Fresh off a 73-0 shellacking of UL Monroe last week, Alabama football will hope to stack another good performance and move to 2-1 ahead of a timely bye week.
Whether or not this team turned the corner last week should be determined this week with the Big Ten's Wisconsin coming to Tuscaloosa. While the Badgers are not considered a top team in their conference, they are certainly good enough to expose a lack of effort and preparation if the same Alabama team that traveled to Tallahassee reveals its ugly head again.
This is the return trip of a home-and-home series between the two. Last season, Alabama traveled to Camp Randall Stadium and walked away with a dominant 42-10 win over Wisconsin. The Badgers suffered an early injury to starting QB Tyler Van Dyke in that game. Heading into this year's matchup, Wisconsin is dealing with a QB injury again.
Starting QB Billy Edwards Jr., a Maryland transfer, suffered an injury in Wisconsin's Week 1 win over Miami (OH). They are better equipped to deal with a QB injury this year - San Diego State transfer Danny O'Neill has been more than capable in Edwards' stead.
We spoke with Badger of Honor site expert Mark Knight to go behind enemy lines and get the inside scoop on Luke Fickell's team this year. According to Knight, Alabama is going to see a very different Wisconsin this season than they did a year ago.
Wisconsin site expert thinks Alabama should be ready for a fight
What makes this Wisconsin team different from the one Alabama demolished last season?
Knight:
Luke Fickell realized very quickly what was going to be a problem last year, and this year he went in and adjusted it. The offensive identity, play-calling, and game plan just didn't work. Phil Longo was fired, and Wisconsin brought in Jeff Grimes. This will be a pretty stark difference from last year. There will be an emphasis on a balanced attack, and as we saw last week, he's comfortable adjusting the game plan when things are working the way they should.
On the defensive side, Fickell was also frustrated with the defensive line and its ability to stop the run. He built a new line around bigger bodies and linebackers that could fly into holes. It's worked so far this year, something that Kalen DeBoer noted; they went from averaging over 120 rushing yards per game in the first two games (even against inferior opponents) last season. This year, Miami (OH) ran for 34 yards, and Middle Tennessee ran for 33. It's a huge improvement and will look much different to Bama fans.
Who is Wisconsin's best offensive weapon? Defensive?
Knight:
The unit to watch on the offensive side of the ball is the running back room. There are three guys that can tote the rock, but the problem for the Badgers so far is they keep shuffling the offensive line. So the stats are underwhelming, but shortly, there will be a breakout performance from one of those. The guy to watch is Dilin Jones.
Defensively, it's "The Mechanic" Safety Preston Zachman. He had two interceptions in the first game of the year and flies all over the field. Though, with how Alabama is still figuring out the offensive line a bit, I'd watch for Louisville transfer Mason Reiger. He's been in the backfield so much in the first two games. He creates a lot of pressure.
Who are a couple of players Alabama fans haven't heard of that will make an impact on this game?
Knight:
The player that may interest Alabama fans is true freshman Eugene Hilton Jr., who is the son of TY Hilton, a former NFL great who spent a lot of time with the Indianapolis Colts. He has already earned a role in the rotation of the wide receivers because he's that electric. Christian Alliegro is another player who will be making tackles all over the field. He's got a natural nose for the ball.
What's your prediction for the game?
Knight:
The problem with this game is that Florida State already surprised Alabama, and now the sleeping giant is awake and angry. The talent gap is pretty big between the two teams. Wisconsin will come in hungry and will keep the game closer than many Alabama fans will want. However, for absolute fear of another upset happening to them, the second half Alabama will pull away.
Pick: Alabama 34, Wisconsin 17