Here are three defensive players for the Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Ohio State:
1. Zack Baun, OLB
Baun who was named a consensus first-team All-Big Ten defender on Tuesday showed why thanks to his performance against Minnesota as he registered nine tackles and two sacks. Baun was one of the leading tacklers against Ohio State as he finished the game with 10 tackles and had one sack. Even when Baun hasn’t been able to generate a sack he has been able to generate a quarterback hurry as he has registered 10 this season. Baun will need to continue to try and find ways of creating pressure against Justin Fields as Ohio State is only allowing 2.3 sacks over Big Ten play. Due to Fields ability to scramble when Baun has a chance of registering a sack he needs to convert as there may not be many opportunities.
2. Chris Orr, ILB
Orr will be counted on to help create pressure against Fields in the backfield but he’ll also be counted on trying to slow down the dynamic J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins 152.6 rushing yards over Big Ten play leads the conference and he’s coming off of Ohio State’s win over Michigan after rushing for 211 yards on 31 carries and four touchdowns. Wisconsin can’t afford to allow Dobbins to consistently pick up positive yards as Orr will need to be able to get into his rushing lanes quickly to try and plug up the holes. Dobbins averaged 8.2 yards per carry on 20 carries in the Buckeyes win over Wisconsin in the first meeting. Simply put Wisconsin’s rush defense can’t allow him to meet that average again if Wisconsin is going to have a successful defensive performance.
3. Isaiahh Loudermilk, DE
Loudermilk will be counted on helping Wisconsin’s linebackers create pressure in the backfield in addition to helping slow the Buckeyes rushing game down. Loudermilk put together one of his most productive games against Minnesota as his play helped disrupt the Gophers offense. Can Loudermilk turn in a similar performance against Ohio State? It certainly will be a challenge considering how talented Ohio State is on offense. Loudermilk’s ability to get the better push in the trenches will be key as it will give the Badgers linebackers a chance of making a play in the backfield.