Tag: badgers football

Grading Wisconsin’s Victory over Nebraska

What grades did Wisconsin earn in their 37-21 victory over Nebraska to retain the Freedom Trophy?

Grading No. 15 Wisconsin’s 37-21 win over Nebraska.

Offense: B

For the third time in his career Jonathan Taylor went over 200 yards rushing against Nebraska as he finished with 204 yards on 25 carries and two rushing touchdowns.

Taylor’s rushing performance against Nebraska puts him past Herschel Walker (5,596 yards) for most rushing yards in a career through his junior year as Taylor now has 5,634 rushing yards in his career.

Taylor’s longest rush of the day against Nebraska was 19 yards and like last week he wasn’t tackled behind the line of scrimmage as he averaged an impressive 8.2 yards per carry.

In total Wisconsin rushed for 320 yards on 45 carries. Despite Danny Davis (3-48) not catching a pass against Nebraska he and Nakia Watson (8-36) combined to rush for 84 yards on 11 carries.

Outside of Wisconsin’s offensive line continuing to get the better push to allow for Wisconsin to consistently pick up positive yards rushing the football as the Badgers only allowed one tackle for loss. In addition, the Badgers made sure Jack Coan stayed clean as he wasn’t sacked for the first time this year.

Coan didn’t turn the football over as it snapped a three game streak of him turning the football over at least once but there were instances where he didn’t always place the football where his intended target could make the catch.

The first example would be on Wisconsin’s opening offensive drive. Coan was able to complete a screen pass to Taylor but he had to reach back and catch it with one hand. Taylor started to cut upfield but never completely secured the football as JoJo Domann was able to force the fumble. Taylor should have done more to protect the football but if Coan is able to place the football more squarely in his chest the Badgers avoid there only turnover of the game. Nebraska was able to cash Taylor’s fumble into seven points.

The second example was on Wisconsin’s last offensive possession of the first half. On 3rd and goal at Nebraska’s six Coan attempted a pass to A.J. Taylor but the throw was behind him making it a difficult catch.

Overall Coan finished the game 13-for-21 (61.9 percent) for 162 yards and a touchdown. Coan’s touchdown throw was to A.J. Taylor for 55 yards, eclipsing the previous season long pass of 52 yards, which occurred last week against Iowa from Coan to Quintez Cephus. Coan was able to complete passes to seven different players while A.J. Taylor’s 65 yards led the team Kendric Pryor (30 yards) and Quintez Cephus (23 yards) each caught three passes.

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First half takeaways Badgers vs. Cornhuskers

Some of the biggest keys to Wisconsin’s first half lead in Lincoln

At the break, the No. 14 Badgers led the unranked Huskers on the road, 27-14.

Some of the keys of the first half were Wisconsin’s success on special teams, the play of Jack Coan, and the Badgers’ early lack of rushing defense allowing scores to the opponent.

Special Teams

The third phase of football, often an unsung hero, played a major part to Wisconsin’s success in the first half.

Trailing 7-0 after having a fumble on their first offensive possession, Wisconsin had its first kick off return touchdown in four years, courtesy of speedy wide receiver and kick returner Aron Cruickshank.

In addition to this incredible return, kicker Collin Larsh made two field goals to add on to the Badgers’ lead.

Not always a positive for Wisconsin teams, the Badgers’ special teams looked awesome in the first two quarters.

Jack Coan

Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan played a very solid, in-control half for the Badgers, throwing for 128 yards, one touchdown and no turnovers.

The numbers don’t jump off the page, but Coan had a beautiful throw to Quintez Cephus on a fourth down, delivered a strike to AJ Taylor for a long touchdown, and simpy looked in command of the Badgers’ offense.

In a game against a lesser opponent and in possession of the lead, that’s all Coan really needs to do for Wisconsin to win the game.

Rushing defense

In a mostly positive first half, one major downside to the Badgers’ play was that of the rushing defense.

Nebraska rushed for two scores, and a whopping 151 yards on the ground in the first half.

Against a stout Wisconsin defense, that is very impressive from the Huskers, and a bad look for the Badgers, especially when thinking about the five missed tackles that could have prevented long runs of 27 yards and 26 yards, respectively, and hopefully something for the Badgers’ defense to improve in the second half.

Wisconsin at Nebraska: Breakdown with Prediction

What does Wisconsin need to do in order to beat Nebraska on the road? Jonathan Taylor RB, Jack Coan QB, Zack Baun LB, Noah Burks LB

Wisconsin has always been able to successfully run the football against Nebraska and on Saturday that shouldn’t change. Considering Nebraska’s rush defense in the Big Ten ranks toward the bottom as they’re allowing 219.5 yards over Big Ten play and have allowed an average of 5.3 yards per carry.

The Badgers will rely heavily on Jonathan Taylor to have success against the Cornhuskers rush defense. In two career games against Nebraska Taylor has averaged 235 yards on an average of 24.5 carries and has five combined touchdowns.

Wisconsin’s offensive line should be able to get the better push against Nebraska’s defensive line to make sure Taylor doesn’t get tackled behind the line of scrimmage.

Taylor has caught a pass in every game this year but has only caught three passes over the last three games. With the success Taylor has had against Nebraska he should be more involved in the passing game than he has over the last three weeks.

Jack Coan is going to need to limit his mistakes and make sure he doesn’t kill any offensive drives. If Coan can generate a rhythm against Nebraska’s secondary, which is allowing 201.5 passing yards in addition to Taylor’s success on the ground the Badgers should develop a balance on offense.

Defensively, it comes down to Wisconsin’s defense ability to contain Adrian Martinez.

Wisconsin will need to keep him in the pocket in order to make sure he can’t extend plays with his feet. It starts with Zack Baun and Noah Burks keeping contain and taking him down when they have a chance as Martinez’s 399 rushing yards leads the team.

One of Martinez’s favorite targets is JD Spielman as his 689 receiving yards leads the team. True freshman wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson is questionable for the game. If Robinson can’t go it will take away one of the Cornhuskers more consistent players on offense as he has 453 receiving yards and has rushed for 326 yards.

In the end, Wisconsin is able to contain Martinez enough and is able to limit his impact and prevent him from consistently connecting with Spielman through the air. In addition, thanks to Taylor’s ability to effectively rush the football the Badgers win 31-to-21.

 

What are the Five Keys to a Wisconsin Victory over Nebraska?

What are the five keys to a Wisconsin victory when the Badgers travel to play Nebraska.

Entering the season, Nebraska was the favorite to represent the west division in the Big Ten championship game. The season for the Cornhuskers hasn’t gone as planned, as they are currently on a three game losing streak and have lost four of the past five games. Nebraska will look to get back on track against Wisconsin following their bye week.

Here are the five keys for a Wisconsin victory over the Cornhuskers:

1) Keeping containment of Adrian Martinez 

Martinez has been able to hurt teams multiple ways, whether that’s through the air or with his legs as he’s averaging 270.1 yards of total offense. In particular, Wisconsin can’t allow for Martinez to get out of the pocket and be able to extend plays, making it important that the combination of Zack Baun and Noah Burks are able to play well in space to avoid allowing Martinez to break a tackle. Wisconsin’s ability to slow Martinez down by either sacking him or keeping him contained will help Wisconsin’s defense control the game.

2) Jonathan Taylor’s success on the ground

Nebraska’s rush defense has struggled over conference play, as they’re allowing teams to rush for an average of 219.5 yards per game. In two career games against Nebraska, Taylor has rushed for over 200 yards both times and has registered five combined touchdowns. Taylor should consistently pick up positive yards against Nebraska’s defense considering the Cornhuskers are allowing 5.3 yards per carry, which will allow for Wisconsin to be able to effectively move the football down the field.

3) Limiting JD Spielman

Wan’Dale Robinson is questionable heading into the game against Wisconsin. If Robinson can’t go, it will make Spielman an even bigger target for Martinez. Specifically, Spielman has been able to make big plays in the passing game, averaging 19.6 yards per reception and in six different games he has caught at least one pass of 40 yards or more. In order for Wisconsin’s defense to succeed, they can’t allow for Spielman and Martinez to create chunk plays through the air.

4) The play of Wisconsin’s fourth down defense 

Nebraska’s field goal kicking has been shaky this year, as the Cornhuskers have used four different kickers this year as they’ve gone a combined 7-for-14. Meaning if Nebraska is facing a fourth and manageable in Wisconsin territory, they’re likely going to go for it. Wisconsin’s defense on fourth down is allowing their opponents to convert on 70 percent (7-for-10) of their fourth down tries.

5) Winning field position

Anthony Lotti has been up and down this year and in order to limit Nebraska’s offense, it will be important for him to consistently get good punts off. Lotti has attempted 35 punts this season with 14 of them landing inside the 20-yard line. Lotti’s ability to pin punts inside the 20 and make Nebraska have to work with a long field will assist Wisconsin’s defense in hopes that it will lead to a short defensive drive for the Badgers on that side of the field.

Semar Melvin out for the Game Against Nebraska

Semar Melvin and Bryson Williams set to miss game against Nebraska.

When Wisconsin released its preliminary injury report on Monday freshman cornerback Semar Melvin was listed as questionable with a head injury. On Thursday when Wisconsin released its injury report heading into their game against Nebraska, Melvin was listed as out.

This will mark the second straight game Melvin has missed as he and nose tackle Bryson Williams will also miss the game with a left leg injury.

Williams a native of Lincoln left the game early with a leg injury against Iowa as he will be replaced by freshman Keenau Benton. Williams has struggled to stay healthy at times this year as this will mark the fourth game he will miss this year.

The Badgers and Cornhuskers will play for the Freedom Trophy as the game can be seen on the Big Ten Network at 11 a.m.

Who are Three Defensive Players to Watch when Wisconsin Travels to Nebraska?

Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Nebraska. Zack Baun OLB, Keeanu Benton NT, Caesar Williams CB

Here are three defensive players for the Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Nebraska:

1) Zack Baun, OLB

In the win over Iowa, Baun finished the game with six tackles but for the first time this year, he failed to make either a tackle for loss or register a sack. In order for Wisconsin’s defense to have success in defending Adrian Martinez and Nebraska’s offense, he can’t afford to have another game where he doesn’t make a play in the backfield. Nebraska is allowing 2.2 sacks over conference play, and Baun will have a chance of being able to make a play in the backfield if he can keep containment of Martinez. That’s easier said than done, considering Martinez’s 399 rushing yards leads the team. Even if Baun can’t register a sack, he still has the ability to speed up Martinez’s decision making or force him to throw the football away. Martinez has shown he’s a threat with his legs, but he also has two capable playmakers in wide receivers JD Spielman and Wan’Dale Robinson, who can beat Wisconsin’s secondary for a big play.

2) Keeanu Benton, NT

Wisconsin will have a chance of limiting Martinez if they are capable of creating rushing lanes for Wisconsin’s linebackers to create pressure in the backfield. That will begin with Benton and him getting the better push. Despite being a true freshman, Benton has been able to hold his own throughout the season. Thanks to his wrestling background and him being a standout wrestler for Janesville Craig High School, he understands leverage as it has also allowed him to shed his blocker and register three tackles for loss and one sack on the season thus far.

3) Caesar Williams, CB

Outside of limiting the success Martinez has on offense, the Badgers defense will need to be ready to defend wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson if he’s available to play. Robinson left the Purdue game two weeks ago with an injury and he might not play the Cornhuskers on Saturday. If Robinson can go, he has shown to be a threat in not only catching the football, but also rushing it too. Robinson has 453 receiving yards on 40 receptions, which leads the team. He also has rushed for 326 yards on 85 carries. If Robinson can’t go, it will take away one of Nebraska’s most consistent playmakers on offense. The Cornhuskers do have JD Spielman who they can rely on in the passing game, as he has caught 35 passes for 689 yards. Williams’ ability to make plays on the football as he has four pass breakups on the year will go a long way in helping slow down Nebraska’s passing attack that’s averaging 208.3 yards over Big Ten play.

Who are Three Offensive Players to Watch when Wisconsin Travels to Nebraska?

Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Nebraska. Quintez Cephus WR, Cole Van Lanen LT, Jack Coan QB

Here are three offensive players for the Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Nebraska.

1) Quintez Cephus WR

Cephus had a productive game for Wisconsin against Iowa as he caught five passes for the second time over the last three games. On the year Cephus has caught 32 passes for 504 yards both career highs. Cephus will look to continue to add to those numbers when Wisconsin plays Nebraska as the Cornhuskers are allowing an average of 201.5 passing yards per game. Cephus will have his opportunities to have success against the Cornhuskers secondary as it will be up to him creating that separation and possibly helping stretch the field too.

2) Cole Van Lanen LT

Wisconsin will rely on the running game to help control the time of possession but that won’t happen if Wisconsin doesn’t have success along the line of scrimmage. Wisconsin’s offensive line will have a chance of accomplishing that due to the Cornhuskers allowing 219.5 rushing yards over conference play, which ranks 13th. The Badgers will run toward Van Lanen’s side at times making it important that Van Lanen consistently gets the better leverage and creating rushing lanes to allow for Jonathan Taylor to have success.

3) Jack Coan QB

Coan was up and down against Iowa and in order for the Badgers to stop their two game road losing streak, Coan will need to deliver a more consistent performance. Coan had two turnovers in Wisconsin’s win over Iowa extending his streak of at least one turnover in three straight games. Nebraska has registered five interceptions over conference play. Coan can’t kill offensive drives by turning the football over and allow Adrian Martinez a chance of creating something for the Cornhuskers offense that’s averaging 402 yards of total offense over Big Ten play.

Wisconsin Drops a Spot in College Football Playoff Rankings

Wisconsin dropped a spot to No. 14 in latest college football playoff rankings.

After coming in at No. 13 in the initial college football playoff rankings last week Wisconsin dropped to No. 14 in this week’s ranking despite the Badgers beating Iowa 24-22 this past Saturday.

Wisconsin is currently 7-2 as the Badgers came in ahead of Michigan, which is ranked No. 15. Despite the loss to Wisconsin this past weekend Iowa remained in the top 25 as they fell from No. 18 to No. 20.

Overall there were six teams from the Big Ten to be ranked in the college football playoff rankings. Ohio State is still the highest rated team from the Big Ten but they fell a spot from No. 1 to No. 2 as LSU is now ranked No. 1 following the Tigers road victory over Alabama.

Minnesota made the biggest jump in the college football playoff rankings jumping nine spots to No. 8. The Gophers are the second highest ranked team in the Big Ten following their home win over then No. 4 Penn State as the Nittany Lions dropped to No. 9.

With LSU being ranked No. 1 and Ohio State being No. 2, Clemson and Georgia came in No. 3 and No. 4 respectively to round out the rankings. Alabama was ranked fifth while Oregon was sixth in the rankings.

 

 

2021 WR Jaylin Noel Earns Offer from Wisconsin

Wisconsin extends a scholarship in the 2021 class in wide receiver Jaylin Noel.

Wisconsin’s 2020 recruiting class won’t be able to officially sign their letter of intent until the early signing period starting December 18. Wisconsin’s coaching staff still has to fill out the remainder of the 2020 class but that hasn’t prevented them from evaluating and offering prospects from the 2021 class.

On Sunday Wisconsin extended another scholarship offer in the 2021 class to wide receiver Jaylin Noel as Noel was on an unofficial visit to Wisconsin this past weekend to see Wisconsin beat Iowa.

It was Noel’s sixth scholarship offer and third from the Big Ten. Noel from Park High School in Kansas City, Mo. also holds scholarships from Iowa, Minnesota, Iowa State, Kansas State, and South Dakota State.

The wide receiver position could be one of the more heavily populated positions in the 2021 class considering Wisconsin over the next two years is set to lose four scholarship players at the position. Wisconsin currently has two wide receivers committed in the 2020 class as the Badgers in the 2021 class will likely exceed that number to replenish the talent at the position.

Noel is currently unranked by Rivals but he is rated as a three star prospect by 247 Sports. Wisconsin currently has five commitments in the 2021 recruiting class.

 

Bryson Williams Ruled Out for game Against Nebraska

Wisconsin starting nose tackle Bryson Williams is set to miss the Nebraska game with left leg injury. Bryson Williams NT, Semar Melvin CB

Wisconsin (7-2, 4-2 Big Ten) will be without starting nose tackle Bryson Williams when they play Nebraska (4-5, 2-4) on Saturday. Williams, a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, had to leave the game against Iowa early because of a left leg injury.

This will mark the fourth game Williams will miss as he missed the other three games because of a leg injury. With Williams out for the game, true freshman Keeanu Benton will fill in for Williams.

Benton has done well for Wisconsin along the defensive line as he has appeared in eight games with five starts as the only game he hasn’t played in was against Illinois. On the year Benton has registered nine tackles (seven solo tackles), three tackles for loss, and one sack.

Williams was the only player to be listed as out for Wisconsin, but freshman cornerback Semar Melvin is listed as questionable after missing the Hawkeyes game.