If you’ve been in the stands lately, you know what time it is. It’s not simply October and it’s not just game time. It’s time to move the chain!
Wisconsin’s defensive chain, that is.
When the Wildcats square off against the Badgers this Saturday, we’ll be bringing our two-quarterback system to push us down the field. But Wisconsin will employ a unique weapon to counter ours: a 3-4 defensive lineup.
This formation means that the front row of the defense consists of three players: two defensive ends and one nose tackle. Right behind them is a string of four linebackers. The four remaining players, called defensive backs, are scattered near this central structure.
Having these big seven players in the middle makes the 3-4 scheme an ideal opportunity to perform a blitz. In a blitz, defensive players, usually the linebackers but sometimes the safeties, reveal their offensive side by rushing the quarterback in an attempt to knock him down or cause him to make a mistake.
For both Northwestern and Wisconsin, a blitz is dicey. It runs the risk of an interruption of Kain Colter’s or Trevor Siemian’s pass; it also puts more of Wisconsin’s focus on the quarterback, so a Wildcat receiver could be left wide open. The Badgers haven’t consistently used a blitz, but with what we now know about their set up, they could pull one at any time.
To be prepared, the Wildcat offense- and those of you watching- should beware of top linebacker Chris Borland, jersey number 44. He has 46 tackles in total so far this 2013 season, and in his last game against Ohio State, this senior alone racked up 16 tackles. At 5’11’’ and 246 pounds, his strength and durability will be the key to a successful defensive chain, unless if we can limit him.
Switching to Wisconsin’s attack, wide reciever Jared Abbrederis is another player to keep tabs on. Three years ago he was a walk-on, and now Abbrederis is a top receiver in the Big 10 Conference. His tenacity shone in his Ohio State game when he completed 10 catches, covered 207 yards and even scored a touchdown; we won’t expect him to go down without a fight.
Both teams are fresh off losses from fellow Big 10 powerhouse Ohio State. Northwestern, however, gained the lead for a considerable portion of the game last Saturday whereas Wisconsin failed to get ahead at all in their matchup against the Buckeyes.
The last time these two met, Northwestern came up short in a 70-23 defeat. This weekend, the Wildcats have a better record and something to prove.
They’re ready to move the chain!