Already hindered by the steep learning curve facing quarterback John Stocco, the absence of Anthony Davis in Wisconsin’s last two games has further exacerbated the offense’s problems. To maintain an undefeated record, UW will need to keep these things in mind:

1) Optimize Red Zone opportunities: During Anthony Davis’ absence, Wisconsin has squandered numerous scoring opportunities. Without converting these red zone opportunities, which will be few and far in between during conference play, the Badgers gave their opponents renewed optimism and energy in games that could have been won decisively early on.

If the Badgers are able to finish off their offensive drives and dig the Nittany Lions into a hole, their hopes of winning the game will rest on the shoulders of quarterback Zack Mills and the passing game, which has been erratic and prone to turnovers thus far, thereby playing into the defense’s strengths.

2) Open up the passing attack: Stocco has taken care of the ball and the offensive line has improved their pass protection demonstrably, but it has not translated into a more efficient passing attack. Stocco has not successfully connected with his receivers on any of their deep routes in the last two games, which is reflected by the fact that running back Booker Stanley currently leads the team with eight receptions on the season.

While the screen pass has been sufficient in moving the chains during the non-conference portion of the Badgers schedule, opposing scouts and defenses will be prepared to counter it by deploying their safeties to the line of scrimmage and putting more people in the box.

3) Cut back on special teams mishaps: One thing that continues to rear its head in many close games this season is the play of special teams, and last week was no exception for the Badgers who were able to win in spite of two big mishaps on special teams. With kicker Mike Allen missing a game-tying extra point and freshman Taylor Mehlhalff booting a kickoff out of bounds in the waning moments of a close game, poor special teams play nearly resulted in a loss for the Badgers on the road.

4) Sustain blocks inside on offense: If there is one thing that is glaringly absent from Wisconsin’s running attack this season, it has been the ability to run the ball effectively between the tackles. While this can be attributed partly to sophomore running back Booker Stanley not hitting the right holes, the offensive line’s performance in the first half of last week indicates that they are equally blameworthy as the holes they created closed very quickly.

The offensive line cannot afford to turn in another performance similar to their effort in the first half of last week’s game when the running game was foiled and stopped twice in goal line situations.

The size advantage that Penn State’s line has over Arizona’s, as well as their increased depth, makes this more imperative, as the offense cannot get going without a steady running game.

5) Control the line of scrimmage on defense: Similar to Wisconsin, Penn State must be able to run the ball and command the line of scrimmage in order to sustain their offensive drives. With the passing game suffering and Zack Mills’ propensity for turnovers, the Nittany Lions turned to their running game last week, putting up 247 rushing yards in a 37-13 victory over UCF.

If Wisconsin’s defensive line can consistently blow up running plays in the backfield and limit the amount of times the linebackers and safeties come up to the line to make plays, Penn State’s offensive game plan will need to be altered and will hopefully be confronted once again by their turnover problems.