Wisconsin secondary vs. Akron passing game.
The Badger’s defense made an outstanding debut when they played against the Tigers, and the Badgers secondary has three first-year starters which they all can use the experience to a face a more pass-orientated attack against the Zips. When asked about how the Zips performed here is what Akron coach Terry Bowden had to say, “We’re headed exactly where this program needs to head,” Bowden said — he also acknowledged that they haven’t really proven anything yet.
He also talks about how he wants to sustain a winning record at Akron here is what he had to say, “Our next goal is to sustain winning,” said Bowden, the son of retired legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden. “That’s the next phase of our program. We got to a winning record, but one season doesn’t a dynasty make.”
Thomas Woodson won MAC Offensive Player of the week where he threw a career-high of 407 yards and even set a school-record of scoring six touchdowns against VMI. Wisconsin QB senior Bart Houston had a couple of great moments against LSU despite throwing two interceptions which was very dangerous to throw luckily the Tigers did not capitalize off of that Houston has the arms but needs more experience.
The last time these two teams met was back in 2008, and Akron lost at the Camp Randall Stadium 38-17. Akron has been 1-24 since 1979 against a team that is ranked either in the AP Top 25 or the coaches’ poll, the only victory the Akron has against an AP Top 25 opponent was against Marshall back on November 2, 2002. Terry Bowden career is 20-30 while being the head coach at Akron for four-plus seasons. However, Wisconsin is looking forward to its 36th straight win in a nonconference home game, and its 21st straight win in a home opener.
The unique thing about the Wisconson Badgers is that they have held their last nine nonconference opponents at Camp Randall Stadium to only averaging 5.6 points per game which are pretty remarkable. Badgers TE Troy Fumagalli’s made history last Saturday against LSU by having 100-yard receiving game which is the first time a TE to have that many yards since Lance Kendricks who had 103 back in 2010 against Austin Peay. Running Back Corey Clement is just 197 yards away to becoming the 16th player in the school history to rush for 2,000 career yards.
The Zip passing game was a shout against VMI last week with Thomas Woodson completing 72% of his passes and throwing for 407 yards and six touchdowns including a pick. However, the Akron defense will not be good enough especially with running up against the Badgers. However, can the Badgers handle Thomas Woodson with him applying pressure in their secondary that is the only concern for them despite what have happened in Lambeau Field against LSU?
My prediction, Akron ground game will not exist. The Zips have only averaged 5.2 yards per carry in last week’s game against VMI, but that is not going to happen against the Badgers D that kept the best running back in college football, but Akron is not going to run for 100 yards.
The Wisconsin Badgers will face the Akron Zips on Saturday, September 10, 2016, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI kickoff is scheduled at 3 pm CT.
