It's been two weeks and two bailout efforts from Michigan's defense — a far cry from the Wolverines' first eight weeks of the season. The two straight wins have given Michigan (3-3 Big Ten, 7-3 overall) an awful lot of momentum, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

But Wisconsin (5-1, 9-1) comes into the Big House having just put up 83 points on Indiana, and the Badger offense, one predicated on power, power and more power, could pose quite a problem for Michigan's defense as it tries to take its win streak to three.

Michigan's pass offense vs. Wisconsin's pass defense

Last week's matchup at Purdue was without a doubt Denard Robinson's worst performance of the season, one that he surely would like to forget. He was benched for fellow sophomore Tate Forcier, who also proved to be quite ineffective.

The Wolverines had never struggled that much through the air, and there's little reason to expect any kind of pattern coming from last week's effort. Terrible weather, more than anything, should be blamed for Michigan's inefficiencies in the passing game.

Wisconsin's pass defense is pretty good, but nothing Michigan can't overcome with a few clever play calls. Michigan State's Kirk Cousins picked the Badgers apart in Wisconsin's only loss of the season, and if Michigan has any chance of upsetting the Badgers, it will start with Robinson's arm.

Robinson should bounce back, but it may be too close to call, considering his recent turnover problem.

Edge: Push

Michigan's rush offense vs. Wisconsin's rush defense

Though the Michigan passing attack struggled against Purdue, the running game came into its own a bit. Sophomore running back Vincent Smith had one of his most productive performances of the season, finishing one yard short of the century mark. And the Wolverines should realize sooner or later that they need to make Robinson's speed an important part of the game.

Robinson has been quiet the last few weeks — especially against Purdue — as the holes he saw in the season's first half seem to be eluding him. Everyone expected a drop-off, and this could be it. But expect Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez to lean on Robinson at home with the Wolverines far from being favorites in this contest.

The Badgers come in at 25th in the nation in rush defense, so they're no slouch. The Wolverines, however, still rank ninth in the nation in rushing — that's after a bad week against the Boilermakers. So expect a bounce back big time, as Michigan makes sure that the running game is established as early as the first drive.

Edge: Michigan

Wisconsin's pass offense vs. Michigan's pass defense

If Michigan's pass defense wasn't in the cellar of the NCAA, this category could have been where the Wolverines took advantage of their counterpart's weakness.

The Badgers are not very good through the air, and quarterback Scott Tolzein hasn't done anything that impressive, aside from managing games, week after week. Tolzein does have some solid skill players around him, as wideout Nick Toon is one of the best in the Big Ten.

Oh yeah, and his offensive line is composed of mammoth players who create a huge wall around the pocket. Michigan's pass defense will depend on how much pressure the Wolverines are able to put on Tolzein. If they can't get any pressure, there isn't much hope of the inexperienced secondary stopping Tolzein, even if he's doing his best Trent Dilfer impression.

Edge: Wisconsin

Wisconsin's rush offense vs. Michigan's rush defense

Aside from Purdue quarterback Rob Henry's 20-yard scampers, the Wolverines did a pretty good job at stopping the Boilermaker run game last week.

Problem is, Wisconsin's run offense is more like Purdue on all kinds of steroids.

The Badgers' running backs are some of the best in the country, led by junior ballcarrier John Clay, who may be the hardest back to take down in the NCAA. Lucky for Michigan, Clay might be out this week. If he does see the field, he'll be playing at around 75 percent.

Now, you might think that would be a positive sign for the Wolverines, but Wisconsin's No. 2 and No. 3 backs are both nothing to shrug about. James White, a speedy freshman who averages almost seven yards per carry, could create problems.