5 Things We’re Watching for Against Northern Iowa

Every Thursday throughout the football season we'll be giving you the "5 Things We're Watching For" against our opponents, they can very from matchups to individual players, you name it, it's fair game. So, now that you know the score – it's time to give you the things we're watching for against Northern Iowa.

1) Danny O'Brien: 

This should be an obvious choice. It's all of our's first experience seeing him in a real game in a Badger uniform. Expecting him to be Russell Wilson is crazy, but expecting him to be at least 1/2 as good isn't an unrealistic expectation. Getting off on the right foot and showing the fans he can command the offense will be key against Northern Iowa.

2) New Offensive Wrinkles? 

Will Wisconsin try some new things we haven't seen before offensively? There's been hinting all camp long that there will be, but could the Badgers save them for bigger games down the road or will this be the environment to allow them to experiment.

3) Secondary 

This group has been praised all camp long by the coaches for their chemistry and communication, well it's time to prove they are worthy of the praise on game day. This unit has the potential to be one of the most gifted athletically we've seen under Bielema and shutting down a redshirt freshman QB can only serve to build confidence from the fans.

4) RUN BWG

We know what we're getting in Montee Ball, but can James White show more of the 2010 version of himself? If so this is going to be a stacked backfield. If not, he could lose out to a guy everyone was raving about in camp in redshirt freshman Melvin Gordon. We'll also be watching to see if he can at least give us a glimpse of why coaches and fellow running backs think he's the most talented of the group.

5) Health 

Wisconsin has got to stay healthy especially up front and in the secondary, both areas where they are unexpectedly thin at the moment. Injuries to Arthur Goldberg and Bryce Gilbert have them as question marks and with backup CB Peniel Jean out 4-6 weeks with a broken foot the Badgers had to move Darius Hilary back from safety to corner for this week. Any further injuries in week one and these units could be in trouble.

Got any things you'll be watching for that we didn't mention? Leave us a comment and don't be shy… I promise we only bite Gopher and Warrior, err…. Hilltopper…. err, Golden Eagles!!