performers, including linebacker Nick Herbig and nose tackle Keeanu Benton on defense and quarterback Graham Mertz and center Joe Tippmann on offense. Oklahoma State has lost several key players, including quarterback Spencer Sanders, tailback Dominic Richardson and linebacker Mason Cobb. That means reserves are going to have to fill in and make plays. Which team will get better quarterback play? Which team will field a better defense?
Wisconsin tailbacks Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi could run free
Although UW will take the field with a revamped offensive line featuring Tanor Bortolini at center and Michael Furtney and Trey Wedig at guards, the Badgers face a defense that hasn’t been stout against the run. The Cowboys are 96th nationally against the run, allowing an average of 171.3 yards per game. Considering that UW will have two inexperienced quarterbacks – Chase Wolf and Myles Burkett – offensive coordinator Bobby Engram could choose to ride tailbacks Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi. Both should be healthy and rested. Wolf has been working with the No. 1 offense during bowl prep and appears set to make his first college start.
Wisconsin’s defense could get after Oklahoma State freshman quarterback Garret Rangel
Freshman Garret Rangel is expected to start at quarterback for Oklahoma State. He has played in three games and got extensive work against Kansas and West Virginia. Rangel completed 27 of 40 passes for 304 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions in a 37-16 loss at Kansas. He was sacked twice. He completed just 18 of 42 passes for 178 yards in a 24-19 loss to West Virginia. He was sacked four times in that game. Rangel has a good arm, but his lack of experience could prove costly if UW’s defense can vary its looks and pressure packages.
Which team is better motivated to win the Guaranteed Rate Bowl?
This is the first meeting between the teams so there is no rivalry. Both teams struggled through disappointing regular seasons. Bowl games often are determined by which team is focused, prepared and motivated to win. UW’s coaches and players traditionally have treated minor bowl games as seriously as they treat important Big Ten games. Will that trend continue Tuesday and give the Badgers an edge?