MADISON, Wis. - Nebraska hits the road on Saturday trying to end the biggest losing streak in program history.
The Huskers have lost eight straight games dating back to last season, but they've played Wisconsin very close each of the last three meetings.
NU enters today's game in Madison as a 17.5 point underdog, the largest spread the Huskers have faced against the Badgers since joining the Big Ten Conference in 2011.
As things get closer to kickoff, here are today's keys to victory for Nebraska.
KEYS TO VICTORY: Nebraska at Wisconsin
KEY 1: Establish the run early
Last year when Nebraska played Wisconsin, they established the running game early with Devine Ozigbo, but the way the game got out of hand, the Huskers had to ditch the ground game. If they want to have any chance tonight, they have to establish things with Ozigbo, Maurice Washington and quarterback Adrian Martinez.
KEY 2: Defensive run fits
Nebraska's defensive run fits, and their overall tackling on the back end has been a big problem the last two weeks. Teams have been able to gash the Huskers at times, and the linebackers and defensive backs have been out of position, which has led to huge plays. They have to limit Wisconsin's big plays tonight on assignment busts.
KEY 3: Minimize mental errors
The Huskers need to play as Ryan Held said a "clean game." NU is ranked dead last in the Big Ten averaging over 10 penalties per game and nearly 100 yards. This has put Nebraska in a lot of second and third down holes on offense that have been very tough to get out of. With a young quarterback playing at Camp Randall, NU has to put Martinez in favorable situations.
KEY 4: Red zone defense
Wisconsin's offense is going to get in the red zone. That's a given. The Blackshirts need to win on some of these match-ups and hold the Badgers to field goals instead of touchdowns.
KEY 5: Make an early statement
Last week we saw Nebraska's offense get off to great start and drive right down the field and score against Purdue. They need to come out of the gates swinging tonight. A good start will give them their best chance to stay in this game and not let the crowd be a factor. I'll never forget 2016 when NU lost to the Badgers in overtime. It was the first time the Huskers played a game into the fourth quarter at Wisconsin. The crowd was not near the factor we saw in 2011 and 2014.
EXPERT TAKE: Nebraska
Sean Callahan - HuskerOnline Publisher
Nebraska will come out fighting early, and Adrian Martinez will keep Wisconsin's defense off-balanced at times, but the Badgers are too experienced. Wisconsin will pull away in the third quarter and wear down Nebraska's defense with their ground game.
Wisconsin 34, Nebraska 20
##############################
Robin Washut - HuskerOnline Senior Writer
It’s to the point now where it feels difficult Nebraska to win a game, let alone a road contest at Wisconsin, until it shows it can stay out of its own way for once and actually execute up to its perceived potential. I just don’t see that happening tonight against a Badger team with plenty of play for.
Wisconsin 31, Nebraska 14
##############################
Nate Clouse - HuskerOnline Lead Recruiting Analyst
This isn’t the same type of Wisconsin team we’ve seen over the past few seasons. I don’t think they’ve faced a quarterback as dynamic as Adrian Martinez and he could definitely stress the Badger defense. With that being said, I’m still not convinced this Husker team is ready to win against a big-time program in prime time. I think NU keeps it relatively close for most of the game before Wisconsin breaks away for a couple late scores.
Wisconsin 35, Nebraska 20
##############################
Mike'l Severe - Omaha World Herald Bottom Line
I thought this number would be shorter with the grind it out style of Wisconsin. Chinander's plan has to be to stack up the Badgers run game and make Alex Hornibrook beat you downfield. The Badgers pass rush isn't scary, so Adrian Martinez should have time. I think NU keeps it under the number but falls short of win #1.
Wisconsin 34, Nebraska 24
##############################
Andy Kendeigh - KETV Channel 7 Sports Director
If Nebraska has a chance against Wisconsin they are going to have to keep Wisconsin's offense off the field. The Badgers rank 7th in time of possession -- they like those 10, 11, 12 play-clock-chewing drives especially in the second half. If the Huskers can keep the Badgers offense off the field and then maximize their offensive possessions they have a chance.
Wisconsin 34, Nebraska 17
