Tag: Jonathan Taylor

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.

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.

Badgers lead Boilermakers, 24-17, in record-breaking first half

Taylor and Hintze set some records in the first half of the Badgers’ Senior Day

At the half in Camp Randall, No. 12 Wisconsin led the unranked Boilermakers, 24-17.

In an action filled first-half, there could have been even more points had the Badgers not lost two fumbles, courtesy of AJ Taylor and All-American Jonathan Taylor.

That being said, there were a couple records that occurred in the first 30 minutes in Madison, and it was mostly good from Jonathan Taylor in likely his final home game as a Badger.

In the first quarter of the game, Taylor took a handoff for a modest gain, but in doing so, set a record for the most rushing yards by any player in the history of college football (FBS) in any span of three seasons, then with 5,658 yards in the three-year span. Taylor broke all-time great Herschel Walker’s record.

Then, with two seconds left in the second quarter, head coach Paul Chryst trotted out UW’s kickoff man, Zach Hintze, to attempt a 62-yard field goal, as follows:

Hintze, in remarkably just his second career attempt at a field goal, nailed the 62-yarder by a matter of inches, and set the Camp into a frenzy into the halftime recess.

The 62-yard field goal is a new Wisconsin record.

With Wisconsin only leading 24-17 at the break, there are certainly turnovers and defense to clean up in the second half, but it is always impressive to see a couple records broken in just one half of Senior Day.

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.

Purdue at Wisconsin odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Purdue Boilermakers at Wisconsin Badgers betting odds and lines, with college football matchup analysis and picks.

The Purdue Boilermarkers (4-6, 3-4 Big Ten West) and Wisconsin Badgers (8-2, 5-2 West) square off at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisc. at 4:00 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Purdue-Wisconsin odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Purdue at Wisconsin: Three things you need to know

1. Purdue limps into this one needing to win their final two regular-season games to attain bowl eligibility. Its passing game has been strong with 298.5 yards per game to rank 17th in the nation, but it’s 128th in rushing offense at just 77.1 yards per game.

2. Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor leads the Big Ten with 1,463 rushing yards and a total of 21 touchdowns.

3. The Badgers rank fourth in total yards allowed (259.7), third in the nation in passing yards allowed (154.3) and sixth in points allowed (13.4 PPG).

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Purdue at Wisconsin: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Wisconsin 45, Purdue 17

Moneyline (ML)

You can’t bet Wisconsin (-2500) on the moneyline, as the investment is nowhere near the risk, and Purdue (+1030) doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in … well, you know.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Wisconsin to win outright would return a profit of $0.40.

Against the Spread (ATS)

WISCONSIN (-24.5, -106) is laying the points and will run roughshod over the leaky defense of Purdue (+24.5, -115). While Purdue has been able to stay in some games with a respectable pass offense, the Boilersmakers haven’t faced a stingy defense like Wisconsin.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 47.5 (-115) is a slam-dunk play. In fact, the Badgers could take care of the Over by themselves without much trouble. The Under is super low because of Wisconsin’s sturdy defense, but the rush attack should roll up huge numbers. If this game isn’t in the high 50’s it would be a surprise.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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

Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Purdue. Jonathan Taylor RB, Jack Coan QB, Nakia Watson RB

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

1) Jonathan Taylor, RB

In two career games against Purdue, Taylor has rushed for 219 yards on 30 carries as a freshman and last year rushed for a career-high 321 yards on 33 carries in Wisconsin’s win over the Boilermakers. Taylor certainly has had success against Purdue and that should continue on Saturday. Purdue will load the box against Wisconsin but due to Taylor’s patience and vision, it will be difficult for them to consistently tackle him behind the line of scrimmage. Taylor’s ability to consistently pick up positive yards should help Wisconsin get into an offensive rhythm at Camp Randall.

2) Jack Coan QB

Coan has thrown eight touchdown passes over the last six games compared to throwing two interceptions over that same stretch. Coan, at times against Nebraska, didn’t place the football in the right place for his intended target to make the catch. Although Coan did not have any passes intercepted, he will still need to improve upon his decision making. Considering, Purdue over conference play has registered six interceptions, which is tied for fourth in the league. Not to mention, Purdue has picked off five passes in four of their last five games.

3) Nakia Watson, RB

Watson didn’t register a carry against Ohio State, but in the last two games against Iowa and Nebraska, he has carried the football a total of 14 times for 68 yards. Taylor will get the bulk of the carries against Purdue, but that should allow for Watson to have success when he gets a chance. Watson has been carrying the football effectively over the last two games. Watson’s ability to help spell Taylor throughout the game against Purdue will help Taylor have the success he’s capable of having against the Boilermakers.

Jonathan Taylor, Aron Cruickshank earn accolades for performances vs. Nebraska

Jonathan Taylor and Aron Cruickshank earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors for their performances in Wisconsin’s win over Nebraska.

Jonathan Taylor and Aron Cruickshank each played a critical role in Wisconsin’s 37-21 victory over Nebraska in Lincoln on Saturday, and both players were rewarded for their efforts by being named Players of the Week by the Big Ten.

Taylor was named the Co-Offensive Player of the Week along with Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson after rushing for 204 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries against the Cornhuskers, a performance in which he broke the legendary Herschel Walker’s record for rushing yards in the first three years of a career and passed Archie Griffin for second place on the Big Ten’s all-time rushing list.

This is the fourth time this season that Taylor has earned Player of the Week honors, and the eighth in his career, which ties Drew Brees for the fourth-most in Big Ten history.

Cruickshank earned Special Teams Co-Player of the Week honors along with Northwestern’s Chris Bergin as a result of his jaw-dropping 89-yard kickoff return touchdown in the first quarter against Nebraska. The play provided Wisconsin with a much-needed boost in momentum after the Cornhuskers seized a 7-0 lead following a Badger turnover.

It was the first return touchdown of Cruickshank’s young career, and it likely will not be the last with his blazing speed and playmaking ability. The sophomore has been one of the more dangerous return men in college football this season, leading the Big Ten and sitting at No. 10 nationally with an average of 28.4 yards per return.

Taylor and Cruickshank will look to defend their titles against Purdue in Madison on Saturday.