The Associated Press
Bowling Green (2-1) vs. No. 19 Wisconsin (1-1), Noon ET (ESPN2)
Line: Wisconsin by 27.
Series Record: Wisconsin leads 3-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Bowling Green beat Indiana for the Falcons’ first win over a Big Ten team since defeating Minnesota in 2007. Upsetting Wisconsin on the road would really have ripple effects on the already struggling Big Ten. But this is unlikely to happen against the Badgers, who have won 30 straight home nonconference games. They’re looking to get the running game back on track.
KEY MATCHUP
Wisconsin defense vs. Bowling Green’s pace. The breakneck Falcons ran a school-record 113 plays in last week’s win over the Hoosiers. But this time they’re going to have to pull it off on the road. The Badgers like to rotate players, and coach Gary Andersen says communication will be important while loud fans try to distract Bowling Green.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bowling Green: QB James Knapke set school records with 46 completions on 73 attempts against Indiana, throwing for 395 yards and three touchdowns. Facing Wisconsin’s defense at Camp Randall Stadium will be a much tougher test.
Wisconsin: Star RB Melvin Gordon is coming off a subpar outing after rushing for just 38 yards on 17 carries two weekends ago after lower division Western Illinois stacked the box. Gordon might be looking forward to facing a Falcons defense that allowed 190 yards rushing and three touchdowns to Indiana’s Tevin Coleman last week.
FACTS & FIGURES
Teams last met in 2006, a 35-14 Wisconsin victory. … Bowling Green got banner days against Indiana from Roger Lewis, who had a career-high 16 catches for 149 yards; and Tyler Tate, who kicked a career-best four field goals. … The victory over the Hoosiers was the first for the school against a Power Five program since beating Pittsburgh in 2008. … Wisconsin has won its last six games following a bye week by an average of 34.3 points. … Badgers hope QB Tanner McEvoy can build on strong outing in second career start, when threw a school-record 17 straight completions.
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