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Wisconsin Battles Evanston Curse Against Northwestern

Cam Porter | Northwestern RB #1 — © David Banks-Imagn Images

The Wisconsin Badgers (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten Conference) face the Northwestern Wildcats (3-3, 1-2) at noon EST on Oct. 19 at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Ill. Both teams are coming off road wins, with Wisconsin defeating Purdue (1-5, 0-3) 42-7, and Northwestern beating Maryland (3-3, 0-3) 37-10. Can the Badgers break the "Evanston jinx" that has plagued them in the past?

The Stakes

Wisconsin looks to extend its winning streak to three games and set up a marquee matchup against No. 3 Penn State (6-0, 3-0) on Oct. 26 at Camp Randall Stadium. Despite being a seven-point favorite, according to Action Network, Badgers fans know to disregard the point spread when Wisconsin plays Northwestern on the road. The Badgers are 5-9 in their last 14 games in Evanston. Will the venue change from Ryan Field, which is under renovation, to Martin Stadium make a difference?

Northwestern celebrates TD in 2014 home game against the Wisconsin Badgers — © Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

Aside from a trip to Purdue, Northwestern faces a tough remaining conference schedule, with its other five opponents holding a combined record of 18-6. The Wildcats need a home win against Wisconsin to keep hopes of a six- or seven-win season alive. Northwestern's offense, ranked 129th out of 134 FBS teams in yards per game (269.8), must find a way to be more effective against the Badgers.

Key Players: Wisconsin Badgers

Wide Receiver Trech Kekahuna

With starting slot receiver Will Pauling leaving the Rutgers (4-2, 1-2) game due to an upper-body injury and likely questionable for Northwestern, Kekahuna will need to play a key role. Northwestern, ranked 17th in the Big Ten in passing yards allowed per game (261.2), presents an opportunity for Kekahuna to replicate his performance against Purdue when Pauling was also injured. Kekahuna had 6 catches for 134 yards and 2 TDs in the win over the Boilermakers.

Linebacker Christian Alliegro

Alliegro has seen his snap count rise over the past three games, logging a season-high 32 snaps in the win over Rutgers. While he needs to improve his tackling, Alliegro’s athletic traits are undeniable, and he consistently finds ways to make plays. Though starting ILBs Jaheim Thomas and Jake Chaney have been solid, expect the Badgers' coaching staff to increase Alliegro's playing time, aiming for 40-45 snaps in this game.

Christian Alliegro | Wisconsin LB #28 — © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Key Players: Northwestern Wildcats

Running Back Cam Porter

With a struggling passing game, Northwestern needs to get Porter going against a Wisconsin defense that allows nearly 200 rushing yards per game (193.2) to have a chance at winning. Porter excels at running inside the "A" gaps (either side of the center), where he averages nearly 6 yards per carry.

Cornerback Theran Johnson

Johnson is a defensive leader, ranking first in pass deflections (9) and second in tackles (24). Though he's allowed 20 completions on 41 targets (48.8 percent), he stepped up against Maryland, giving up just 4 receptions for 36 yards on 12 targets. Facing a Wisconsin offense that has produced 16 explosive passing plays (15-plus yards) in the last two games, the Wildcats will need Johnson to limit completions when targeted.

Trends to Watch

Wisconsin has recorded 22 consecutive winning seasons since 2002, the longest streak among Power Four teams. Coach Luke Fickell holds a 65-18 record since 2018, with his 65 wins ranking fourth among active FBS head coaches during that span.

Game Prediction

Despite Maryland outgaining Northwestern in first downs (25-10), the Wildcats capitalized on 4 turnovers for a decisive victory. Wisconsin's defense continues to improve each week and should exploit Northwestern's struggling offense. No Evanston jinx is expected here, as the Badgers are poised to secure their third straight double-digit win.

Prediction: Wisconsin 30, Northwestern 13.