Tag: Quintez Cephus

Grading Wisconsin’s 28-27 Loss to Oregon in the 106th Rose Bowl Game

What grades did Wisconsin earn in their 28-27 loss to Oregon in the 106th Rose Bowl Game?

Grading No. 8 Wisconsin’s 28-27 loss to No. 6 Oregon in the 106th Rose Bowl Game.

Offense: D

Four turnovers.

Simply put Wisconsin beat themselves on offense at times. Four turnovers all occurring in Wisconsin territory was a killer as Oregon turned Wisconsin’s miscues into 21 points.

Wisconsin fumbled the football three times as Jonathan Taylor, Danny Davis, and Anthony Lotti all lost fumbles while Jack Coan threw an interception.

The dagger came when Davis fumbled the football in the fourth quarter on a jet sweep as the fumble was forced by Rose Bowl Defensive MVP Brady Breeze and was recovered by Bryson Young. Oregon only needed one play to take the lead for good as Oregon’s quarterback Justin Herbert registered a 30-yard rushing touchdown with 7:41 to go in the game.

Davis was also called for an offensive pass interference call on Wisconsin’s last offensive possession of the game, which wiped out a first down catch by Jake Ferguson on third down. Wisconsin’s ensuing offensive play resulted in an incompletion on third and 20 forcing the Badgers to punt the football away with 2:54 to go in the game.

Davis’ 19 yards rushing was second on the team behind Taylor’s 94 yards rushing on 21 carries. Taylor’s 94 yards put him over 2,000 yards rushing for the second consecutive season joining Iowa State’s Troy Davis (1995, 1996). Taylor also added 43 yards receiving on two receptions.

Taylor struggled to get into a rhythm on offense as the Ducks defense did well of containing him as he averaged 4.5 yards per carry as his longest rush was 18 yards against the Ducks defense.

With Oregon doing well of keeping contain of Taylor on the ground meant Coan attempted 35 passes, which was a season-high. Overall Coan finished the game 23-for-35 for 186 yards and one touchdown pass to Quintez Cephus.

Two of Coan’s favorite targets were Cephus (7-59-1) and Ferguson (4-44) as the two combined to catch 11 passes for 103 yards. Overall eight players caught a pass for the Badgers as half of the players who caught a pass registered at least three or more receptions.

Wisconsin’s offense at times struggled to get into a rhythm early in the game as the Badgers defense was able to set Wisconsin’s offense up with good field position when Jack Sanborn intercepted a pass giving the Badgers offense the football back at Oregon’s 27-yard line. But Oregon’s defense stepped up and was able to get off the field after three plays forcing for Wisconsin to settle for a field goal to give the Badgers a 10-7 lead. 

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Who Earned Game Balls from Wisconsin’s 34-21 Loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game?

Who earned game balls from Wisconsin’s loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game? Jack Coan QB, Quintez Cephus WR, Zack Baun OLB

INDIANAPOLIS – There were many contributors for Wisconsin as they tried to pull off the upset against Ohio State but here were three key players for the Badgers against the Buckeyes despite Wisconsin losing 34-21:

Jack Coan

Coan played a terrific first half as he completed six of his 13 pass attempts for 100 yards, in addition, he carried the football four times for 33 yards and had two rushing touchdowns. Coan’s play in the first half was critical to allowing Wisconsin to go into halftime up 21-7. Coan in the first half was able to consistently utilize his legs to allow himself to pick up the first down. As he was able to find a way of eluding the Buckeyes defender to help keep drives alive. Overall Coan finished the game 17-of-33 for 232 yards.

Quintez Cephus

Cephus was Coan’s go to target as he caught a season high seven passes for 122 yards. Cephus was able to help provide a consistent threat in the passing game, which the Badgers needed if they were going to have success against Ohio State. Cephus was consistently targeted in the first half and he made the most of his targets as he caught four passes for 85 yards. In the first half, Cephus caught a pass for 27-yards on Wisconsin’s first play to begin the game and also had a 24-yard reception that set the Badgers up first and goal at the 1-yard line.

Zack Baun

Baun finished with nine tackles, which tied for the team lead with two other players he also was responsible for one of Wisconsin’s five sacks. Baun’s ability to generate pressure helped disrupt the Buckeyes offense rhythm in the first half. Baun couldn’t create that same kind of pressure consistently in the second half but his presence in the first half made him someone the Buckeyes offense had to pay attention to in order to neutralize him.

 

Grading Wisconsin’s 34-21 Loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game

What grades did Wisconsin earn in their 34-21 loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game?

Grading No. 8 Wisconsin’s 34-21 loss over No. 1 Ohio State.

Offense: C

Wisconsin couldn’t put together two strong halves of football on offense. After registering 294 yards of total offense in the first half against Ohio State’s defense the Buckeyes held the Badgers to 138 yards on 37 offensive plays.

Wisconsin in the first half was able to create a balance as the Badgers rushed for 194 yards and Jack Coan threw for 100 yards. Coan was able to make the plays he needed to in the first half to give the Badgers a chance of pulling the upset leading 21-7 at halftime.

But the same opportunities that were there for Coan in the first half the Buckeyes had an answer for in the second half. Coan was able to consistently connect on quick passes to his wide receivers but with the Buckeyes dropping into zone coverage in the second half the same passing lanes simply weren’t open.

Coan’s go-to target in the passing game was Quintez Cephus who finished the game with seven receptions for 122 yards.

Cephus’ two biggest catches of the game came on the first offensive play, which resulted in a 27-yard gain helping set up Wisconsin’s first touchdown of the game. Cephus also hauled in a 24-yard catch to set up Wisconsin 1st and goal from the 1-yard line. Coan was able to punch the football in on the ensuing offensive play to give Wisconsin a 21-7 lead right before halftime.

Coan finished the game with 232 yards passing on 17-for-33 passing, in addition, he rushed for 27 yards on eight carries and he had two rushing touchdowns. Coan was able to use his mobility to his advantage in the first half as he was able to keep plays alive with his feet and to extend drives.

Jonathan Taylor became the first player this season to rush for over 100 yards as he finished the game with 148 yards on 20 carries and had a 44-yard rushing touchdown. Taylor also registered a 45-yard rush on Wisconsin’s final offensive drive in the first half. If Taylor is stopped for minimal gain the Badgers likely go into halftime up 14-to-7.

But Taylor’s run continued to allow for Wisconsin to play with the same aggression that they played with throughout the first half.

Wisconsin had six different players catch a pass as outside of Cephus having a productive day Danny Davis who hasn’t caught a pass in three straight games was second on the team in both receptions (three) and receiving yards (38).

The Badgers offensive line turned in a better performance in the rematch against Ohio State but in the second half, the Buckeyes started to get the better of Wisconsin’s offensive line. Considering the Buckeyes defense held Wisconsin to 3.7 yards per play.

The Badgers offensive line also allowed eight tackles for loss and two sacks as Chase Young finished the game with six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and two quarterback hurries.

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Three Wisconsin Players Named to All-Big Ten Offensive Team

Three players for Wisconsin were named to All-Big Ten Offensive teams on Wednesday. Jonathan Taylor RB, Tyler Biadasz C, Cole Van Lanen LT

After the Big Ten Conference released its All-Big Ten defensive team and special teams selections on Tuesday it was the offenses turn on Wednesday.

Not surprising Wisconsin was well represented as for the third straight year running back Jonathan Taylor was a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection. In addition, Taylor for a second consecutive year was awarded the Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year.

Center Tyler Biadasz joined Taylor as a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection while starting left tackle Cole Van Lanen was named to the second-team All-Big Ten by the media but was an honorable selection by the coaches.

Taylor, like he has throughout his career at Wisconsin, has been able to terrorize opposing Big Ten defenses as through Big Ten play he has rushed for 1,338 yards on 225 carries and has rushed for 11 touchdowns. Taylor entering this year was strictly known as a runner but he was able to prove that he’s capable as a receiver too as he finished the regular season with 201 receiving yards on 22 catches and five touchdowns.

In order for Taylor to have success, it began with the performances of Biadasz, Van Lanen, along with the rest of Wisconsin’s offensive line. In particular, Biadasz and Van Lanen helped anchor Wisconsin’s offensive line and helped pave the way for Wisconsin to average 417.4 yards of total offense over conference play as 238.4 of those yards came on the ground.

Other Wisconsin players to receive honorable mentions on offense were right tackle Logan Bruss, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, and tight end Jake Ferguson were consensus honorable mention selections. Jack Coan was an honorable mention selection by the media.

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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Who Earned Game Balls from Wisconsin’s 38-17 victory Against Minnesota?

Who earned game balls from Wisconsin’s victory over Minnesota? Jack Coan QB, Caesar Williams CB, Quintez Cephus WR

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – There were many contributors to Wisconsin’s 38-17 win over Minnesota on Saturday, but these were the three key players to the Badgers’ victory over the Gophers:

Jack Coan

Coan put together one of his best games as a Badger against Minnesota as he completed 15 of his 22 pass attempts for a Big Ten season high 280 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly he avoided making a mistake with the football. Coan could do little wrong against Minnesota as he consistently was able to place the football where it needed to be as in the second half he guided Wisconsin on touchdown drives on the Badgers first four offensive possessions. Coan’s ability to make Minnesota pay for slowing Jonathan Taylor down was critical in helping Wisconsin staking control in the game and helping the Badgers bring the axe back to Madison.

Caesar Williams

If Coan was the offensive MVP of the game than Williams deserves to be the defensive MVP. Williams had his best day as a Badger breaking up a career high four passes and he registered his first interception of the season, which Wisconsin turned into three points. Williams two biggest breakups came entering the fourth quarter when he broke up passes intended for Tyler Johnson on third and fourth and goal. Williams ability to make sure Johnson couldn’t register a touchdown on either play allowed Wisconsin to maintain momentum in the game as the Badgers followed up the turnover by downs by Minnesota into a touchdown.

Quintez Cephus

Cephus strong play in the month of November continued against Minnesota as he finished the game with five receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. Cephus was targeted early and often as the Gophers simply didn’t have an answer for him in the passing game. It was the second time Cephus has had at least 100 yards receiving in a Big Ten game in his career and it was his second game this season of going over 100 yards receiving too. On Cephus touchdown grab of 47-yards for Wisconsin in the third quarter, the ball was placed perfectly by Coan allowing Cephus to catch it in stride as he was able to walk into the endzone.

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 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.