Sep 29, 2012; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez (3) runs over Wisconsin Badgers defender Michael Trotter (43) at Memorial Stadium in the first half. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-US PRESSWIRE

A Nebraska versus Wisconsin rematch. A rematch anticipated since the Cornhuskers and the Badgers played in their Big Ten opener way back on Sept. 29th. This may be a rematch, but the game is definitely not a rerun.

Wisconsin capitalized on Big Red mistakes to go up 27-10 in the first round with Nebraska, until the Huskers ripped off 20 unanswered points as they mounted the second-largest comeback victory in school history.

A lot has happened since the last meeting between these two teams. And each team has changed as the year went on.

Following the Wisconsin game, Nebraska came out strong in the first quarter with Ohio State before the wheels totally came off  and the Buckeyes laid down 63 points. Coach Bo Pelini said after the game that Nebraska needed to win out the remaining games on the schedule to get to the Big Ten Championship. People seemed to snicker at the statement. Pelini was criticized by media and fans, and people started speculating on replacements for him.

Nebraska did just what Pelini said, winning six in a row in varying fashions. No running back Rex Burkhead. Overcoming three more double-digit deficits. Overcoming mistakes. Overcoming hurricane-force winds at Iowa. Coming together as a team instead of giving up when the opposition seemed insurmountable. Nebraska comes into the title game 10-2 with losses to undefeated Ohio State and PAC 12 South champ UCLA.

Wisconsin took a different path. Following the defeat at Nebraska, the Badgers had a cakewalk of Illinois, Purdue and Minnesota. Record-breaking, All-American running back Montee Ball got healthier as the year went on, yet Wisconsin ended three of its last four games in overtime losses.  The lone bright spot during that stretch was a 62-14 victory over Indiana to clinch a Big Ten Championship berth. A berth taken by the third-best team in the Leaders Division due to Ohio State and Penn State being on probation and unable to participate in postseason play. Wisconsin enters the title game 7-5 with one win over a team with a winning record, Utah State.

This history lesson is just how the teams got here. Things still need to be played out on the field. So here’s the breakdown.

Wisconsin

What’s New?

Quarterback: Michigan State knocked Joel Stave out for the year. Stave hurt Nebraska in the first half of the opener before the Huskers dropped off from run defense to respect the pass a little more. Stave had tremendous pocket presence and just enough speed to elude rushers. But he’s not playing. Backup transfer Danny O’Brien has been a huge disappointment this season, so coach Bret Bielema decided to go with fifth-year senior Curt Phillips. Phillips has had three ACL surgeries on the same knee and hadn’t played much since 2009. He’s managed the games he’s played in, but his passing numbers have been less than impressive. Of course, he hasn’t been asked to do a whole lot other than hand off. Of course, maybe Wisconsin wins those close OT games with less conservative QB play.

Running Back: As previously stated, Ball was still affected by an injury suffered early in the year the last time these teams met. He’s definitely back to full speed, rushing for nearly 200 yards against both Indiana and Ohio State. The Badgers’ offensive philosophy hasn’t changed much: Road grade the defense and run, run, run. What’s new is that Ball isn’t the only back getting carries. After the coordinator change, Wisconsin seemingly realized that they had James White, the 2010 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, still on the team. Speedy White has a skill set similar to Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah. A great change of pace from Ball, White can – and has – hit a home run from anywhere on the field. Backup Melvin Gordon, a bit larger than White, has also seen spot duty against teams that can’t find an answer for the run game.

Tight End: Another weapon that didn’t see any productivity in Lincoln is Jacob Pedersen. He came on with big games later in the year with 65 yards and a TD against Michigan State and 66 yards and a TD against Ohio State, earning All-Big Ten First Team honors.

Uniforms: No alternates this time around for the teams with nearly identical uniforms. Wisconsin will be in home jerseys in this one. Just like a Red-White Game. This is where Nebraska not having a spring game this season could really hurt them.

 Injuries

Wisconsin has been getting healthy at just the right time this week. Star linebacker Chris Borland has been hampered by a hamstring injury and may be slowed a bit on Saturday. No. 1 receiver Jared Abberderis has been suffering from a concussion. And starting right tackle Rob Havenstein has been battling a knee injury. All players have been cleared to play, but may not be 100 percent.

Keys To The Game

The Passing Game: Wisconsin needs to keep the Blackshirts honest. Pelini’s defense will allow some short and intermediate plays if it means putting a stranglehold on your big-play capability. Big plays through the air are going to be key. At the same time, interceptions would absolutely kill the Badgers. Phillips to Abberderis will be the connection to watch for. Pedersen could also come up huge on third downs. Converting third and longs will help keep the powerful Nebraska offense off the field. Don’t let Nebraska dictate when the Badgers pass. Avoid Eric Martin.

Fresh Legs: Dig deep into that stable of running backs and offensive linemen. Wear out Nebraska’s depleted front four. Get linemen to the second level and run with anyone who can suit up and hold a ball. Don’t settle for field goals in the red zone.

Mistakes: Nebraska will make mistakes, capitalize on them. Get points off of turnovers. Avoid drive-extending/drive-killing penalties.

Take An Early Lead: Nebraska will score. Wisconsin already got burned in the first game against the Big Red. Nebraska will also try to take an early lead to neutralize the running game. If Wisconsin goes down by three scores this one may be over. Running is the Badgers’ strength and running out the clock for your opponent isn’t a great idea.

X-Factor

The Trenches: Nebraska has key injuries at the heart of its offensive and defensive lines. Wisconsin is known for its linemen. The Badgers may be able to expose those areas to break long runs on offense, and stop Nebraska’s plays in the backfield before they start on defense.

Nebraska

What’s New?

Running Back: Burkhead and Abdullah were both in the game against Wisconsin back in September, so that’s not new. What is new is a confidence that Abdullah can carry the load against any team in the Big Ten. This means that the Badgers have to prepare for both RBs as if that guy will be the starter. Throw in a healthy Braylon Heard as a change of pace, and Imani Cross as the short-yardage pounder in lieu of the fullback. That’s a lot to prepare for, and that’s just one position. Not to mention that fullback Mike Marrow may be back from injury and Marrow seemed to carry the rock better than the other options at FB.

Receiver: Nebraska really spread the ball around on Wisconsin in round one. The biggest difference between now and then would be the emergence of Jamal Turner as a clutch receiver. Somewhere along the line it seems like a switch flipped for Turner and he has been much improved in running routes and catching the ball. Tim Marlowe has been dealing with a shoulder injury all season and may also add to the wideouts Wisconsin has to contend with.

Defensive Line: Cameron Meredith has been playing more tackle than end as of late. Martin has evolved into a dynamite defensive end.

Linebacker: Nebraska has finally settled on a rotation of Will Compton, Sean Fisher and Alonzo Whaley that seems to be working. Tackling has much improved as the year has progressed. Redshirt freshman David Santos has also seen some spot duty. Santos flies around and has a nose for blowing up lead blocks; he could have a nice performance against the Wisconsin run game if he sees the field.

Secondary: Ciante Evans has become a solid nickelback. Cornerback by committee is the norm and has been working for the Blackshirts. Great coverage has been bearing fruit in the form of interceptions as the season progressed.

Playing Indoors: Teams play faster indoors. While this will help Wisconsin’s RBs, Nebraska has a lot more weapons and a better capability to get the ball to them.

Injuries

Where Wisconsin is getting healthy, Nebraska has had some injuries at the core of its lines. Anchor defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler has suffered a knee injury and will not play the remainder of the year. Center Justin Jackson has an injured ankle and will not play. Nebraska has yet to settle on a replacement between Mark Pelini and Cole Pensick. Pelini is a bit undersized but is very intelligent; he had offers to play at Ivy League schools. Pelini came in on short notice for the majority of the Iowa game. Pensick has been seeing relief duty at guard and is considered the better physical specimen between the two. Both will play in a rotation at center. Expect the Huskers to settle on one or the other sometime in the first half. Fullback Mike Marrow might return from a knee injury, but may not see much action. Receiver Tim Marlowe is still dealing with a shoulder injury, although he does not appear on the injury report. No. 1 receiver Kenny Bell has a neck injury, but that is not expected to keep him sidelined. Bo Pelini said that Rex Burkhead is 100 percent during Friday’s press conference.

Keys To The Game

Score Early And Often: Everyone is wondering whether Nebraska can stop the Wisconsin running game. No one seems to be asking whether Wisconsin can slow down the Nebraska offense. Wisconsin isn’t built to overcome large deficits. The Huskers need to score touchdowns and not field goals around the goal line.

Execute: Receivers need to catch the ball. Taylor Martinez needs to play smart. The defense needs to make tackles. Keep Ball and White from breaking big runs. Avoid blown coverages and get lined up correctly.

Mistakes: Fumbles and drive-killing penalties hurt Nebraska in the Iowa game. Untimely turnovers have plagued Nebraska throughout the season on what should be routine plays.

Control Wisconsin’s Dimensions: Force Wisconsin to be one-dimensional. Put pressure on Phillips with hits, sacks and interceptions. Keep the Badger defense off balance with big plays on the ground and through the air. Take the lead and make Wisconsin run when they need to pass.

 X-Factor

Taylor Martinez: The talk of Burkhead and Abdullah is all well and good, but the true wild card in all this is the play of Martinez. Martinez has the ability to rip off a 75-yard run while Wisconsin is worrying about Nebraska’s other weapons. He needs to be an accurate passer and to make good reads on zone-read handoffs. Martinez also needs to avoid throwing the ball up for grabs or putting the ball on the ground if Wisconsin should unexpectedly break through Nebraska’s patchwork offensive line.

By Steve Siedlik

Bruce Thorson-US PRESSWIRE

Jimmie Allen and John Ackeren break down the Huskers win over Penn State. The guys also look at bowl possibilities, discuss if a B1G Title is tainted, and look forward to Minnesota.

November 3, 2012; East Lansing, MI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez (3) runs the ball during 2nd half at Spartan Stadium against the Michigan State Spartans. Nebraska won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE

Well Husker fans, Nebraska squeaked out another win, this time against Michigan State. Nebraska is now 7-0 all-time against the Spartans. This marks the third time this season that Nebraska has had a double-digit comeback. That’s enough for one season, guys. Just lead the entire time for the rest of the year. Let’s get right down to business.

First Down: Dr. Taylor and Mr. Martinez.

It’s nothing new. When Taylor Martinez is good, he’s one of the most exciting players in college football, but when he’s bad, he’s really terrible. He still catches heat from Nebraska fans. Some is deserved and some isn’t. People claim that he makes the same mistakes he’s made all of his college career. That’s not necessarily true.

Martinez has improved. Sure he still occasionally chicken-wings the ball, throws off his back foot, inexplicably throws to a defender, fumbles or pitches the ball back-handed nine yards down the field into coverage – honestly, this isn’t supposed to sound like I’m bashing him – but he’s made many improvements.

He has a short memory when it comes to mistakes, his throwing percentage has gone up 10 percent, he’s running smarter, his play fakes are improving, his throwing motion is all-around better, he’s playing through injuries, and he’s gotten better under pressure as the year has gone on.

Not to say it isn’t frustrating for fans to watch. But last year you had to worry about whether “Good Taylor” or “Bad Taylor” was going to show up. Now it seems like they are both there at the same time. Hideous turnovers and explosive plays can happen at any moment.

And it’s not just Martinez. The entire team has been playing like this. Sometimes bad, sometimes great. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s an improvement from previous teams Bo Pelini has coached where if the wheels started to come off the wagon you knew the whole thing was going to turn into a wreck. Credit them for keeping things from snowballing out of control and staying in games this season.

Second Down: Things that were worse than the refereeing in East Lansing.

-The field was in terrible shape. I’ve seen Heinz Field in Pittsburgh look better lately. Players on both sides were falling down. I wouldn’t be surprised if kicks and punts were off because of the torn up turf. This definitely favored Michigan State, the slower team.

-Spartan cheap shots. As I watched the game again, I realized there were a lot more extracurriculars  going on than I first noticed. One of the announcers said, “This is not a Mark Dantonio coached team,” at one point. Yes, it was. I’m pretty sure these players knew from watching previous games that you might be able to draw penalties from Huskers by frustrating them and fighting with them.  That came back to bite them in the end when an unnecessary blindside hit on Kenny Bell negated a touchdown that would have put MSU up 31-14. Hope that hit was worth losing the game over.

-Michigan State attendance. The amount of booing was just sad. It’s also sad when your coach has to plead with fans to attend a divisional game against a ranked team that could keep your division title hopes/bowl hopes alive and you still don’t come close to filling your stadium. I expected more from the storied Big Ten, especially from a team with the capacity to hold nearly 80,000. I’ll enjoy seeing a Spartan Stadium half filled with red for years to come.

Third Down: How good is Penn State, really?

I’ve been reading a lot about how people think Penn State is going to win this game. They have their rationale behind the predictions. Matt McGloin has been efficiently running the offense. The Nittany Lion defense is stout. Nebraska hasn’t played anyone who can throw the ball. Turnover margin.

I’m not going to refute that Penn State is a good team. They are disciplined. They have some talent. I’m not going to predict the outcome. I don’t do that – at least not here. But I will provide you with some facts you might find interesting.

-McGloin is efficient? Then he must be at the top of pass efficiency in the nation, right? He is currently No. 47 in pass efficiency. Martinez is No. 34, with a slightly better completion percentage than McGloin. Saying he’s efficient without backing it up with anything tangible is a nice way of putting the term “game manager.” Don’t do anything stupid with the ball while dinking and dunking down the field.

-Nebraska is coming off of back-to-back weeks of playing defenses better than Penn State’s.

-Nebraska leads the nation in opposing quarterback completion percentage at just over 46 percent. Nebraska also has the No. 5 passing defense despite not generating a lot of turnovers.

-If Nebraska hasn’t played anyone who can throw, let’s see what Penn State has done against the run. PSU has played two teams with a good rushing attack. Ohio State and Ohio. Both teams wore Penn State down in the second half. Neither of those teams is as prolific at running the ball, even with Braxton Miller in the equation. Michigan State thought they were ready for Nebraska’s run game. The Spartans had been giving up fewer than 92 yards per game on the ground. Nebraska eclipsed that mark before the end of the first quarter. And Rex Burkhead may be back to add to the run game this week.

-Turnovers have hindered the Big Red, but haven’t cost them a game since Ohio State.

Fourth Down: Kudos.

Congratulations to Martinez for becoming the leader in career total offense all-time at Nebraska. He’s cracked the Top 15 in rushing, as well. The junior still has a lot of time to pad those stats and improve as a player.

Extra Points: Penn State’s turnover margin might change when Eric Martin meets up with Mr. McGloin. … Watch for the nefarious “pick” routes in this one. All the cool kids in the Big Ten are doing it. And refs aren’t calling it. … I hope Burkhead does make it back for this game. Nebraska could use a boost around the goal line. … I also hope the refs get to keep their flags and whistles in their pockets more than last game.

By Steve Siedlik