Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Wisconsin Badgers Picks and Predictions November 23rd 2024

Nebraska, Wisconsin Adjust Offenses Ahead of Big Ten Matchup

Two Big Ten programs in transition meet on Saturday when Nebraska hosts Wisconsin in Lincoln, Neb. Both teams are 5-5 and battling for bowl eligibility, but recent shake-ups on their respective coaching staffs have added an extra layer of intrigue.

Wisconsin’s Sudden Shift

Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell made a bold move following the Badgers’ narrow 16-13 loss to No. 1 Oregon last Saturday, dismissing offensive coordinator Phil Longo. The Badgers had held a 13-6 lead midway through the third quarter but faltered offensively, gaining just 21 yards in the fourth quarter as the Ducks completed a comeback.

Fickell described the change as necessary for “moving forward.”

“It’s not about play calls, it’s not about points scored, it’s not about touchdowns,” Fickell said. “It’s moving forward with leadership, and that’s, to me, what we have to do and why we’re doing it right now.”

The decision comes during a rough stretch for the Badgers, who have lost three straight games while scoring a combined 36 points. Compounding the problem, Wisconsin has been without starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke since Week 3 due to a knee injury. Backup Braedyn Locke has struggled, completing 55 percent of his passes for 1,514 yards with 9 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.

Nebraska Welcomes Holgorsen’s Expertise

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule also made a significant change, bringing in veteran coach Dana Holgorsen to revamp the Cornhuskers’ offense. Holgorsen, who spent 13 seasons as a head coach at West Virginia and Houston, joined Nebraska during the bye week. His insights impressed Rhule enough to move Holgorsen into the offensive coordinator role, while previous play-caller Marcus Satterfield transitioned to coaching tight ends.

Holgorsen’s debut came in last week’s 28-20 loss to Southern California, Nebraska’s fourth straight defeat. While the offense showed flashes, a late interception from freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola in the end zone sealed the loss. Nebraska had driven 56 yards in 13 plays before the turnover on its final drive.

“We left a lot out there offensively,” Rhule said. “The offense is at some point here going to really take off with the kind of direction we’re headed.”

The Cornhuskers are averaging 23.2 points per game, slightly below Wisconsin’s 23.9.

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Key Matchups to Watch

1. Braedyn Locke vs. Nebraska’s Secondary
   Locke has been inconsistent, but Nebraska’s defense could give him opportunities. The Cornhuskers have allowed critical big plays during their losing streak.
2. Dylan Raiola’s Growth
   The freshman quarterback will need to avoid mistakes, particularly in the red zone, to give Nebraska a chance to snap its skid. Holgorsen’s offensive system will be tested against a Wisconsin defense that has kept games close.
3. Ground Game Battle
   Both offenses lean heavily on the run, and controlling the line of scrimmage will be pivotal. Nebraska’s success could depend on running back Anthony Grant, while Wisconsin hopes to establish its physical rushing attack.

What’s at Stake

With identical 5-5 records, both teams are fighting to reach six wins and secure bowl eligibility. Nebraska hasn’t made a bowl appearance since 2016, and Wisconsin’s postseason streak dating back to 2002 is on the line.