Wisconsin Badgers vs. Maryland Terrapins: Preview, Predictions, And Prognostications

When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2:30 p.m. CT
Where: College Park, MD; Byrd Stadium (54,000)
TV: BTN
Radio: Badger Sports Network
Last Meeting: Wisconsin Win, 52-7 (Oct. 25, 2014 )
All-Time Series: Wisconsin leads, 1-0

1 Burning Question: Will the Badgers beat themselves?

Wisconsin enters this contest as a double-digit favorite, and rightfully so. Even though the injury bug continues to make its presence felt in the UW locker room, the Badgers are simply the better team. Maryland continues to dwell at the bottom of the Big Ten East, while Wisconsin is still clinging to hopes of an East Division title.

As a team, the Terrapins find themselves toward the bottom of almost every statistical category on offense and their defense has allowed most opposing offenses to have their way. Frankly, the Terps lack the firepower to topple Wisconsin. The Badgers are the only team that can beat the Badgers on Saturday.

Though Wisconsin does not control its own destiny in the East, it has big games looming against No.21 Northwestern and arch-rival Minnesota to close out the season. Will the Badgers be looking ahead to those contests?

2 Key Stats:

— 28-6:Wisconsin’s record in games played in the month of November since 2006: This includes a 9-1 mark in November the last two seasons. Wisconsin hasn’t lost on the road in the month of November since 2012.

— 58: The number of receptions senior wide receiver Alex Erickson has through nine games: That’s the most catches ever for a Wisconsin player through nine games of a season.

3 Staff Predictions:

Andy: 45-10 Wisconsin (8-1 season record)
Nate: 38-10 Wisconsin (6-3 season record)
Sawyer: 35-10 Wisconsin (8-1 season record)

4 Players to Watch:

Dare Ogunbowale, Badgers RB: While he’s only been able to rush for over 100 yards in two games this season, Wisconsin will need Ogunbowale to have a big day. Yes, tailback Taiwan Deal is expected to be back in action on Saturday, but the Badgers will go as Dare goes. Call it a hunch.

Joe Schobert, Badgers LB: “Joe the Show” had five tackles against the Terps last season, that’s the most among returning players. He is currently leads the team in sacks (9.5), tackles for loss (14.5) and quarterback hurries (12) and is second on the squad in tackles (56). Maryland has allowed 17 sacks this season, that’s third most in the Big Ten. Expect to see Schobert and his cronies in the backfield early and often.

William Likely, Maryland CB/R: The junior is, arguably, the most dangerous return man in the conference and possibly the nation. Likely averages over 19 yards per punt return and has taken returns for scores. He leads the Terps in all-purpose yards (1,053) and pass breakups (10). He ranks sixth in tackles with 35.

Perry Hills, Maryland QB: Hillis has made just four starts this season, but his ability to run has added complexity to the Maryland offense. The sophomore averages a team-best 103.4 yards per game on the ground and has three touchdowns. He posted 349 yards of offense against Penn State two weeks ago.

5 Bold Prognostications (That May Or May Not Come True):

— Wisconsin will pitch a shutout: The Badgers already have two shutouts to their credit this season and Saturday provides a real opportunity for the third. Wisconsin has allowed just 11 points per game since its Week 1 loss to Alabama and if the defense remains up to the task (which they usually are) they should be able to hold the Terps to less than that this week. This will mean keeping Likely and Hillis contained. If the Badgers are successful, it will be just the second Big Ten shutout for the Wisconsin defense since 2009.

— The Badgers will rush for over 300 yards: UW hasn’t eclipsed the 350-yard rushing plateau this season, but that will change today. Even without the help of Clement, the Badgers should have no problem moving the chains. The added rushes once the game is out of hand in the second half will help Wisconsin stack up the yards it needs to have a season-best rushing performance.

— Perry Hillis will have less than 20 yards rushing: The newly-tabbed starter has been able to out-run many members of opposing defenses. That won’t happen Saturday. Wisconsin’s defense will bear down and keep Hillis in check, a far cry from his average of over 100 yards per game.

— Wisconsin will score a defensive touchdown: If the defense creates the kind of havoc it is expected to create up front, there should be plenty of opportunities to create turnovers and score off said turnovers.

— Joel Stave will complete at least 68 percent of his passes: Stave comes into the game with a 60.8 percent completion rate. Even with Clement out, it shouldn’t be up to Stave to win this game and he shouldn’t be asked to make many high-pressure throws. Saturday seems like it may be a nickle and dime kind of day and that should help Stave complete a high number of passes.