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Wisconsin looks to bump Northwestern from Big 10 West lead
No. 20 Wisconsin (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) at Northwestern (4-3, 4-1), noon ET (Fox).
Line: Wisconsin by 7.
Series record: Wisconsin leads 59-35-5.
WHAT'S AT STAKE?
Northwestern holds a half-game lead over Wisconsin, Purdue and Iowa in the Big Ten West, though the Wildcats hardly looked like division contenders in an 18-15 win at Rutgers last week. They also needed a late rally the previous week to beat Nebraska in overtime at Ryan Field. But a win over Wisconsin would give the Wildcats a credibility boost, not to mention some revenge for a loss early last season at Camp Randall Stadium that ultimately helped keep them out of the Big Ten title game. The Badgers still control their destiny in the division after seeing their playoff hopes get squashed two weeks ago in a blowout loss at Michigan. Wisconsin bounced back with a 49-20 romp against Illinois.
KEY MATCHUP
Northwestern QB Clayton Thorson against Wisconsin's front seven. The Badgers will again be without starting DE Isaiahh Loudermilk, who has missed the last two games with a left leg injury. NT Olive Sagapolu, who made his first career interception last week, is questionable with a left leg injury.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Wisconsin: RB Jonathan Taylor leads the nation in rushing at 158.4 yards per game. He has run for at least 100 in eight straight games dating to last season, the longest active streak among FBS players.
Northwestern: After throwing for a career-high 455 yards against Nebraska, Thorson was just 17 of 34 for 150 yards last week.
FACTS & FIGURES
Northwestern put a scare into Wisconsin last year with a pair of late touchdowns before losing 33-24. ... Wisconsin is 50-12 (.806) over the past five seasons and trails only Alabama (60-5, .923), Clemson (56-7, .889) and Ohio State (55-7, .887) in wins and winning percentage among FBS teams in that span. ... The Badgers have won 16 straight against the Big Ten West since a loss to Northwestern on Nov. 21, 2015. ... Wisconsin ranks fourth in the nation in rushing at 282.1 yards. ... The Badgers have scored touchdowns on 21 of 27 trips to the red zone, fourth among Power Five teams. ... The Wildcats are 4-1 in the Big Ten for the first time since 2000. ... Northwestern has the fewest penalties in the nation (23) despite committing five last week. ... WR Flynn Nagel ranks second in the Big Ten in receptions per game (eight) and third in yards receiving per game (99).
