Defense: A
It looked like it was going to be a long game for Wisconsin’s secondary. Considering on Minnesota’s second offensive play of the game resulted in a 51-yard touchdown reception to wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
The Badgers had a tough challenge of trying to slow down both Bateman and Tyler Johnson as the two have been consistent over Big Ten play.
Bateman finished the game with 147 yards on six receptions while Johnson finished with 89 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions. Although both hurt Wisconsin’s cornerbacks at times outside of the 51-yard touchdown reception they gave up in the first quarter the Badgers were able to limit the big plays by either of them. Most of their damage came on slants and quick crossing routes.
With Wisconsin missing cornerback Rachad Wildgoose due to an ankle injury left Faion Hicks and Caesar Williams as the main cornerbacks to cover Bateman and Johnson. Williams certainly had himself a career day as he finished the game with two tackles, four pass breakups, and an interception.
Two of his four pass breakups came in the fourth quarter. With the Gophers down 24-10 entering the fourth quarter Williams broke up consecutive passes intended for Johnson on third and fourth goal to give Wisconsin’s offense the football back.
Wisconsin’s offense proceeded to march downfield 96 yards over six plays to extend Wisconsin’s lead to 31-10 with 11:05 to play.
Wisconsin’s defense held Minnesota to 372 yards on 67 plays as the Gophers could never get their rushing attack started as they finished with 76 yards on 30 carries.
The Badger defense also did well of generating consistent pressure against Tanner Morgan. Morgan was sacked five times as Zack Bain registered a team-leading two sacks, Garrett Rand and Jack Sanborn each had one sack, and Chris Orr and Isaiahh Loudermilk each had a half of a sack. The consistent pressure on Morgan disrupted his timing and made sure he couldn’t get into a rhythm passing the football as he finished the game 20-for-37 for 296 yards.