Wisconsin Football: 5 things Badgers have to do to win Big Ten West

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MADISON, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 30: Tyler Goodson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs for yards during a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. The Badgers defeated the Hawkeyes 27-7. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Things Badgers have to do to win Big Ten West: Keep things in front of them on the outside

Wisconsin’s opponents have learned the hard way that it’s nearly impossible to run plays into the heart of the defense. Their front seven is dominant and refuses to allow even the smallest of cracks.

This has forced them to turn to the outside and target the secondary while spreading the Badgers’ defense out. Starting cornerbacks Faion Hicks and Caesar Williams have struggled at times this year, often getting too handsy and awarding offenses big chunks of yards with defensive pass interference flags.

Michigan is a perfect example of what the Badgers shouldn’t do. The Badgers held them to just 13 first-half points and trailed 13-10 following the second quarter. Then, Michigan figured out they could spread Wisconsin out and the big plays ensued. The Wolverines scored 25 second-half points and routed the Badgers who were unable to keep up. The secondary has to ensure they keep the ball in front of them and not give up huge chunk plays.

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