Game 2 Showdown: Badgers vs. Cougars - Where to Watch, Kickoff Time, and More
Kickoff Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023
Start Time: 7:30 PM Eastern Time
Venue: Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington
Broadcast Channel: ABC
Streaming Service: ESPN App
A Redemption Arc for the Wisconsin Badgers?
If you're a Wisconsin Badgers football fan, you don't need a refresher on the emotional gut-punch that was last year's loss to the Washington State Cougars. It was the game that nearly collapsed the Paul Chryst era and sent Badger nation into collective despair. Well, now it's round two and this time, the Badgers aim to rewrite the script.
Fresh off an unconvincing win over Buffalo, the Badgers have no time to celebrate—they're locking horns with the Cougars this Saturday at 7:30 PM EST. This match marks their first road game of the season.
Sep 2, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell talks in a huddle during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bulls at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Setting the Stage for a Saturday Showdown
Now, let's talk numbers. In their initial game against Buffalo, the Badgers could muster zero sacks and just 16 pressures. Contrast this with Cougars' QB Cameron Ward's dazzling stats in his team's opener—451 yards and three touchdowns. Ward is the linchpin of the Cougars' offense, an offense known for its aerial potency since the Mike Leach era began in 2012. To turn the tide, Wisconsin's defense needs to amp up their intensity.
Cameron Ward: The Quarterback Wisconsin Needs to Contain
Cougar's quarterback Cameron Ward has many in the Badger nation worried, and for good reason. His college career took off with a strong start, he quickly became an All-Pac-12 Conference Honorable Mention and an Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Semifinalist. He started all 13 games, completing 320 of 497 passes for 3,231 yards and 23 touchdowns. His performance also landed him on the 2022 Maxwell Award Watch List.
The Texas native also boasts a superb high school resume. Prior to WSU, he had an impressive tenure at Incarnate Word, where he was named to the FCS All-American Second Team and was a Walter Payton Award Finalist. He broke multiple UIW records and led the team to a Southland Conference Championship. In his freshman year, he won the 2021 Jerry Rice Award for the most outstanding freshman player in FCS Football. Ward later played at Columbia High School in Texas, throwing for over 1,000 yards both as a junior and senior and earning first-team all-district as a QB.
Crucial Tactical Considerations
As good as the Cougars have been offensively, they've struggled on defense, ranking 92nd overall. They're notably weak against the pass, which could provide an avenue for the Badgers to exploit. If Wisconsin can put the Cougars' secondary under pressure, it could be a significant factor in determining Saturday's outcome. Both teams aim to build upon their respective week-one victories, each showing distinct areas for improvement.
The defensive metrics for Washington State paint a complex picture. While they've been solid against the run, their pass defense needs substantial work. This could be the key that Wisconsin needs to exploit, particularly if they're able to step up their game defensively from last week.
The Badgers offense was off to a beautiful start, running backs Chez Mellusi and Braelon Allen collectively ran for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. These are numbers that should make any offensive coordinator grin, and Phil Longo was undoubtedly pleased. If they keep up the momentum this weekend it will certainly help the Badgers on their path to redemption.
Final Thoughts
The Badgers have every reason to come into this matchup laser-focused. They’ve had a taste of defeat at the hands of the Cougars, and it wasn’t sweet. But what matters is how you bounce back, how you adapt, and how you seize the day when it comes your way. As we head into this Saturday, all eyes will be on these two teams, each vying for victory at the other’s expense. Will the Badgers avenge last year's loss, or will the Cougars maintain their winning momentum? Only time will tell.
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