Tag: Zack Baun

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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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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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.

Wisconsin Linebacker Zack Baun named finalist for Butkus Award

A two-year starter, outside linebacker Zack Baun is starting to receive more accolades in his final season as a Badger.

The recognition keeps coming for Badgers senior outside linebacker Zack Baun, who on Monday morning was named a finalist for the Butkus Award, given to the best linebacker in the country.

One of six finalists for the award, which is named after the legendary Dick Butkus, Baun has earned this recognition by showing that he can do a bit of everything this season.
On the year, Baun has 53 tackles and 9.5 sacks. In addition, he has two forced fumbles, two pass break ups, and an interception for a touchdown, creating multiple turnovers which are a key stat for the next level.
Baun, along with Penn State’s Micah Parsons, are the only two finalists from the loaded Big Ten conference.
After just celebrating Senior Day, Baun has a huge matchup with Minnesota next week to look forward to,  for the Badgers’ final game of the regular season.
The winner of the award will be presented on December 12, as part of the Home Depot College Football Awards Show.

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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