Michigan searching for upset
Line play might be key in showdown with Wisconsin.
MADISON, WIS. — A Big Ten game with high stakes may be decided in the trenches.
No. 24 Michigan’s defensive front can swarm a backfield. No. 5 Wisconsin’s offensive line likes to push people around, and it’s only getting better with each game.
The Wolverines (8-2, 5-2) would love to shove the undefeated Badgers (10-0, 7-0) out of the College Football Playoff picture with a win today at Camp Randall Stadium.
“There is great speed to it and quickness,” Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said about the Michigan defense. “It’s going to take every guy to make it work, whether that’s running the football or protecting the quarterback.”
Michigan’s defense ranks first in the Big Ten in thirddown conversions (23.7 percent), pass defense (144.5 yards per game) and tackles for loss (8.4 per game). Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst can blow up plays at the line of scrimmage. Five Michigan opponents have been held to less than 200 yards of total offense.
With consecutive convincing wins since a humiliating loss at Penn State, linebacker Mike McCray said, the Wolverines have regained their confidence.
“We went through a little bit of adversity. We know we can fight through that adversity. Since then, we’re closer together,” McCray said.
What they don’t have is the kind of clear path to the playoff that lies ahead for Wisconsin.
The Badgers’ task is simple: Win the last two regular-season games, plus the Big Ten title game, and the playoff committee will be hard-pressed to keep out an undefeated team from a power conference school.
As usual Chryst has his team focused on just the Wolverines. To beat Michigan, the Badgers’ offense must break out of its habit of early turnovers.
An offensive line that dominated Iowa’s physical front last week must open holes for Big Ten-leading rusher Jonathan Taylor to get Wisconsin in manageable thirddown situations for quarterback Alex Hornibrook.
Other things to watch today:
Wisconsin turnovers: The Badgers had four turnovers, including two returned for touchdowns, and still managed to rout Iowa last week because of their top-ranked defense.
Different look: Michigan might have problems, too, with Wisconsin’s defense, which is third in the country in scoring (13.4 points) and first in total yardage (247.6).
Cool and calm: Michigan redshirt freshman quarterback Brandon Peters has made the most of his opportunity to play, replacing ineffective John O’Korn, who filled in for injured Wilton Speight. Peters’ performance has helped Michigan win three straight games.