| When the Cougars run: It’s a new season, but if recent history tells us anything, WSU should average nearly 4 yards a carry. That’s what it did last season and that’s what Wisconsin yielded. Plus, the Badgers’ front is banged up. EDGE: EVEN |
| When the Cougars pass: This is where the game may be decided. The Badgers were second nationally in pass defense last season, but have two new safeties. The Cougs were second in the pass-happy Pac-10 and return quarterback Alex Brink and most of the receivers. EDGE: WSU |
| When the Badgers run: Wisconsin has one of the nation’s best rushing attacks, and one of the best running backs in P.J. Hill, running behind a line averaging 6-foot-6½, 314-pounds. The Cougars start two new linebackers and a new strong safety. EDGE: WISCONSIN |
| When the Badgers pass: With a new starting quarterback, fifth-year senior Tyler Donovan, don’t expect Wisconsin to throw that much. But when they do, expect the Badgers to attack the Cougars’ two new corners: freshman Chima Nwachukwu and sophomore Devin Giles. EDGE: WISCONSIN |
| Coaching/intangibles: The tiebreaker here is where the game will be played. Camp Randall and its 80,000-plus fans and 82 percent humidity are a formidable opponent for anyone, especially a WSU team with five starters getting their first major college football experience. EDGE: WISCONSIN |
| Cheese: Washington State is justifiably proud of its Cougar Gold, a white, sharp cheddar aged more than a year. But Wisconsin is known as “America’s Dairyland,” and the state’s cheesemakers recently won 20 gold medals at the American Cheese Society Competition. EDGE: WISCONSIN |
