Quarterback Bart Houston’s long wait is over. Houston will start his first game at quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers today, when they square off against the LSU Tigers in their season opener at Lambeau Field (2:30 p.m.).
Houston, who was named after former Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr, will take to the field where Starr became famous.
Houston beat out red shirt freshman Alex Hornibrook in a close battle for the job. Now he begins his quest to see if he can lead Badgers to an upset in today’s opener. Wisconsin enters the game double digit underdogs (10 1/2 pts.).
But Wisconsin certainly doesn’t want to put everything on the back of Houston. To have a chance to beat the Tigers, the Badgers will have to run the football effectively, which then opens up play action. And on defense, Wisconsin will have to effectively handle LSU tailback Leonard Fournette, who many believe is the best back in all of college football.
Last year, Fournette rushed for 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns in 12 games. Wisconsin defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said Fournette broke more tackles than any other back in all of college football last season.
AUDIO: Justin Wilcox on Leonard Fournette :11
The key for the Badgers against Fournette is to swarm to the ball and don’t miss tackles.
AUDIO: LB Chris Orr says they need to swarm to Fournette to hold him in check :16
The Badgers will have to play a complete game on both sides of the ball. The defense will need to play well, but the offense will need to keep drives alive and don’t give the ball back to the Tigers. If Wisconsin can’t manage time of possession, then the Badger defense will wear down.
If the Badgers can manage the ball and the clock, and keep Fournette in check, they’ll have a chance to pull off the upset. Wisconsin has one of the toughest schedules in college football, but a victory over LSU today would certainly improve the forecast moving forward.
