10/2 Update: OK. Here are the game grades for the Northwestern game.
QB: B+
Another workmanlike yet impressive performance for Mike Samuel. Although he didn't do anything to knock your socks off, other than one play he made solid decisions and played within himself, which is all we ask of him.
Let's get the bad out of the way, the sideline toss at the end of the first half, thrown right into the hands of the NU linebacker. Although he had time on the play, he seemed to panic for a split second and revert into ole "fidgitty Mike mode".
We are still waiting to see how Samuel handles a team that can mount a formidable pass rush. Decision making under pressure is what often separates the good from the mediocre QB and Samuel has not been tested under this fire yet.
Samuel showed nice touch on the short passes, throwing 5 of 7 with excellent accuracy and timing. He threw a very nice touch pass over Dague Retzlaff's shoulder and another nice toss to Retzlaff on a roll out.
On the medium and long balls, 3 of 7 were excellent, 3 were acceptable, and I graded one out as poor (overthrowing Chambers). As many have pointed out though, after his overthrow, he put a bit more air under the next deep ball which allowed Chambers to make a play on it. I think we would all agree this is much more preferrable to gambling on the big strike, throwing the ball on a line, and getting zilch on the play. On the TD throw, Samuel made a really nice pump fake as well which the entire NU squad seemed to bite on.
In the running game, Samuel continues to make plays. The QB draw was a nice call but was defensed fairly well. Samuel made a quick move to the outside to pick up the first.
The other big play was on the 4th down TD run where he made a nice cutback.
Kavanagh didn't get the opportunity to throw the ball, but had a nice run and a nice pitch on the option.
RB: B+
Dayne seemed to show much more explosiveness than in previous games. Unlike earlier games, Wisconsin was able to get some big plays on the perimeter of the defense. Dayne was able to turn the corner quickly and efficiently.
As always, he punished defenders in the open field, often driving forward for 2 or 3 extra yards. In short, a typical Dayne performance.
Martin also deserves credit here as two of Dayne's long runs were ignited following outstanding lead blocks downfield by Cecil.
Eddie Faulkner, though not that involved in general, was able to contribute a beautifully run screen reception.
I still would like to see the Badgers get Faulkner the ball outside on the option pitch.
Faulkner also made a nice blitz pickup early in the game, though he was late later in the game, causing Samuel to get drilled for one of the few times in the game.
WR: A-
The best development regarding the receivers to this point in the season, is that the drops have been few and far between.
Chris Chambers continues to be the home run threat and big play maker. I am still waiting for a reverse to him.
Ahmad Merritt contributed with a couple of excellent downfield blocks on long runs, including an excellent seal on Dayne's TD run. He also showed good elusiveness and good hands on his catch. Merritt will never be a big playmaker ala Chambers, but he is solid.
His blocking, a weak point to now at times, was not a problem on Saturday. He didn't make too many key blocks, but contrary to past games, also eliminated the obvious blown assignments.
OL: A-
The offensive line was nearly perfect in their pass blocking. I graded the pass protection out at nearly 100% effectiveness. Samuel had a stable pocket and plenty of time virtually all day.
The run blocking had its moments, but was not as dominating as I would have liked. They had superior blocking on 25% of the plays, which, with a back like Dayne, can be enough against opponents like Northwesterns.
Another added plus was the increased effectiveness of the Badger OL in space, particularly on the outside. Virtually all of the big plays came outside the tackles, a tribute mainly to Aaron Gibson, as almost all of the Badger runs were to his side.
Gibby was a force all game long. He manhandled any defender in his path, demonstrating nice drive blocking, as well as some good lateral movement on the outside runs. Watch his feet sometime. You will be impressed.
Bill Ferrario also played a really nice game with numerous solid pulls springing Dayne.
Casey Rabach also showed some really nice quickness on the screen play, throwing a block almost 10 yards downfield.
The second string OL didn't play very well late, though against a team gearing for all runs, it is tough on them.
DL: A
The pass rush wasn't quite as effective as in previous games, but this isn't that surprising considering the step up in competition. However, they were able to put solid pressure on the QB on about 33% of pass plays which is still pretty darn good.
The run containment was truly exceptional however. The Cats got a few nice runs very early and very late, but the majority of the game belonged to the DL. They were able to get outstanding penetration on run plays over 50% of the time.
Tom Burke was his usual self, despite facing many more double teams than in previous games. He consistently in able to not only penetrate and force the action, but is usually able to make the play himself.
Burke's increased attention was able to free up Favret even more. Favret showed excellent movement and recovery speed, twice getting up of the ground to make the defensive big play, once on a screen play and once on the tipped pass.
Chris Janek also played his best game of the year in my estimation, getting solid inside push, especially early in the game.
Finally, off special mention again is Wendell Bryant. The kid can flat out move for a 290 pounder. He is consistently around the ball, even when it is well down the field. He provided excellent pass rush inside on two occasions, resulting in one fumble.
LB: B+
Donnell Thompson was solid once again. He is a solid linebacker who is generally where he is supposed to be. This makes him very effective with a defensive front as Wisconsin does.
He was a bit slow on pass coverage a couple times, though generally he did a nice job in this regard.
DB: B-
Echols was beat on Bates' deep ball, but Doering played his solid two deep position to come over for the pick. I would hope that Echols knew that he had deep help which accounted for the release. A quicker throw would have possibly gone for six though.
Rosga was also really toasted late in the game, at which time he was promptly pulled.
Joey Boese was beat deep on the TD pass where he seemed to lose track of his man looking back for the ball. Nothing experience won't fix.
Jamar Fletcher was able to make some nice solid pass defenses including the diving stop in the endzone where his closing speed really impressed.
The bad part was the tackling, Mike Echols in particular. He missed tackles on at least 4 occasions and seemed to become more tentative as the game went along. Where this could end up being a problem is if he is in single coverage deep where missed tackles turn into touchdowns.
Special Teams: A+
Recovered botched onside/wind blown squib kick.
Downed punt inside the 5.
Blocked punt for the TD. By the way, I watched this play closely and yes, the Badgers did hold as Barnett complained. However, it appeared that Rosga was already through the crease and probably would have blocked the kick regardless.
Pisetsky's kickoffs out of the endzone. The two against the wind were a beautifully placed squib kick and a deep kick that went two yards deep. Coverage was great on both instances.
Davenport...money.
Nick Davis and his punt return. Phenomenal blocking, especially Dontae King.
Overall, the Badgers dominated all facets of the game, even though the stats are a bit deceiving.
1. Pressure on Hoffman
Not only was Burke his usual disruptive self, but I thought the Badger did a good job of collapsing the pocket from all sides.
Hoffman often looked harried and flustered. Mission accomplished.
2. D'Wayne Bates vs. Jamar Flether and Mike Echols
On a number of Bates' catches, the coverage was right there.
The only moderatly big play the Badger DBs gave up to Bates was on the open field run where they missed the tackles early.
The Badger corners played tighter on the corners than any Alvarez coached Badger corners than I can remember.
Taylor was also matched up with Bates more than I thought he would. On these plays, Taylor had solid coverage.
3.Dayne's Health
Subjectively, he didn't appear to be as hobbled or gimpy as the last few games. He looked good.
4.Special Teams
Blocked punt for TD. Punt return for TD. Most kickoffs out of endzone and the ones that weren't were very effective with great coverage. Stemke punted solidly with good hang time and nice placement inside the 20. Davenport....money. Recovered onside kick. Fantastic!
5. Emotion and the Crowd
Clearly, the Badgers brought the play to the Wildcats and were ready to go.
6.Fourth Quarter
PREDICTION: For the second time this year, I picked the Badgers correctly, while at the same time underestimating their dominance (Ohio was the other). Granted, I am not complaining.
1. Pressure on Hoffman
Adding to the 'Cat difficulties are the injuries to an already questionable line in Ty Garner and Brian Hemmerle. (Hemmerle is questionalbe)
Also, look for Wisconsin to unveil more blitzes against the young quarterback. Last week Bob Adamov and the safeties blitzed more regularly, although the Badgers have put good heat on the QB with a four man rush.
If this patchwork line cannot give Hoffman time, the Cats are in trouble.
2. D'Wayne Bates vs. Jamar Flether and Mike Echols
Look for Wisconsin to leave other receivers in single coverage in an attempt to contain Bates.
3.Dayne's Health
4.Special Teams
Of particular note is kick off man Vitaly Pisetsky against NU freshman returner Sam Simmons. Keeping the ball out of Simmons hands as much as possible will be vital.
5. Emotion and the Crowd
6.Fourth Quarter
How the Wildcat front 7 holds up going into crunch time will be a decisive factor as the Badgers possess the depth advantage.
Not to mention, we know about how the Badgers play when behind so maintaining a lead entering the final stanza will be important.
PREDICTION: I like the Badgers advantages in the lineplay again. I think Bates will have his moments and make some big plays for the Wildcats, but I don't think they will be able to run the ball consistently against Wisconsin. However, I look for them to find a way to stay in the game until the 4th. Yet, this Badger team is just too deep at this point, Badgers 27, NU 17.
Rushing Offense: Wis 14, NW 63
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Retzlaff made his usual two catches in unspectacular yet effective fashion.
The offensive line was awarded the game ball by the coaches, though it could have gone to Aaron Gibson if I were in charge.
Once again....control...which is all you can really ask of a defensive line.
Chris Ghidorzi set the tone early in the game with a couple of great run fills, a nice blitz, and some solid pursuit. Late in the game, he missed a few tackles but continued to be the most aggressive linebacker.
First the good. I was delirious with delight when I saw the Badger corners pressing on the line of scrimmage play after play. Coverage was generally tight all around, even on a few of Bates' catches.
Can't ask for much more. 
9/27 Update: Let's take a look at how Badgermaniac's Keys to the Game panned out.
Once again, the Badger put consistent pressure on the QB. This has been the defensive key this season in my mind.
Bates got his yards, but Echols and Flether (mainly Echols) did a great job of preventing the big play.
Almost 8 yards per carry certainly tells the story here.Dayne also showed great burst on his long TD run.
Wow! THE key to the game in my mind.
I never thought the crowd got that into the game relative to other Badger games. The score certainly had a lot to do with this. Barnett implied that Hoffman had trouble with the environment, though I didn't think it was that bad.
Not a factor. Game wrapped up long before.
9/25 Update: Here are Badgermaniac's Keys to the Game
The Badger defense has thrived this year by putting intense pressure on opposing QBs. Northestern QB Gavin Hoffman likewise has been shaken when teams have not allowed him to sit back in the pocket and throw. Like most freshmen, he is going through typical growing pains.
Conversely, if the OL IS able to give Hoffman time, the Badgers will have to contain outstanding WR D'Wayne Bates. Fletcher and Echols have played well, but have not faced a QB with as good an arm as Hoffman nor a receiver as talented as Bates.
I should just leave this key to the game as a given. Wisconsin is clearly a different team with Dayne on the field.
Both teams feature solid special teams play. If either team is able to gain an advantage in this area, it could sway the momentum of the game.
This game has developed into quite the heated rivalry over the last few years. How NU reacts to the potentially very hostile crowd and which team comes out with fire in its belly and establishes the tempo of the game early will be key issues to watch.
Most of the recent NU/UW games have gone into the fourth quarter until being decided. Although I like the matchups for the Badgers, it certainly wouldn't surprise me if this is the case on Saturday.
9/24 Update: Here is how the Badgers and Wildcats compare in their current NCAA rank:
Passing Offense: Wis 87, NW 75
Total Offense: Wis 43, NW 75
Net Punting: Wis 40, NW 15
Punt Returns: Wis 34, NW 61
Kick-off Returns: Wis 32, NW 12
Scoring Offense: Wis 10, NW 58
Rush Defense: Wis 5, NW 74
Pass Efficiency Defense: Wis 15, NW 31
Total Defense: Wis 1, NW 55
Scoring Defense: Wis 3, NW 49 (note that Wisconsin would be #1 nationally if not for the two TDs the offense surrendered)
Turnover Margin: Wis 10, NW 50
9/23 Update:
Regarding the much anticipated Badger/Wildcat game on Saturday, the 'puter says....Wisconsin has a 69% chance of winning and is an eleven point favorite (the "official" line is at 10). Projected score is Wisconsin 30-18.
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