Illinois Football: Preview of the Wisconsin offense against the Illini

The Illinois football team has a tough test this weekend, as we take on the Wisconsin Badgers on the road.

It has always been tough for the Illini to beat Wisconsin no matter where the game is played. We have had one win over the Badgers since 2003. The last time we beat Wisconsin in Madison was November 19, 2002, as well.

This could help change the trend of this matchup. Illinois has a chance to pull off a win, but we are going to need to stop the Badgers’ offense.

Here is a preview of the Wisconsin offense against the Illinois football team.

Strengths

I believe this is your standard Wisconsin Badgers football team. Their strengths are the obvious ones. They have a great running game and hogs up front to open running lanes.

Running back Braelon Allen came into the season as one of the best ball carriers in the country. He has proved himself early on with 73 carries for 497 yards and six touchdowns. His 6.8 yards per carry average is quite impressive.

Blocking for Allen are some really big offensive linemen that Wisconsin traditionally has. Illinois is going to have a tough time getting round linemen like Tyler Beach and Jack Nelson. Despite the Badgers’ offensive line being a little inexperienced, I still think they are a tough group to handle.

Weaknesses

It is hard to say this after what he has done to Illinois in the past, but quarterback Graham Mertz is the weakness for Wisconsin.

Mertz doesn’t have terrible numbers this season, but they are a bit skewed due to a thumping of New Mexico State. But, even in that game, Mertz threw an interception. He is prone to turning the ball over.

Illinois is to thank for Mertz’s emergence as the Wisconsin quarterback. His first start back in 2020 was against the Illini, and he threw for 248 yards and five touchdowns. He hasn’t had a game anywhere near those numbers since.

For his career, Mertz has thrown for 26 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. If you take away that Illinois game, he is at 21 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. On top of that, Mertz has thrown an interception in 13 out of his 26 starts.

Confidence

I think this is a chance for Illinois to turn the tables on Wisconsin and get a big road win. The Illini defense is what will get us the victory.

Illinois has done a great job shutting down both the pass and the run this season. We are giving up 94.3 yards per game on the ground and 180.0 yards per game through the air, which ranks No. 16 and No. 21, respectively.

If we can load up the box and shut down Allen, then we have a solid chance to win. I believe our secondary will create a turnover or two, which will turn momentum. This could be a low-scoring game, but I think we can come out victorious.