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Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin raises the Big Ten East Division trophy following the competition of the game at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
The Wisconsin Badgers and Penn State Nittany Lions head to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana to play the Big Ten Championship game.
While most will say that the true Big Ten Championship game was held last weekend with Ohio State beating Michigan in double overtime, this is the game that gives the winner the trophy.
The true key to this game will be run stopping for both defenses. With Saquan Barkley in the backfield for the Nittany Lions and Corey Clement in the backfield for the Badgers, this has the makings of a run-heavy game.
What the Nittany Lions bring to the table:
The Wisconsin defense has been very consistent, holding opposing offenses to 292 yards per game and 13.66 points allowed per game. However, the Penn State offense has been on the rise, as their tailback Barkley won Offensive Player of the Year honors, leads the Big Ten with 1,563 all-purpose yards and leads all non-kickers with 102 points scored.
The Nittany Lions defense has also been impressive as of late. They gave up 346.8 yards and 27.66 points per game, although have been much better in the last seven contests.
Easily the better of the two quarterbacks is Penn State’s Trace McSorley. McSorley leads the nation with 16.2 yards per completion, using wide receivers Chris Godwin as his favorite target and Deandre Thompkins as his deep threat.
The key to this game could very well come down to special teams, where the Nittany Lions have the edge. It was their special team play that got them to this game, and it might very well be the reason they win this contest.
Nov 26, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; The Wisconsin Badgers celebrate with the Paul Bunyan Football Trophy following the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
About the Badgers:
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If the Badgers want to make this game competitive, they must give quarterback Bart Houston a chance to find his open targets within the Penn State secondary. After Alex Hornibrook went down last week with a head injury, his status is uncertain. Houston showed some of his passing skills against a tough Michigan State defense last weekend.
This has been a difficult season at quarterback for the Badgers, as neither Houston, nor Hornibrook have been exceptional. That is why the Badgers have relied heavily on their defense and their rushing attack to win games.
But they also have an ace-in-the-hole with receiver Jazz Peavy. Peavy is the kind of versatile weapon not typically seen in Madison. The punt returner/receiver has a team-high 582 receiving yards and 263 rushing yards with six touchdowns from scrimmage.
The Badgers will win if they stick to their defensive model and look for ways for the offense to be less one-dimensional. Peavy could be the key here, as he is their best receiver and when he touches the ball in the ground game he averages nearly 15 yards a carry.
Although the winner of this game may not make it to the playoffs, it will be an exciting game and one that keeps Penn State relevant, in a Big Ten that has two teams that lead the pack. Weirder things happen than the best Big Ten teams NOT playing in the championship right?
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