Four things to watch as both teams try to become bowl eligible

Upcoming Football Game: Wisconsin vs. Nebraska

Date and Time: 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Location: Camp Randall Stadium.

TV Coverage: NBC with Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analysis) and Kathryn Tappen (sideline).

Radio Broadcast: FM-97.3 and AM-920 in Milwaukee and a state network with Matt Lepay (play-by-play), Mark Tauscher (analysis) and Patrick Herb (sideline).

Point Spread: Wisconsin by 6½.

Head-to-Head Series: Wisconsin leads, 12-4, including 6-1 in Madison.

Coaches: Luke Fickell (6-5, first full season; 69-30, seventh season overall) vs. Nebraska’s Matt Rhule (5-5, first season; 52-48, eighth season overall).

FOUR THINGS TO WATCH

Luke Fickell’s Players and Their Initial Performance

Will Luke Fickell’s players come out flying or will they get off to another slow start? In the last five games, UW has struggled in the first half, being outscored 72-23. UW overcame a 14-7 halftime deficit to defeat Illinois, 25-21, but they haven’t held a halftime lead since then. The challenge lies in the matchup against Nebraska’s sound defense, which could test UW’s home crowd and players.

Defense Creating Turnovers

With UW’s offense sputtering, the defense needs to take the ball away to help Phil Longo’s unit. UW enters the game with a minus-two turnover margin, and it is crucial to capitalize on Nebraska’s downfalls, as they have been struggling with turnover margin and a limited offensive performance.

Red Zone Struggles

The Badgers struggle to score touchdowns in the red zone; Nebraska’s defense is stingy there. UW’s offense needs to work on converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns, especially when facing Nebraska’s strong defense in that area.

Ground Game Spark

No matter which running backs are available, UW must find a way to spark its ground game. UW has faced challenges in running the football effectively and will aim to improve its rushing performance against Nebraska.

HISTORICAL REMEMBERANCE

This year’s game provides an opportunity to reflect on the teams’ meeting last season in Lincoln. UW was able to secure a critical victory and become bowl-eligible.

DID YOU KNOW? The Badgers are a perfect 15-0 in night games at Camp Randall against unranked opponents. Their successful record in night games at home demonstrate their prowess against unranked teams.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin vs. Nebraska: Four things to watch Saturday, Nov. 18