MINNEAPOLIS, MN – There were many contributors to Wisconsin’s 38-17 win over Minnesota on Saturday, but these were the three key players to the Badgers’ victory over the Gophers:
Jack Coan
Coan put together one of his best games as a Badger against Minnesota as he completed 15 of his 22 pass attempts for a Big Ten season high 280 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly he avoided making a mistake with the football. Coan could do little wrong against Minnesota as he consistently was able to place the football where it needed to be as in the second half he guided Wisconsin on touchdown drives on the Badgers first four offensive possessions. Coan’s ability to make Minnesota pay for slowing Jonathan Taylor down was critical in helping Wisconsin staking control in the game and helping the Badgers bring the axe back to Madison.
Caesar Williams
If Coan was the offensive MVP of the game than Williams deserves to be the defensive MVP. Williams had his best day as a Badger breaking up a career high four passes and he registered his first interception of the season, which Wisconsin turned into three points. Williams two biggest breakups came entering the fourth quarter when he broke up passes intended for Tyler Johnson on third and fourth and goal. Williams ability to make sure Johnson couldn’t register a touchdown on either play allowed Wisconsin to maintain momentum in the game as the Badgers followed up the turnover by downs by Minnesota into a touchdown.
Quintez Cephus
Cephus strong play in the month of November continued against Minnesota as he finished the game with five receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. Cephus was targeted early and often as the Gophers simply didn’t have an answer for him in the passing game. It was the second time Cephus has had at least 100 yards receiving in a Big Ten game in his career and it was his second game this season of going over 100 yards receiving too. On Cephus touchdown grab of 47-yards for Wisconsin in the third quarter, the ball was placed perfectly by Coan allowing Cephus to catch it in stride as he was able to walk into the endzone.