QUARTERBACKS

The quarterback position has two different dimensions to consider this week. While Wisconsin’s Tyler Donovan is a better pure passer, Juice Williams and Eddie McGee are far superior runners. With Illinois quarterback play still a little inconsistent, Wisconsin may have a slight advantage.

ADVANTAGE: WISCONSIN

RUNNING BACKS

Both teams have dynamic runners in P.J. Hill and Rashard Mendenhall, respectively. Mendenhall is a bit shiftier, but Hill has a little more power. Although Hill has logged a lot of carries already this year, and Illinois knocked him out of the game last year at Camp Randall, expect Hill to be ready to carry the load. This should far and away be the premier matchup to watch statistically between the two teams. Enjoy.

ADVANTAGE: DRAW

WIDE RECEIVERS

After his explosive game last week, Arrelious Benn moved himself to the front of the freshman class of wide receivers. Illinois receivers have yet to establish a solid number two but have done a serviceable job with Kyle Hudson, Jacob Willis and Brian Gamble . Wisconsin’s Luke Swan is having a great year and tight end Travis Beckum will cause problems similar to Missouri’s Chase Coffman and Martin Rucker.

ADVANTAGE: WISCONSIN

OFFENSIVE LINE

Both offensive lines are big and mean. Illinois’ line has come into its own this year, keying the Illini rushing attack and greatly reducing the number of sacks. Wisconsin’s line is a little younger, with sophomore Jake Bscherer starting at the pivotal left tackle spot, but extremely capable in its own right. Expect both lines to be working tirelessly against the opponents defensive fronts.

ADVANTAGE: DRAW

DEFENSIVE LINE

As seems to be the case all week, both groups have a lot working. Each is extremely experienced and will have trouble dealing with the opposing offensive line. Wisconsin’s defense is coming off a five-sack performance and may be able to ride that momentum into Saturday’s game. Illinois iron man of the defensive line, Chris Norwell, and sack master, Will Davis, will need to plug gaps and put pressure on Donovan.

ADVANTAGE: WISCONSIN

LINEBACKERS

Wisconsin’s group of linebackers is good, but Illinois has the edge in experience and will have more playmakers at the position. Both groups will be on the hot seat to stop the opposing team’s rushing game. Look for middle linebackers Elijah Hodge and J Leman to have big games, and both groups of outside linebackers to be involved on blitzes.

ADVANTAGE: ILLINOIS

SECONDARY

Both units have big playmakers in sophomore Vontae Davis and junior Jack Ikegwuonu. The Illini have the experience edge at safety, but the Badgers aren’t any slouches in the secondary by any means. Ikegwuonu sat out most of last week against Michigan State with headaches, with him possibly not at 100 percent, the Illini may be able to take advantage of him some with Arrelious Benn.

ADVANTAGE: ILLINOIS

SPECIAL TEAMS

Both Illinois’ Jason Reda and Wisconsin’s Taylor Melhaff haven’t missed a field goal or extra point attempt yet. The key in the special teams will likely be the returns of Kyle Hudson, Wisconsin’s Ikegwuonu setting up their team’s respective field position. Hudson hasn’t had a eye-popping year and has had his share of miscues, but his the ability to return punts well, but will have to step up and perform well to help his team.

ADVANTAGE: WISCONSIN

COACHING

Coach Zook and Wisconsin’s Bret Bielema are outstanding coaches. Both coaches weren’t too thrilled with the point line, and will likely use it to movivate their respective teams come Saturday. While Zook is shedding his label of only being a “recruiting” coach, Bielema has more big-game experience that gives him an edge.

ADVANTAGE: WISCONSIN