Northwestern win against Badgers may mean Outback Bowl berth

Posted November 19, 2009 10:00 pm

Daily Herald Staff Daily Herald Staff

Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien (16) throws to Lance Kendricks (84) while being rushed by Michigan linebacker Brandon Smith (4) during the first half of an NCAA football game Saturday. Associated Press

Wisconsin (8-2, 5-2) at Northwestern (7-4, 4-3)

When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Ryan Field

TV: BTN Radio: WGN 720-AM

Series: Wisconsin leads 55-32-5

Coaches: Bret Bielema (36-13, fourth year at Wisconsin); Pat Fitzgerald (26-22, fourth year at NU)

Players to watch: Wisconsin tailback John Clay (1,124 yards, 12 TDs) needs to run for about minus-50 yards in order to lose his grip on the Big Ten's rushing title. Between him and true freshman backup Montee Ball (177 yards and 2 TDs the last two weeks), the Badgers make foes overload against the run and give QB Scott Tolzien room to throw. The redshirt junior from Fremd High School tied Wisconsin's single-game touchdown record last week with 4 TD passes and 1 TD run against Michigan. The Big Ten's reigning Offensive Player of the Week ranks third in the Big Ten in passer efficiency (138.7 rating).

Like Tolzien, Northwestern senior QB Mike Kafka seems in line for some all-Big Ten votes - particularly if he gets the job done against the Badgers. He leads the Big Ten in completion percentage (.658) and his improving left hamstring could allow him to start handling designed run plays again. Senior WR Zeke Markshausen ranks second in the Big Ten in catches (76) and fourth in yards (737). Senior DE Corey Wootton and senior S Brad Phillips lead an improving defense that allowed just 26 points in the wins at Iowa and Illinois.

The skinny: Northwestern celebrates 21 seniors who are trying to be the sixth straight class to go out as winners on Senior Day. If the Wildcats knock off the Badgers, then there's a chance that win could vault NU over Wisky into the Outback Bowl on New Year's morning in Tampa, Fla. To beat Wisconsin, the Wildcats need to become one of the few and the proud to break even on the line of scrimmage. Wisconsin is pulling off the rare double of leading the Big Ten in rushing offense and rushing defense (conference games only). All week, the Wildcats have said it's all about meeting Wisconsin's physical challenge. That's easier said than done. "They have the biggest line we're going to face," said NU senior defensive tackle Adam Hahn, a Wisconsin native. "They have the biggest back we're going to face."

Illinois quarterback Jacob Charest (12) gets sacked by Northwestern defensive end Corey Wootton Associated Press

Northwestern's Mike Kafka (13) passes the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday in Champaign. Northwestern won the game 21-16. Associated Press

Wisconsin's John Clay (32) runs past Michigan's Donovan Warren (6) during the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 45-24. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) Associated Press

Wisconsin defenders including Patrick Butrym (95) and O'Brien Schofield (50) stops Michigan's Floyd Simmons (23) during the first half of an NCAA football game Saturday. Associated Press

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