Tag: Chris Orr

Notes: Wisconsin Beats Purdue at Home 45-24

Game notes from Wisconsin’s senior day 45-24 victory over Purdue.

MADISON, Wis. – News and notes from UW Athletics after No. 12 Wisconsin’s 45-24 victory over Purdue at Camp Randall 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 moved to 9-2 on the season, reaching the 9-win threshold for the 6th time in the last 7 seasons and the 9th time in the last 11 years. Ohio State (9) is the only other Big Ten team more than six 9-win seasons in the last 11 years.
  • Paul Chryst improved to 51-14 (.785) in his fifth season as Wisconsin’s head coach. He is the 5th coach in program history to win 50 games at UW.
  • Under Chryst, Wisconsin is:
    1. 33-10 (.767) in Big Ten Conference play
    2. 24-5 (.828) vs. the Big Ten West Division
    3. 15-3 (.833) in November games
    4. 5-0 vs. Purdue
  • Wisconsin is 51-14 (.785) since the start of the 2015 season. Entering today, only Clemson (66-4, .943), Alabama (64-5, .928), Ohio State (59-6, .908), Oklahoma (55-9, .859) and Georgia (51-14, .785) own higher winning percentages during that 5-year span.
  • UW is 40-11 (.784) in conference play since 2014, when the Big Ten went to its current divisional alignment. Only Ohio State (47-4, .922) has a better league record over that span.
  • The Badgers have won 26 of their last 32 Big Ten games, dating to the 2016 season.
  • Wisconsin finished with a season-high 606 total yards of offense, the team’s highest output since racking up 627 against Nebraska on Nov. 15, 2014. UW has now topped 500 yards in 3 games this season.
  • The Badgers rushed for a season-high 403 yards, their highest total since piling up 417 rushing yards against New Mexico on Sept. 8, 2018. UW’s 403 ground yards are the team’s most since totaling 581 rushing yards vs. Nebraska on Nov. 15, 2014. Saturday marked UW’s 3rd consecutive game with at least 300 rushing yards, and 5th 300-yard outing of the season.
  • UW also posted 203 passing yards, marking the second time this season that the Badgers have totaled at least 200 rushing yards and 200 passing yards in a game.
  • The Badgers went 9-for-11 on third down, their best mark in a Big Ten game since at least 1997.
  • Wisconsin recorded its 2nd TD drive of at least 90 yards this season with a 9-play, 95-yard march in the 3rd quarter. All 95 yards came on the ground, capped by a 6-yard TD run by Garrett Groshek.
  • UW’s longest scoring drive since an 11-play, 95-yard TD drive vs. Iowa on Sept. 22, 2018.
    Pages: Page 1, Page 2

Grading Wisconsin’s Victory over Purdue

What grades did Wisconsin earn from their 45-24 senior day victory over Purdue?

Grading No. 14 Wisconsin’s 45-24 win over Purdue.

Offense: C

Wisconsin’s offense certainly had success moving the football down the field against Purdue as they finished the game with 606 yards of total offense on 74 plays.

Despite the 606 yards being the most gained by Wisconsin this season they uncharacteristically struggled to take care of the football as Wisconsin fumbled the football five times losing three and threw one interception.

Although Jonathan Taylor rushed for over 200 yards for a third straight game he was responsible for two of the three lost fumbles while A.J. Taylor was responsible for the other lost fumble. Jack Coan also fumbled the football on a strip-sack and Danny Davis had the other fumble on a jet sweep play.

When Wisconsin was able to hang on to the football they were able to average 8.19 yards per play. In particular, Purdue had no answer for Wisconsin’s rushing attack as the Badgers as a team finished with 403 rushing yards on 55 carries. Taylor was responsible for 222 of those rushing yards on 28 carries, including one run of 51-yards that resulted in a touchdown.

Wisconsin went to the wildcat formation early and often with Garrett Groshek and Aron Cruickshank as the Boilermakers struggled to defend the play. Groshek rushed for a season-high 55 yards on nine carries and had a touchdown. While Cruickshank registered 47 yards on three carries and had Wisconsin’s opening touchdown of the game, which was a 27-yard rush.

Outside of Coan’s interception, he was efficient once again for Wisconsin’s offense as he finished the game 15-for-19 (78.9 percent) for 203 yards and two touchdowns. Coan’s touchdown passes were 18-yards to Jack Dunn and 29-yards to Quintez Cephus.

Six different players for Wisconsin caught one pass as Cephus led the way with five catches for 79 yards. Kendric Pryor was second on the team in both receptions and receiving yards with four and 47 yards respectively.

Coan was able to play an efficient game thanks to the play of Wisconsin’s offensive line as Coan was only sacked once the entire game. The Badgers offensive line did a good job of consistently clearing paths for Wisconsin’s running game to consistently pick up positive yards against Purdue.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

No. 12 Badgers defeat Boilermakers, 45-21, to set up monumental showdown with Minnesota

In an up and down battle, the Badgers defeated the Boilermakers to set up a massive game with Minnesota next week.

There are some clear areas to improve, but the 12th ranked Badgers took care of the Boilermakers at home on Saturday, to become 9-2 on the season, and 6-2 in the Big Ten.

Most importantly, Wisconsin now sets up a massive showdown with their biggest rival, the Minnesota Gophers (10-1, 7-1) next week in Minneapolis.

In addition to Paul Bunyan’s Axe on the line, this matchup will have a little something bigger this year: a trip to Indianapolis and the Big Ten Championship Game to face the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes who await the winner.

Some major issues for Wisconsin to clean up for next week are the four turnovers they had today, as well as their lackluster pass defense against a backup quarterback of Purdue that they cannot have continue, especially against a quarterback like Tanner Morgan in Minnesota.

But there were also several positives, including over 600 yards of offense, an improving pass rush and a variability in play-calling that could do wonders for Wisconsin the rest of the season. Jonathan Taylor also rushed for over 200 yards for the 12th time in his storied career, and the third straight game overall.

For now, the Badgers have done everything they could do keep their hopes for Indy alive.

And now, it all comes down to next Saturday against the Gophers.

Wisconsin linebacker Chris Orr named Lott IMPACT Trophy semifinalist

Wisconsin Badgers senior linebacker Chris Orr has been named a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT trophy.

If you asked Wisconsin fans which player is the heart and soul of this year’s team, most would name Chris Orr without hesitation.

The senior linebacker has always been known to have outstanding character throughout his time in Madison, but he has stepped into a prominent leadership role on the defense this year and emerged as an unquestioned leader among his teammates, both on and off the field. Orr also happens to be having a fantastic statistical season, leading the Badgers in both total tackles (55) and sacks (10) and trailing only Zack Baun in tackles for loss (11).

As a result of his special combination of leadership and on-field production, Orr has earned recognition as a semifinalist for the prestigious Lott IMPACT Trophy, an honor that is “awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of athletics and recognizes college football’s Defensive Player of the Year who best exemplifies the IMPACT acronym: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.”

The other semifinalists are Derrick Brown (Auburn), Cole Christiansen (Army), Jordan Fuller (Ohio State), Brandon Jones (Texas), Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma), Isaiah Simmons (Clemson), Curtis Weaver (Boise State) and Evan Weaver (California).

Orr would be the second Badger to take home the award since its inception in 2004, as J.J. Watt received the honor in 2010.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 15.

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

What are the five keys to a Wisconsin victory on senior day over Purdue? Zack Baun LB, Chris Orr LB, Jonathan Taylor RB, Jack Coan QB

Wisconsin (8-2, 5-2 Big Ten) has dominated Purdue (4-6, 3-4) as of late considering the Badgers have won 13 straight games over the Boilermakers. Although Wisconsin has had its way against Purdue the Boilermakers have given Wisconsin a fight over their last two meetings as Wisconsin beat Purdue in triple overtime in order to extend their current winning streak.

Here are the five keys for a Wisconsin victory over the Boilermakers on senior day:

1) Jonathan Taylor’s success on the ground

Purdue has had trouble containing Taylor as he posted a career high 321 yards in last year’s victory. Taylor will certainly get his chance of having success against a Purdue rush defense that’s allowing 170.9 yards per game over Big Ten play. In addition, the Boilermakers have allowed seven different running backs to eclipse the 100-yard rushing mark this season. With Taylor averaging 146.3 yards this season if he can get into a rhythm early he should be able to put together another impressive performance against the Boilermakers.

2) Limiting David Bell’s impact

Despite not having his counterpart in wide receiver Rondale Moore hasn’t slowed Bell down from having production over conference play. Considering Bell’s 8.4 receptions over Big Ten play leads the conference and his 94.4 receiving yards a game is tied for second with Minnesota’s Tyler Johnson for most in the conference. Making it important for Wisconsin’s secondary to try and limit his yards after the catch. Bell will certainly get his targets in the passing game the key will be making sure he can’t make the first defender miss as Wisconsin will need to try and hold him to a minimal gain each time he catches the football. If Wisconsin can they’ll take away one of Purdue’s most consistent offensive weapons.

3) Wisconsin’s ability to create pressure

Purdue has run 510 offensive plays over Big Ten play and is attempting a pass on 57.4 percent of those plays. Purdue’s 217 rushing attempts are the fewest over Big Ten play. With how often Purdue drops back to pass the Badgers defense will have their chance of creating pressure as the Boilermakers are allowing an average of three sacks over Big Ten play. Between Zack Baun and Chris Orr as the duo has registered a combined 19.5 sacks this season and should be able to make there way into Purdue’s backfield. If Wisconsin can consistently create pressure it will assist Wisconsin’s secondary in covering Bell and should help the Badgers create short drives for Purdue.

4) Keeping George Karlaftis out of Wisconsin’s backfield

Taylor has run for at least 200 yards over the last two games. Part of the reason for his success on the ground is he doesn’t get tackled behind the line of scrimmage as he consistently does a good job of picking up positive yards. Although Taylor has had success against Purdue’s rush defense the Badgers are going to have to neutralize Karlaftis as he leads the Big Ten in tackles for loss per game with 1.57 a game. If Wisconsin’s offensive line doesn’t get the better leverage Karlaftis will find a way of making sure Wisconsin is working behind the chains.

5) Wisconsin’s ability to get off to a strong start

With it being senior day there naturally will be distractions making it important that Wisconsin comes out executing at a high level. Considering, Purdue needs to win their last two games in order to become bowl eligible for a third straight year. If Wisconsin comes out flat the Boilermakers will take advantage and Wisconsin could find themselves in a hole early. Making it important that Jack Coan is able to guide the offense down the field early on in the game and that Wisconsin comes away with a touchdown in order to set the tone early for the game.

Who are Three Defensive Players to Watch when Wisconsin Hosts Purdue?

Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Nebraska. Zack Baun OLB, Caesar Williams CB, Chris Orr MLB

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

1) Zack Baun, OLB

Baun had an effective game a week ago, as he registered two sacks in Wisconsin’s win over Nebraska. Baun has a chance of registering his third multi-sack game of the season, considering the Boilermakers allow an average of three sacks a game over Big Ten play. Baun’s ability to generate pressure against Aidan O’Connell, a walk-on quarterback, will be critical in possibly creating an extra offensive possession. Baun’s ability to create pressure should force him to speed up his decision making, which could lead to a mistake by O’Connell as he threw two interceptions in Purdue’s last game.

2) Caesar Williams, CB

Williams has started the last three games at cornerback and over that time he has a combined 10 tackles. Williams will likely have to cover David Bell at times, making it important that his consistent tackling continues, considering Bell has become one of the top targets in the passing game over the last five games. He has registered 48 of his 65 catches on the season over that time span for 491 yards and four touchdowns. If Williams can slow him down and limit his yards after the catch, that will take one of Purdue’s more consistent offensive players away and limit what Purdue can do on offense.

3) Chris Orr, ILB

Orr is averaging 1.14 sacks over Big Ten play, which leads the league as Orr can assist Baun in creating pressure against O’Connell in the backfield. Orr certainly has had an impactful year and if he and Baun can consistently create pressure it should lead to Wisconsin getting off the field quickly against the Boilermakers. It will also be important that Orr and Baun are able to create third and longs, which should allow for Jim Leonhard to dial up the pressure against Purdue that’s converting 40.5 percent (45-for-111) of their third downs.

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.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4