By Andrew Bailie Posted on

Washington vs. Wisconsin preview: Three things to watch

The Washington Huskies enter week 11 rested and rejuvenated, as they head to Wisconsin to face the Badgers. The Huskies will enter the game with momentum after a big win in week nine over 23rd-ranked Illinois. Washington is now ranked 23rd in the first College Football Playoff rankings by the selection committee. The Huskies will look to continue to prove they belong among the nation’s best teams with a win on the road at Wisconsin. Here are three things to watch for in Saturday’s game.

Washington looks to be sharper on the road against Wisconsin

The Huskies are double-digit favorites against the Badgers going into this weekend’s matchup. Although they are heavily favored to win, Washington has struggled on the road in conference games this year. The Huskie have scored just seven points combined in the first half of their games at Michigan and Maryland. Coming off a bye, expect the Huskies to have a good game plan for Saturday’s game against Wisconsin as they look to avoid a slow start.

Washington faces a Wisconsin team still searching for answers

The Badgers come into this game fresh off a bye, after falling to Oregon 21-7. They held the Ducks to just seven points in the first half and gave up just 132 yards passing for the game. Wisconsin struggled offensively, scoring just seven points, as it had difficulty moving the ball. Overall teh Badgers have been held to 14 points or fewer in each of their games since week three. The Badgers have lost six straight games, and their last win was against Middle Tennessee State on September 6th.

Washington’s defense hopes to create more turnovers

When the Huskies have played on the road this season, they have been spectacular when it comes to creating turnovers. Washington has forced four turnovers in their three games away from Husky Stadium. The Dawgs will look to take advantage of Wisconsin’s tendency to be sloppy with the football on Saturday. The Badgers are -8 in turnover margin, among the worst in the FBS. Overall, they have turned the ball over 12 times in eight games.

The Huskies look to build off the Illinois game and avoid penalties

Washington forced Illinois QB Luke Altmyer to throw two interceptions for the first time all season. The Huskies will look to be aggressive and attack the football on Saturday and flip the momentum in their favor. The Huskies will need to avoid penalties after having two interceptions called back in their game against the Illini. The two penalties allowed Illinois to keep the ball and score touchdowns. Washington must be more disciplined on Saturday to avoid those mistakes.

The Huskies’ QB Demond Williams faces another hostile environment

QB Demond Williams will need to do a better job of handling a noisy road crowd against Wisconsin. When Washington played at Michigan, Williams threw three uncharacteristic and costly interceptions. Williams also had an interception on the road against Maryland. The last time Williams played turnover-free on the road was in week four at Washington State. The Huskies need to find a way to make their sophomore QB more comfortable playing outside of Husky Stadium.

To take the pressure off Williams, Washington needs to protect him and run more

Williams was resilient in week nine against Illinois, as he threw four touchdowns and had no interceptions. He was helped by his running back Jonah Coleman, who ran for 75 yards on 14 carries. The Huskies saw the return of two key offensive linemen in LT Carver Willis and LG John Mills. Washington did not allow a sack against Illinois, with the offensive line close to full strength. The Huskies will have their best blocking tight end, Quentin Moore, back this week. With Moore returning, Washington will have its healthiest offensive line since week five.

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