College Football

Wisconsin Football: Badgers Who Must Play Big Against OSU

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:05 p.m. ET

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The countdown to Saturday’s huge match up against Ohio State continues, and hype around the games continues to grow. The game will surely be up and down, but who needs to step up for the Badgers to come away with a big victory on Saturday Night? Find out here.

Sep 24, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Watt (42) reacts after a teammate sacked Michigan State quarterback Tyler O

TJ Watt

It seems obvious, but TJ Watt will have to continue his high play for the Badgers on Saturday. Opposing quarterbacks are always on the look out for Watt, but Ohio State’s JT Barrett has the ability to try and shake him with his mobility. Barrett is without a doubt the best quarterback Wisconsin will play so far this season, so pressure from the front seven will be key. Ohio State will run the football, but with the Badgers front seven being the favorable match up means that Ohio State will be forced to throw more than usual. In games where Barrett has thrown more he than he is accustomed to he has struggled this season. Against Tulsa and Indiana, Barrett and the offense often stalled out when they were forced to rely on throwing over the ground game. With Ohio State likely going to the air, Watt can play a big role on continuing to get after the quarterback as he has all season. If Watt is able to harass Barrett and force him to make mistakes it could mean a big day for the Badger defense.

Sep 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Troy Fumagalli (81) catches a pass in the third quarter during game against the LSU Tigers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Troy Fumagalli

Wisconsin’s offense will have to find a way to break through the Buckeye defense on Saturday. Troy Fumagalli could be the X factor in doing just that. In Wisconsin’s loss at Michigan, Fumagalli had only two receptions for 12 yards. A disappointing stats for one of the Badgers top targets, but all the blame cannot fall on Troy. Fumagalli was hardly targeted, and in turn the offense struggled. Fumagalli has struggled to put up numbers since the season opener against LSU in which he had 7 receptions for 100 yards, and will have to get back to that form Saturday night. Fumagalli and Hornibrook looked to establish their connection over the bye week, and its a match up that could play big if it clicks. Ohio State will look to bring a lot of pressure on Hornibrook, so having a big, reliable safety target in Fumagalli could play big for the Badger offense in helping extend drives and control the time of possession as Wisconsin Football always has.

. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

The Offensive Line (All of Them)

Speaking of extending drives and controlling time of possession, Wisconsin’s offensive line will have to step up on Saturday. In a previous article, we discussed the issues facing the Wisconsin running game. A large portion of spectators have seen the issue to be the line, and its hard to argue the logic. With doubts creeping more than ever, the offensive line needs to step up on Saturday. There is no longer an excuse. We’ve heard them all. Banged up, tough teams, hard place to play. Blah; enough is enough. The Wisconsin Offensive line needs to get it going and open up holes for Clement and company to become successful. Many times this season you’ve seen plays collapse at the line of scrimmage, and holes shrink before backs can get through. With a stable of backs ready to run, the men in the trenches need to start opening some gaps and driving down field for the Badgers to have any sort of success on offense.

Sep 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers safety D

D’Cota Dixon

D’Cota Dixon and Leo Musso were the only question marks for the Badgers defense before the season, but the duo at safety has quickly proved their two players at the top of their position. Dixon specifically has made a lot of nice plays in the passing defense, and will have to continue that on Saturday. The narrative is that Wisconsin will continue to plug up the run and short passes, and that JT Barrett will be forced to throw the deep ball. We saw Wisconsin get beat by it once before, and while the blame didn’t fall on Dixon, safety help over the top from both will be key to keep the Badger defense rolling as they have been. Dixon could always be a big catalyst in forcing turnovers. The opportunity to make plays on the ball will likely be there, and Dixon could be the deciding factor in the turnover battle on Saturday.

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