Wisconsin Badgers vs. Western Illinois Leathernecks Game Thread: How many yards will Wisconsin go for?

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The Wisconsin Badgers are back in action on Saturday, as they take on the Western Illinois Leathernecks at Camp Randall Stadium in Week 2. Kickoff is set for 6:15 p.m. on Big Ten Network.

Wisconsin was blown out 41-13 by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the season opener at Lambeau Field last weekend in a game where head coach Luke Fickell thought the team was worn out physically and mentally.

The Badgers especially struggled in the second half, where they were outscored 28-3 in a rough outing against a top-five team. Now, Wisconsin gets a bounce-back opportunity against Western Illinois, and the odds are heavily in their favor.

The Leathernecks are coming off a 41-10 blowout loss to Illinois State, where their defense gave up nearly 500 yards, while their offense couldn’t muster much on the ground. This could be a big-time game on the ground for the Badgers after 67 rushing yards in Week 1, with Abu Sama primed for a big game.

As I didn’t have my three predictions out pregame, here are three takes I’m feeling confident about heading into Week 2.

Badgers break 250 rushing yards

Wisconsin’s run game is still putting things together, and there are some injury questions but this feels like a big opportunity to pour in 300 yards on the ground. Abu Sama could be primed for his first 100-yard game as a Badger, while Darrion Dupree and Nate Palmer should both see opportunities as the game goes on.

Then there’s the rushing threat of Colton Joseph, which should be a factor on Saturday. I think the Badgers will be working with a positive game script and continue to run the ball throughout the game.

Passing game hits on at least 2 20+ yard throws

This also feels like the setup where Wisconsin should try some things in the air as Western Illinois looks to stop the run. We had a couple of big plays from Malachi Coleman last week, and Colton Joseph is willing to throw the ball deep.

If Jaylon Domingeaux is a go, the Badgers have a couple of deep threats that could receive 1-on-1 opportunities. That should lead to a few deep connections to help spell the run game.

Defense doesn’t allow a touchdown

The Badgers are projected to give up fewer than a touchdown currently, and I’m standing by that. After a rough second half last week, I think this is a good bounce-back spot for the Badgers defense, which should look to be more aggressive everywhere.

We saw how well they could defend the run in the first half last week. That’ll be key again on Saturday, and I think the defense should have a quality game overall. Western Illinois may muster its way to a field goal or two, but I see this as a good day for the defense.

The Badgers are 42.5-point favorites on Saturday, with the over/under set at 51.5 points.

Check out all of our gameday stories ahead of the game!

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Join us as our game thread is officially open!

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