Tag: Jack Coan

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.

Badgers 30 minutes from Indy, lead Gophers 10-7 at the half

Some takeaways from the first half of the Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe

As expected, the battle between Wisconsin and Minnesota was intense and a tough fight for the first 30 minutes. Here’s how it happened:

Fast start for Gophers

After a scoreless drive from the Badgers to kick off the game, the Gophers got the ball and scored very quickly.

On first and 10, quarterback Tanner Morgan threw an incompletion to star wideout Rashod Bateman. Seconds later, Morgan went back to Bateman on a wide-open deep ball, scoring an easy 51-yard score to put Minnesota up 7-0.

15 seconds without the ball, and the Badgers already trailed against their biggest rivals.

Badgers have answers

Initially, Wisconsin had a solid drive that turned into a disappointing three points, but the Badgers finally got some points on the board, cutting the deficit to 7-3.

After forcing a punt on the defensive side, Wisconsin answered with a seven play, 82-yard long drive, keyed by a major catch and run from Jake Ferguson on third down.

All-American Jonathan Taylor capped off the drive with a 28-yard touchdown catch, impressively catching the ball and falling backwards into the end zone.

Neither team was especially impressive, and each squad a lost a turnover, but nevertheless, Wisconsin played well enough to hold the halftime lead, and be just one half away from a Big Ten championship appearance against the Buckeyes.

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.

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

Here are five keys to a Wisconsin victory over Minnesota on Saturday. Jack Coan QB, Jonathan Taylor RB

You remember the games that are played in November. Wisconsin’s (9-2, 6-2 Big Ten) matchup against Minnesota (10-1, 7-1) will certainly be a game Badgers fans remember considering what is at stake besides the Paul Bunyan Axe as the winner will go on to play Ohio State in Indianapolis for the Big Ten championship. Paul Chryst has done well in the month of November as he has posted a 15-3 career record.

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

1. The success of Jonathan Taylor on the ground

Taylor has certainly had a strong November so far as he has averaged 225.3 yards over the last three games. Wisconsin will need Taylor to keep up that kind of production against a Minnesota rush defense that’s allowing 126 yards per game. The way Taylor has been running the football over the last three games in addition to his patience and vision he should be able to consistently pick up positive yards against Minnesota’s rush defense. Taylor’s ability to not be tackled behind the line of scrimmage in addition to helping set up manageable third downs will be critical in allowing Wisconsin to sustain drives against Minnesota.

2. Wisconsin’s ability to slow down Tyler Johnson and Rashod Bateman

You can try and slow down one but the other is more than capable of hurting you. Johnson is averaging 6.1 receptions over Big Ten play for an average of 98.3 receiving yards per game while Bateman over conference play is averaging 4.5 receptions for an average of 91.8 receiving yards. Making it important that whichever cornerback for Wisconsin is defending either Johnson or Bateman that they limit their yards after the catch and avoid giving up the big play in the passing game, which Wisconsin has allowed over the past three games.

3. Wisconsin’s ability to get off the field on third down

Wisconsin’s defense has been able to consistently find a way of getting off the field on third downs as they’re only allowing Big Ten opponents to convert on 28.3 percent (28-for-99), which ranks first. However, Minnesota’s offense has been good at sustaining drives as they have converted on 51.6 percent of their third downs, which ranks second in the Big Ten. Making it important that Wisconsin doesn’t allow the Gophers to pick up positive yards on the early downs. If Wisconsin can create pressure in the backfield it will be tough for Minnesota to consistently convert their third downs.

4. Can Jack Coan take care of the football?

Coan on the season has thrown four interceptions but three of those four have come over Wisconsin’s last five games. In particular, Coan will need to be cognizant of where Antoine Winfield is on the field as he has registered six interceptions over Big Ten play, which leads the conference. One thing Coan can’t do on Saturday is cut a drive short by making a careless mistake with the football. Considering if Minnesota’s offense is clicking the Badgers will need to be able to take advantage of each offensive possession.

5. The play of Wisconsin’s red zone defense 

Minnesota has made it to the red zone 39 times over Big Ten play the third most amongst Big Ten teams and have been able to score on 36 of their red zone chances. Minnesota’s ability to consistently convert in the red zone is one of the reasons why the Gophers are averaging 36.8 points per game. On the flip side, Wisconsin’s red zone defense is allowing Big Ten opponents to convert on 76.2 percent (16-for-21) of their red zone opportunities. With Minnesota converting on such a high percentage of their red zone opportunities into points it will be important for Wisconsin’s defense to try and make sure that the Gophers have to settle for three as they have attempted nine field goals in the red zone over conference play.

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

Who are three offensive players to watch when Wisconsin travels to Minnesota? Jonathan Taylor RB, Jack Coan QB, Quintez Cephus WR

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

1. Jonathan Taylor, RB

Can Taylor rush for at least 200 yards for a fourth straight game? Taylor will certainly have a challenge against Minnesota’s rush defense, which is allowing conference opponents to average 126 yards a game. In two previous games against the Gophers Taylor has averaged 134.5 yards and has scored one touchdown. Although Taylor will have to work for each yard he gains against Minnesota he has had success against tough run defenses this year. Considering in Wisconsin’s Big Ten opener against Michigan Taylor rushed for 203 yards and the Wolverines over Big Ten play are allowing 106.4 rushing yards per game.

2. Jack Coan, QB

Coan was able to put together an efficient game at the quarterback position for Wisconsin in their win over Purdue. Outside of him throwing his fourth interception on the season against the Boilermakers he completed 78.9 percent (15-for-19) of his passes and had two touchdowns. Although Coan’s interception number is low he has thrown three of his four interceptions in the last five games. Coan will need to be sound in his decision making considering the Gophers have picked off 11 passes over Big Ten play and Antoine Winfield has been responsible for six of them.

3. Quintez Cephus, WR

Cephus continues to string together consistent performances from the wide receiver position as over the last three games he has caught a combined 13 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Cephus has been Wisconsin’s most consistent wide receiver as he leads the team in receptions (40), receiving yards (606), and touchdowns (five). Cephus’ consistency has allowed him to help Wisconsin sustain drives an area that will need to continue against Minnesota. Wisconsin can rely on its running game to try and set up third and shorts. But ultimately Wisconsin will also need to be able to sustain drives through the passing game and Cephus will play an important role in this area.

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.
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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.

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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.

Purdue at Wisconsin: Breakdown with Prediction

Breakdown and prediction of Wisconsin’s game against Purdue on Saturday. Jonathan Taylor RB, Jack Coan QB

Wisconsin (8-2, 5-2 Big Ten) will host Purdue (4-6, 3-4) on senior day as the Badgers will honor a 13-member senior class that has posted a 40-11 record over the last four years. In addition, they have been a part of three bowl winning teams, which includes winning two New Year’s Six bowl games (2017 Cotton Bowl and 2017 Orange Bowl), been a part of a school-record 13-win season in 2017, and has gone 23-3 in games played in Camp Randall.

Wisconsin’s senior class will look to add one more win on Saturday when they play Purdue. Both teams have plenty to play for as a win over the Boilermakers will keep Wisconsin in contention of winning the Big Ten West division while Purdue needs to win their final two games to go to a bowl for a third straight year.

Making it important that Wisconsin gets off to a strong start and dictates how the game is played. The Badgers can do that by scoring quickly in the first quarter considering the Boilermakers have given up 85 points in the first quarter the most they have given up in any quarter this season.

If Wisconsin is able to do that it will likely be thanks to Jonathan Taylor as he seeks his third straight game of rushing for at least 200 yards. Purdue’s rush defense hasn’t allowed for a running back to top the 200-yard rushing mark on the season but in two career games against the Boilers, Taylor is averaging 270 yards a contest and is averaging 8.5 yards per carry.

The key to Taylor’s success will be neutralizing defensive end George Karlaftis as his 1.57 tackles for loss over Big Ten play ranks first. Wisconsin’s offensive line has done a good job this year of wearing opposing defenses down allowing for Taylor to consistently have success throughout the game and allow him to consistently pick up positive yards.

With Purdue averaging six tackles for loss on the season, the Badgers will need Jack Coan to make sure the Boilermakers can’t consistently load the box. Coan’s ability to distribute the football to one of his receiving targets will be important as opportunities will be there for him as he goes against a secondary that’s allowing 227.9 passing yards over Big Ten play.

Defensively, for Wisconsin, the Badgers will need to be able to slow down wide receiver David Bell. Aidan O’Connell who will be playing in his fifth game this season and is averaging 101 passing yards a contest will look for Bell early and often.

The Badgers secondary will be responsible to limit Bell as his 8.4 receptions over Big Ten play ranks first. It will be a team effort in slowing him down as Wisconsin’s cornerbacks will need the help from Wisconsin’s safeties to make sure he can’t get behind them.

If Wisconsin is able to limit his yards after the catch it will force somebody else to beat Wisconsin’s defense. Simply put Purdue doesn’t have enough playmakers on offense as the Boilermakers have only rushed for an average of 76.8 yards per game.

In the end, Wisconsin’s offense is able to control the clock as Taylor once again has an effective game running the football. While the Badgers defense is able to do enough in limiting Bell in the passing game thanks to the Badgers linebackers as there able to make their presence felt in Purdue’s backfield to disrupt the passing game. Wisconsin sends out the seniors on a winning note as the Badgers win 31-10.

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.