Rutgers has allowed 5.5 yards per carry through 8 games. Opponents have also converted 46 of 96 third downs against the Scarlet Knights. Wisconsin -17.5 starts with attacking that run defense and limiting Rutgers' answers on the ground.
The Badgers have allowed 815 rushing yards on 285 carries across their 8 games. Rutgers has thrown 12 interceptions over the same span, so taking away the run would put more of its offense on a turnover-prone passing game.
Wisconsin's defense is allowing 17.12 points per game, 19th nationally. In its last home game, the Badgers held USC to minus-18 rushing yards with 5 sacks and 2 interceptions in a 24-7 win on Oct. 24.