The Big Ten West might be fading away in the winds of conference realignment, but the essence of the wacky division will endure when the Nebraska Cornhuskers face off against the Wisconsin Badgers on a Saturday afternoon in Lincoln. From a distance, it's quite challenging to tell these two teams apart. Both currently stand at 5-5, vying for bowl eligibility. Both have made changes to their offensive coordinators; Wisconsin said goodbye to Phil Longo after last week's 16-13 loss to No. 1 Oregon in Madison, while the Huskers demoted Marcus Satterfield to tight ends coach and brought in Dana Holgorsen to boost confidence.

Under Pressure: Securing a Postseason Berth

With the pressure mounting on both programs to demonstrate progress, Saturday's contest holds great significance. One team is on the verge of locking in a postseason berth, while the other has to wait another week to see if they'll make it to the bowl games in 2024. This game is a crucial moment for both Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Scout

Head Coach: Luke Fickell | 2nd season | 13-11 Wisconsin Record; 76-36 Career HC Record | 3x AAC Coach of the Year, AFCA Coach of the Year (2021), Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (2021), Paul “Bear” Bryant Award (2021), Sporting News Coach of the Year (2021) | 2021 CFP Berth, 2x AAC Championships (2020, 2021).2023 Record: 7-6 (5-4 B1G, T-2nd B1G West) | 2x All-Big Ten Second Team, 3x All-Big Ten Third Team, 1x Honorable Mention | L, 35-31 to LSU in ReliaQuest Bowl.All-Time Series: Wisconsin leads 13-4 (Nov. 18, 2023 last meeting, 24-17, OT Wisconsin).Fun Fact: Wisconsin has won 10 consecutive games against Nebraska and has beaten the Huskers in 11 of the last 12 meetings since Nebraska joined the Big Ten. Nebraska has come close to ending this drought as the last three games have been decided by seven points or fewer.Key Returners: Braedyn Locke, QB, R-Soph. | Jackson Acker, RB, R-Jr. | Chez Mellusi, RB, Gr. | Will Pauling, WR, R-Jr. | Bryson Green, WR, Sr. | C.J. Williams, WR, Jr. | Ricardo Hallman, CB, R-Jr. | Hunter Wohler, S, Sr. | Preston Zachman, S, R-Sr. | Jake Chaney, LB, Sr. | Darryl Peterson, LB, R-Jr. | Nyzier Fourqurean, CB, R-Sr. | Austin Brown, S, Jr. | James Thompson Jr., DL, R-Sr.Key Additions: Tawee Walker, RB, Sr. (Oklahoma) | Darrion Dupree, RB, Fr. (Recruit) | Tyler Van Dyke, QB, R-Sr. (Miami) | Jaheim Thomas, LB, R-Sr. (Arkansas) | Leon Lowery Jr., LB, R-Sr. (Syracuse) | Elijah Hills, DL, Sr. (Albany) | John Pius, LB, R-Sr. (William & Mary).Key Departures: Tanor Bortolini, OL (Indianapolis Colts, 4th Rd.) | Braelon Allen, RB (NY Jets, 4th Rd.) | Tanner Mordecai, QB (Eligibility) | Chimere Dike, WR, Sr. (Florida) | Skyler Bell, WR, Jr. (UConn) | Jordan Turner, LB, R-Sr. (Michigan State) | C.J. Goetz, LB (Eligibility) | Maema Njongmeta, DL (Eligibility).Outlook: It's a toss-up to determine the winner. Fickell had success at Cincinnati but hasn't achieved sustained success in Madison. He brought in Phil Longo to run the offense using an altered air raid system, but it didn't work out, leading to Longo's firing after a 16-13 loss to No. 1 Oregon at home.Similar to Nebraska, Wisconsin's offense ranks among the worst in the country. The rushing attack ranks 57th nationally with 169.3 yards per game, and the passing offense (102), total offense (91), and scoring offense (97) all rank 91st or worse. Part of the problem is the injury bug. Former Miami starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was supposed to be the signal caller but suffered a season-ending injury in the third game against Alabama. Backup Braedyn Locke has stepped in, with 1,514 yards on 55.1% passing, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions.Leaning on the ground attack is beneficial for a quarterback, and that's where Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker comes in with 773 yards on 162 carries and 10 scores. Vinny Anthony II leads the team with 496 receiving yards at an average of 17.7 per match. Returning All-Big Ten pass catcher Will Pauling leads the team with 42 catches, 407 yards, and three touchdowns.Another All-Big Ten performer from last season, linebacker Hunter Wohler leads the Badgers with 63 tackles and one TFL. Arkansas transfer Jaheim Thomas is second with 52 tackles, while Christian Alliegro has a team-leading three sacks. Recording sacks has been a problem for Wisconsin this season; they rank 15th in the conference with only 16 sacks and last in TFLs with 39. The same goes for interceptions as the Badgers rank last in the Big Ten with four and second-to-last in forced fumbles with three.Based on how each team has played this season, the team that makes the fewest errors and avoids boneheaded mistakes will likely win. With Dana Holgorsen having another week to work with the offensive personnel and establish his expectations, a better offensive performance is expected. Unlike Nebraska, the Badgers have to adapt without their offensive coordinator. Considering all these factors, Nebraska has a chance, but since it's likely to come down to one possession, anything can happen.