Tag: Chris Orr

What are the Five Keys to a Wisconsin Victory Against Oregon in the 106th Rose Bowl Game?

Here are five things Wisconsin needs to do in the Rose Bowl to beat Oregon.

Rose Bowl in my lifetime. Wisconsin fans thought they were going to get back to the “Granddaddy of them All” a lot quicker after their appearance in the 1963 game but they had to patiently wait 31 years before returning to Pasadena, which created the phrase Rose Bowl in my lifetime. Since that magical trip to the Rose Bowl in 1994, the Badgers haven’t had to wait that long for their return trip. Considering Wisconsin returned in 1999 and in 2000 before going three straight years in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Wisconsin’s last three trips to the Rose Bowl all have resulted in losses by an average of five points per game. The Badgers will look to get back to their winning ways in Camp Randall West and bring home the Roses for the first time since 2000 against Oregon.

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

1. The play of Jack Coan

Oregon is going to load the box against the Badgers and force Coan to beat them threw the air. Coan was able to close out the season on a high note as he’s currently playing some of his best football. Coan’s ability to complete passes on all three levels will be critical to Wisconsin’s success on offense. If he can it will help open up Wisconsin’s offense and take pressure off of Jonathan Taylor and the running game. Coan will also likely get involved in the running game too as he rushed for two touchdowns and 27 yards against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game. If Coan can be effective with his legs for a second consecutive game will open up a new wrinkle on offense for the Badgers.

2. Can Wisconsin consistently supply pressure against Justin Herbert?

Oregon has done well of keeping Herbert upright this season as the Ducks have only given up 23 sacks this season. Oregon is led by Penei Sewell the recipient of the 2019 Outland Trophy. Wisconsin’s ability to find ways of creating pressure against Herbert will be critical as the Badgers defense has been at its best when Zack Baun and Chris Orr have been able to create pressure on the outside or up the middle. Between the two they’ll need to take advantage of each opportunity they get in the backfield as there may not be many. Wisconsin will need to disguise their blitzes at times to try and confuse Herbert to prevent him from knowing where the blitz is coming from.

3. Can Jonathan Taylor create a Rose Bowl legacy?

Taylor is clearly a special player as he has won the Doak Walker Award twice. Although Taylor will have a tough test against Oregon’s rush defense can he create a Rose Bowl legacy like Ron Dayne or Montee Ball did before him? Dayne rushed for 446 yards over his two Rose Bowl games and Ball is the only running back to rush for at least 100 yards in three different Rose Bowl games. Taylor will be going up against a run defense that’s allowing 3.2 yards per attempt making it important that he consistently picks up positive yards. Taylor has consistently shown tremendous patience and vision throughout his career at Wisconsin allowing him to consistently pick up positive yards. Taylor’s ability to pick up the tough yards along with finding ways of creating long runs will go a long way in helping sustain drives and etch his name with fellow Badger running backs who have found success in Pasadena.

4. Can Wisconsin create a turnover?

Oregon certainly has done a good job of protecting the football this year as they have only turned the football over 10 times as Herbert has thrown five interceptions and the Ducks have lost five fumbles on the year. Creating an extra offensive possession will be important as the Badgers rank 49th nationally in turnover margin per game at plus 0.23 as Wisconsin has forced 20 fumbles this year recovering 10 and has registered 11 interceptions. If Wisconsin is able to create an extra offensive possession they’ll need to cash the Ducks mistakes into points.

5. Wisconsin’s ability to slow Oregon’s rushing attack

Herbert is averaging 256.3 passing yards per game but the Ducks have two dangerous runners in CJ Verdell and Travis Dye as they have rushed for 1,171 and 655 yards respectively this season. Verdell is averaging 6.5 yards per rush while Dye is averaging 6.2 yards per rushing attempt making it important that Wisconsin consistently plugs the gaps on defense to make sure neither can consistently pick up positive yards. Wisconsin’s rush defense has done well of containing opposing ground attacks holding their opponents to an average of 102.4 yards per game and 3.4 yards per rush. Wisconsin’s ability to take the duo away will help create long third downs against a Duck defense that’s converting on 42.5 percent (71-for-167) of their third downs.

Who are Three Defensive Players to Watch when Wisconsin Plays Oregon in the 106th Rose Bowl Game

Who are three key defensive players to watch for Wisconsin when they Oregon in the 106th Rose Bowl Game?

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

1. Chris Orr MLB

When Orr left the game against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game it was clear to see that one of Wisconsin’s leaders on the defensive side of the football was missing. Orr will play against Oregon and outside of his ability to make plays for Wisconsin’s defense, he’ll also provide the defensive leadership the Badgers need in order to have success. Orr will be counted on to help create pressure up the middle and be ready to make plays in pass coverage too. Orr’s ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways will go a long way in helping determine how the game goes for Wisconsin.

2. Zack Baun OLB

Baun who made countless All-American teams will need to provide the pressure against Justin Herbert and try and make him feel uncomfortable in the pocket. Oregon’s offensive line has only given up 23 sacks this season, which will make it difficult for Baun to be able to consistently apply pressure in the backfield. Making it important that when he does get his chance of sacking Herbert that he does as there won’t be many opportunities. If Wisconsin can force Oregon to play behind the chains it could allow for the Badgers to have short defensive drives.

3. Isaiahh Loudermilk DE

In order for Orr and Baun to have an impact in creating pressure against Herbert in the backfield, it will begin with Loudermilk and the rest of Wisconsin’s defensive line creating lanes for them to create that pressure. Although Loudermilk’s play along the defensive line doesn’t always show up in the box score he has registered a combined 11 tackles over the Badgers last three games, in addition, to registering 1.5 sacks over that time span too and he forced a fumble against Ohio State. Loudermilk’s ability to continue to make those types of plays for Wisconsin’s defense will help slow an Oregon offense that’s averaging 450.7 yards of total offense a game.

Who are Three Defensive Players to Watch when Wisconsin Plays Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game?

Who are three defensive players to watch when Wisconsin plays Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game?

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.

Two Wisconsin Players Named to All-Big Ten Defensive Team

Wisconsin places two defensive players on the All-Big Ten Defensive Teams. Zack Baun OLB, Chris Orr ILB

On Tuesday the Big Ten Conference released its All-Big Ten Defensive Team and special teams conference selections. With how dominant Wisconsin’s defense was this year it was natural that there would be individuals from Wisconsin’s defense to be recognized.

Outisde linebacker Zack Baun was a consensus first-team selection by the media and coaches while inside linebacker Chris Orr was a consensus second-team selection.

Baun and Orr have been two of Wisconsin’s most consistent and dominating defenders as Baun’s 18.5 tackles for loss leads the team. While Orr’s 71 tackles leads the team not to mention Orr and Baun are tied for the team lead in sacks with 11.5.

Safety Eric Burrell, cornerback Faion Hicks, and defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk were consensus honorable mention’s on defense. Redshirt sophomore defensive end Matt Henningsen was an honorable mention by the coaches and sophomore cornerback Rachad Wildgoose was honorable mention by the media.

Sophomore Aron Cruickshank was named a consensus second-team All-Big Ten return specialist. Cruickshank averaged 26.59 yards per return on 17 attempts as his highlight return came against Nebraska when he returned a kick 89 yards for a touchdown.

The Big Ten Conference will announce the offensive team selections on Wednesday.

Notes: Wisconsin Beats Minnesota on the Road, 38-17

Team notes and individual notes from Wisconsin’s 38-17 road victory over Minnesota.

MINNEAPOLIS – News and notes from UW Athletics after No. 12 Wisconsin’s 38-17 victory over No. 8 Minnesota at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM NOTES

  • Today’s captains: senior OLB Zack Baun, junior C Tyler Biadasz, senior ILB Chris Orr, junior RB Jonathan Taylor.
  • Wisconsin secured its 4th Big Ten West Division championship in the 6-year history of the league’s current divisional setup.
  • The Badgers have earned their 6th berth to the Big Ten Football Championship Game in the event’s 9-year history — the most of any league school.
  • Wisconsin moved to 10-2 on the season, reaching the 10-win threshold for the 8th time in the last 11 seasons. Alabama (11), Ohio State (10), Clemson (9) and Oklahoma (9) are the only other Power Five programs with at least 8 seasons of double-digit wins in the last 11 years.
  • Paul Chryst improved to 52-14 (.788) in his fifth season as Wisconsin’s head coach, matching Milt Bruhn (1956-66) for 4th on UW’s all-time wins list.
  • Under Chryst, Wisconsin is:
    1. 34-10 (.773) in Big Ten Conference play
    2. 25-5 (.833) vs. the Big Ten West Division
    3. 10-9 (.526) vs. AP Top 25 opponents
    4. 16-3 (.842) in November games
    5. 19-6 (.760) in road games
    6. 4-1 (.800) vs. Minnesota
  • Wisconsin now owns a 61-60-8 lead in the all time series with Minnesota, just the 2nd time that UW has held a lead in the history of the FBS’ most played rivalry (the Badgers took their first-ever lead, at 60-59-8, following their 2017 win over Minnesota).
  • The Badgers have won 22 of their last 24 meetings with the Gophers, dating to 1995.
  • Wisconsin has won its last 8 games vs. the Gophers in Minneapolis and owns a 6-0 record in TCF Bank Stadium.
  • Since the introduction of Paul Bunyan’s Axe in 1948, UW leads the series, 44-25-3 (.632).
  • Wisconsin improved to 7-0 vs. Minnesota in games in which both teams are ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 (also won in 1942, 1954, 1962, 1999, 2005, 2014).
  • The Badgers have won 5 of their last 7 meetings with Minnesota teams ranked in the top 10 of the AP poll, dating to 1942.
  • The Badgers have won 22 of their last 24 games with a rivalry trophy on the line (vs. Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska), dating to 2010.
  • Wisconsin is 52-14 (.788) since the start of the 2015 season. Only Clemson (66-4, .943), Alabama (65-5, .929), Ohio State (60-6, .909), Oklahoma (56-9, .862) and Georgia (52-14, .788) own higher winning percentages during that 5-year span.
  • UW is 41-11 (.788) in conference play since 2014, when the Big Ten went to its current divisional alignment. Only Ohio State (48-4, .923) has a better league record over that span.
  • The Badgers have won 27 of their last 33 Big Ten games, dating to the 2016 season.
  • UW is 30-6 (.833) vs. the Big Ten West since the league moved to its current divisions in 2014.
  • The Badgers racked up 453 yards of offense, the second-highest total allowed by Minnesota this season. UW topped the 450-yard mark for the fourth straight game.
  • UW threw for 280 yards, its most in a Big Ten game since throwing for 281 against Illinois on October 24, 2015.
  • The Wisconsin defense tallied 5.0 sacks on the day, marking the 4th time posted at least 5.0 sacks in a game this season.
  • The Badgers held Minnesota to 372 total yards and 76 yards rushing. Both marks qualify as the Gophers’ second-lowest totals of the season.
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Grading Wisconsin’s 38-17 Victory over Minnesota

Handing out grades from Wisconsin’s 38-17 victory over Minnesota in Wisconsin’s regular season finale.

Grading No. 12 Wisconsin’s 38-17 win over No. 8 Minnesota.

Offense: A

Jonathan Taylor was responsible for three of Wisconsin’s five touchdowns but he was not the offensive MVP. That award goes to quarterback Jack Coan.

Coan was simply fantastic against Minnesota as he picked the Gophers secondary apart for a Big Ten season high 280 yards passing on 15-for-22 passing and two touchdowns.

Coan had a clean pocket to work with the entire game as he wasn’t sacked as his two biggest throws of the game came on Wisconsin’s opening possession in the third quarter.

Coan’s first throw resulted in a 31-yard completion to wide receiver Quintez Cephus on first and 10 from Wisconsin’s 9-yard line. Three plays later Coan once again connected with Cephus this time for 47 yards resulting in a touchdown to give Wisconsin a 17-7 lead.

Coan was certainly great for Wisconsin but Cephus certainly had a heck of a game too. Cephus was one of seven players to catch a pass but his five receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown were all team highs. It was Cephus’ second game this season where he went over 100 yards receiving.

Wisconsin certainly needed to have a strong passing attack against Minnesota considering Taylor was held to 76 yards on 18 carries and two rushing touchdowns. Taylor was also responsible for Wisconsin’s first passing touchdown of the game, which went for 28-yards. Wisconsin finished the game with 173 yards on 35 rushing attempts.

One of the unsung heroes from Wisconsin’s offensive performance was fullback Mason Stokke. Stokke finished the game with 44 yards of total offense as his three receptions were the second most on the team resulting in 30 yards. He also carried the football twice for 14 yards.

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NEVER A DOUBT: Badgers take early punch, then roll over Gophers, 38-17

They came. They saw. They conquered. After the Gophers held the ball for 15 seconds early in the game to take the lead, well, the Badgers did the rest. Wisconsin dominated Minnesota en route to a 38-17 victory in Minnesota. By the time it was all …

They came. They saw. They conquered.

After the Gophers held the ball for 15 seconds early in the game to take the lead, well, the Badgers did the rest.

Wisconsin dominated Minnesota en route to a 38-17 victory in Minnesota.

By the time it was all over, the boat was officially sunk.

And more impressively, the Badgers did it behind a total team effort.

On the offensive side of the ball, Jonathan Taylor scored three touchdowns running for less than 100 yards. Jack Coan threw for nearly 300 yards, and two scores.

Wideout Kendrick Pryor had a highlight play to pad to the Badgers’ lead.

 

As good as the offense was, the defense was even more impressive.

The Badgers held a strong Minnesota offense to just 10 points until garbage time, forcing a turnover and a whopping five sacks in the win.

Caesar Williams got a pick, and Chris Orr and Zack Baun dominated.

The Badgers have a huge test ahead against the Buckeyes.

But for now, the Badgers will enjoy this big victory over their arch rivals.

Wisconsin at Minnesota: Breakdown with Prediction

Game breakdown and prediction between Wisconsin versus Minnesota.

Can Wisconsin generate enough pressure in the backfield against Minnesota in order to help slow down the Gophers passing attack? Wisconsin can’t afford to have Tanner Morgan time to pick Wisconsin’s secondary apart or help create a chunk play through the passing game.

Making it important that Zack Baun or Chris Orr is able to generate pressure either on the outside or up the middle to try and create discomfort for Morgan. If either can cause Morgan to go through his reads quickly or alter his throws will be critical in order to disrupt Minnesota’s offense.

Considering between Tyler Johnson and Rashod Bateman the duo can hurt Wisconsin’s secondary. Between the two Johnson is averaging 98.3 yards over conference play, which leads the Big Ten while Bateman is averaging 91.8 receiving yards.

Even if Wisconsin can limit Minnesota’s passing attack the Gophers have a strong running game, which is lead by Rodney Smith, who’s averaging 106.6 rushing yards over Big Ten play.

Wisconsin’s defense is going to have to be sound in all areas in order to slow down a Minnesota offense that’s averaging 460 yards of total offense over Big Ten play.

Offensively, Wisconsin is going to rely on Jonathan Taylor to help pick up the tough yards in addition to keeping drives alive. Taylor over the last three games has rushed for over 200 yards. It will be tough for him to make it four games in a row but Taylor’s biggest contribution will be his ability to consistently pick up positive yards on first and second down to help set up a manageable third down.

Making it important that Jack Coan makes smart decisions with the football and help keep drives alive. Coan will have a variety of options to throw the football to as his go to target will likely be Quintez Cephus.

Cephus in the month of November has caught 13 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns. The production by Cephus over the month of November should lead to him consistently receiving targets on third down or in the red zone.

Wisconsin will need to get off to a good start against Minnesota as they can’t afford to fall behind early. If Wisconsin is able to do so they’ll give themselves a chance of winning and retaining Paul Bunyan’s Axe back. The Badgers win 27-24.

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

Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Minnesota. Zack Baun OLB, Chris Orr ILB, Eric Burrell S

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

1. Zack Baun, OLB

Baun who was named a finalist for the Butkus Award this week, which is given to the best linebacker in the country each year is going to need to bring his A-game against Minnesota. Baun on the season has been able to consistently disrupt opposing offenses as his 16 tackles for loss leads the team while his 9.5 sacks ranks second. Baun will need to help slow down Minnesota’s rushing attack as the Gophers are averaging 207.6 rushing yards over Big Ten play. But the Gophers are allowing 5.5 tackles for loss per game. If Baun can continue to add to his tackles for loss numbers it will help force Minnesota to consistently pick up long third downs.

2. Chris Orr, ILB

Orr and Baun have formed one of the best linebacker tandems in college football this year. Orr has been able to supply pressure up the middle while Baun has been able to do it on the outside. Orr entering this season only had 2.5 career sacks but Orr’s ability to get in the backfield and pressure the quarterback has been impressive. Considering Orr has registered a sack in six of Wisconsin’s eight conference games. With Orr averaging 1.13 sacks over Big Ten play he’ll be counted on to try and create pressure against Tanner Morgan. Minnesota is only giving up 1.8 sacks over conference play but Orr will need to try and hurry up Morgan’s decision making if he can’t register a sack.

3. Eric Burrell, S

Wisconsin’s secondary will certainly get a test against Minnesota’s wide receiver as they’ll be tasked with trying to slow down Tyler Johnson and Rashod Bateman. Johnson leads the two in both receptions (49) and receiving yards (786) over Big Ten play but Bateman’s eight receiving touchdowns over Big Ten play ranks first. Burrell won’t directly line up across from either of them but he’ll play an important role in assisting Wisconsin’s corners by trying to slow them down by limiting their yards after the catch. Burrell on the year has registered 39 tackles and has picked off three passes and has broken up three passes as he has been one of Wisconsin’s more consistent members of the secondary. That consistency will need to continue as the Badgers have given up the big play in the passing game over the last three games. Wisconsin can’t afford to do that against Minnesota as Burrell could be the last line of defense to make sure Minnesota can’t create the chunk play against Wisconsin’s secondary.

Who earned game balls from Wisconsin’s 45-24 victory against Purdue?

Handing out game balls from Wisconsin’s 45-24 victory over Purdue. Jonathan Taylor RB, Chris Orr LB, Garrett Groshek RB

MADISON, Wis. – There were many contributors to Wisconsin’s 45-24 win over Purdue on Saturday, but these were the three key players to the Badgers’ victory over the Boilermakers.

Jonathan Taylor

Taylor for a third straight game rushed for over 200 yards as he finished with 222 yards on 28 carries, including rushing for a 51-yard touchdown. With Taylor rushing for over 200 yards it marked the 12th 200-yard rushing game in his career, which is the second-most by a Badger in his career only behind Wisconsin’s Ron Dayne. Taylor did have two fumbles, which puts a damper on his otherwise impressive rushing performance. Taylor was able to consistently pick up positive yards as he averaged 7.9 yards per carry.

Chris Orr

Orr was responsible for one of Wisconsin’s two sacks against Aidan O’Connell and he lead the team with nine tackles (eight solo). With the sack by Orr in the third quarter it gives him a team best 11 sacks on the year as nine of his 11 sacks have come over conference play. Orr was active throughout the game against Purdue as he helped clog any rushing lanes as well as the Boilermakers only rushed for 50 yards on 20 carries.

Garrett Groshek

Groshek finished the game against Purdue with season highs in both carries (nine) and rushing yards (55). He also registered his second rushing touchdown on the season out of the wildcat formation from 6-yards out. Groshek effectively ran the football out of the wildcat as Purdue didn’t have an answer for him. Groshek averaged 6.1 yards per carry as he was only tackled behind the line of scrimmage once resulting in a 1-yard loss. Groshek also caught two passes for 16 yards.