MADISON, Wis. -- An errant throw or a poorly handled carry tends to raise the collective blood pressure of an entire football fan base. One mistake in a close game can change the complexion of the entire contest and sully the afternoon for thousands in the stands.
This week, Wisconsin (3-2) will face the one team that happens to be better at forcing those mistakes -- and fan mood swings -- than any other in the Big Ten when it plays host to No. 19 Northwestern (4-1). The two teams kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium.
Northwestern has forced 14 turnovers -- 11 interceptions and three fumbles -- to lead the Big Ten in that category and rank tied for 10th nationally. A year ago, the Wildcats paced the Big Ten with 29 turnovers gained, four more than any other conference team.
In other words, the Badgers' sense of ball security will need to be on high alert.
"Go back to last year, and it's really a continuation," Badgers coach Gary Andersen said. "They're opportunistic when the ball's on the ground. They're opportunistic when the ball's in the air, and they make those plays. ...
"A lot of teams, a lot of people sit back and say they are lucky with some opportunities. I disagree wholeheartedly. I think they're prepared. They take advantage of opportunity when the ball's on the ground and when it's in the air. That’s very important to them. Something they work on."
During Northwestern's 40-30 loss against Ohio State last week, the Wildcats forced three turnovers off Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller. Miller fumbled in the first quarter, which led to a Northwestern touchdown and a 7-3 lead. He fumbled again in the third quarter with Ohio State driving into Wildcats territory. Miller also was intercepted just before halftime.
"You can see that on film at the Ohio State game with trying to rip that ball out early," Andersen said. "I know Braxton was carrying the ball earlier in the game, and it just stuck in my head the kid trying to rip the ball out of Braxton's arms as he went down and almost got it out."
The Wildcats' ability to intercept passes has been nothing short of remarkable. This season, Northwestern is tied with Missouri for No. 1 in the country with 2.2 interceptions per game, and four players have recorded at least two interceptions.
Wisconsin quarterback Joel Stave has thrown only four picks in five games this season and recognizes the challenge he'll face on Saturday.
"I think they do a good job starting up front pressuring the quarterback," Stave said. "Putting him in uncomfortable situations. That’s when turnovers happen. So we've just got to make sure we're doing a good job protecting. I've got to make sure I'm doing a good job of getting the ball out on time. We've just got to be smart in our route running and catch the ball."
The Badgers have turned the ball over only five times this season, which is the fewest in the Big Ten. However, Wisconsin has fumbled six times and lost only one. Any of those recovered fumbles easily could have gone the other way, and no team will be as opportunistic as Northwestern.
Wildcats coach Pat Fitzgerald credited the coaching of Northwestern defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz, who held the same position at Wisconsin from 2006-07.
"Hank really emphasizes it and so does our entire defensive staff," Fitzgerald said. "Our guys are the ones that own it about working to take the football away. We had a few more that were really close to coming out on Saturday. You've got to give the young men from Ohio State credit. They were able to secure the football.
"We work at it on every play every day and I'm really proud of the job at this point that our guys are doing taking the football away."
Andersen noted he was particularly pleased with the way his running backs had been taught to hold the ball high and tight.
"When you watch practice, you can see how important that is to the running backs and the offense as a whole," Andersen said. "They've done a good job there. I really think we have. You're going to have turnovers when you play almost half the season, but we're doing a good job there. They've got to continue."
Especially on Saturday against Northwestern.
Follow Jesse Temple on Twitter
