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. 

Wisconsin vs. Oregon: Breakdown with Prediction

Breaking down Wisconsin’s matchup against Oregon in the 106th Rose Bowl Game.

Wisconsin and Oregon played one of the most exciting Rose Bowl Games in recent memory as they set a variety of combined, individual, and team records in 2012.

Once again the Badgers and Ducks could give Rose Bowl fans another exciting game between the two teams.

After the Badgers lost in consecutive weeks to Illinois and Ohio State to close out October it appeared the Rose Bowl was a long shot for the Badgers. But Wisconsin put together a month to remember in November and played their way back into the Rose Bowl game.

While Oregon similar to Wisconsin had an ugly and unexpected loss to Arizona State in November before they dominated Utah in the Pac-12 Championship game.

In order for Wisconsin to have success against the Ducks defense, Jack Coan is going to need to show that he’s capable of beating the Ducks secondary, which is giving up 222.7 yards per game through the air.

Coan’s play over the month of November is one of the main reasons why Wisconsin was able to get the Badgers back to the Rose Bowl Game for the first time since 2013. Coan will need to be able to consistently complete passes on all three levels in order to make sure the Ducks can’t consistently load the box to stop the run.

If he can it should allow Jonathan Taylor to have success on the ground. Taylor was able to win the Doak Walker Award for a second consecutive season as he’ll be going up against a rush defense that’s allowing 106.8 yards per game.

Taylor will be the best back the Ducks have seen all season as part of the reason why they have had the success of slowing opposing rushing attacks down is because they’re averaging 7.2 tackles for loss per game. However, Taylor rarely if ever gets tackled behind the line of scrimmage. Taylor’s ability to continue to pick up positive yards has allowed him to only lose a total of 41 yards this season.

Taylor’s ability to continue to pick up positive yards will allow for Wisconsin’s offense to try and convert manageable third downs or even a fourth down if the scenario is right.

Defensively, for Wisconsin, the Badgers will need to find a way to contain Justin Herbert. Herbert likely a first round draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft averaged 256.3 passing yards per game this season. Similar to Coan, Herbert was efficient with the football completing 66.6 percent of his passes on 272-for-408 passing with 32 touchdowns to five interceptions.

Wisconsin has been able to disrupt opposing passing attacks by generating consistent pressure in the backfield. That will be challenged against the Ducks as the Ducks offensive line has only given up 23 sacks this season.

Creating a consistent pressure will be key in order to try and slow down the Ducks offense. Considering Herbert has plenty of weapons to throw the football too.

Herbert’s two main targets are Johnny Johnson III and Jaylon Redd as the two have both caught at least 50 passes this season and both have caught seven touchdowns.

Johnson leads the two in receiving yards with 818 on 55 receptions as he has been held without a catch only once this year, which came against USC.

Wisconsin’s corners will need to be sound in their defensive assignments and make sure to prevent Johnson and Redd from consistently picking up yards after the catch. If Wisconsin can have success in this area it will help prevent chunk plays through the passing game for Oregon.

Oregon has been able to create a balance on offense as the Ducks are averaging 183.2 rushing yards per game this season. Making it important that the Badgers defensive line finds ways of consistently creating rushing lanes for Zack Baun, Chris Orr, and Jack Sanborn to try and slow down Oregon’s CJ Verdell and Travis Dye as the duo are averaging 6.5 and 6.2 yards per carry respectively. Limiting their effectiveness on the ground will help make sure Oregon can’t consistently pick up positive yards against Wisconsin’s defense.

In the end, Wisconsin is able to create a balance on offense against the Ducks defense as Coan is able to find success against the Ducks secondary allowing for Taylor to be able to consistently pick up yards and for the Badgers to sustain drives. While Wisconsin’s secondary is able to limit the Ducks passing game and are able to create enough pressure against Herbert as the Badgers win 38-31.

What are the Five Keys to a Wisconsin Victory Against Oregon in the 106th Rose Bowl Game?

Here are five things Wisconsin needs to do in the Rose Bowl to beat Oregon.

Rose Bowl in my lifetime. Wisconsin fans thought they were going to get back to the “Granddaddy of them All” a lot quicker after their appearance in the 1963 game but they had to patiently wait 31 years before returning to Pasadena, which created the phrase Rose Bowl in my lifetime. Since that magical trip to the Rose Bowl in 1994, the Badgers haven’t had to wait that long for their return trip. Considering Wisconsin returned in 1999 and in 2000 before going three straight years in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Wisconsin’s last three trips to the Rose Bowl all have resulted in losses by an average of five points per game. The Badgers will look to get back to their winning ways in Camp Randall West and bring home the Roses for the first time since 2000 against Oregon.

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

1. The play of Jack Coan

Oregon is going to load the box against the Badgers and force Coan to beat them threw the air. Coan was able to close out the season on a high note as he’s currently playing some of his best football. Coan’s ability to complete passes on all three levels will be critical to Wisconsin’s success on offense. If he can it will help open up Wisconsin’s offense and take pressure off of Jonathan Taylor and the running game. Coan will also likely get involved in the running game too as he rushed for two touchdowns and 27 yards against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game. If Coan can be effective with his legs for a second consecutive game will open up a new wrinkle on offense for the Badgers.

2. Can Wisconsin consistently supply pressure against Justin Herbert?

Oregon has done well of keeping Herbert upright this season as the Ducks have only given up 23 sacks this season. Oregon is led by Penei Sewell the recipient of the 2019 Outland Trophy. Wisconsin’s ability to find ways of creating pressure against Herbert will be critical as the Badgers defense has been at its best when Zack Baun and Chris Orr have been able to create pressure on the outside or up the middle. Between the two they’ll need to take advantage of each opportunity they get in the backfield as there may not be many. Wisconsin will need to disguise their blitzes at times to try and confuse Herbert to prevent him from knowing where the blitz is coming from.

3. Can Jonathan Taylor create a Rose Bowl legacy?

Taylor is clearly a special player as he has won the Doak Walker Award twice. Although Taylor will have a tough test against Oregon’s rush defense can he create a Rose Bowl legacy like Ron Dayne or Montee Ball did before him? Dayne rushed for 446 yards over his two Rose Bowl games and Ball is the only running back to rush for at least 100 yards in three different Rose Bowl games. Taylor will be going up against a run defense that’s allowing 3.2 yards per attempt making it important that he consistently picks up positive yards. Taylor has consistently shown tremendous patience and vision throughout his career at Wisconsin allowing him to consistently pick up positive yards. Taylor’s ability to pick up the tough yards along with finding ways of creating long runs will go a long way in helping sustain drives and etch his name with fellow Badger running backs who have found success in Pasadena.

4. Can Wisconsin create a turnover?

Oregon certainly has done a good job of protecting the football this year as they have only turned the football over 10 times as Herbert has thrown five interceptions and the Ducks have lost five fumbles on the year. Creating an extra offensive possession will be important as the Badgers rank 49th nationally in turnover margin per game at plus 0.23 as Wisconsin has forced 20 fumbles this year recovering 10 and has registered 11 interceptions. If Wisconsin is able to create an extra offensive possession they’ll need to cash the Ducks mistakes into points.

5. Wisconsin’s ability to slow Oregon’s rushing attack

Herbert is averaging 256.3 passing yards per game but the Ducks have two dangerous runners in CJ Verdell and Travis Dye as they have rushed for 1,171 and 655 yards respectively this season. Verdell is averaging 6.5 yards per rush while Dye is averaging 6.2 yards per rushing attempt making it important that Wisconsin consistently plugs the gaps on defense to make sure neither can consistently pick up positive yards. Wisconsin’s rush defense has done well of containing opposing ground attacks holding their opponents to an average of 102.4 yards per game and 3.4 yards per rush. Wisconsin’s ability to take the duo away will help create long third downs against a Duck defense that’s converting on 42.5 percent (71-for-167) of their third downs.

Who are Three Defensive Players to Watch when Wisconsin Plays Oregon in the 106th Rose Bowl Game

Who are three key defensive players to watch for Wisconsin when they Oregon in the 106th Rose Bowl Game?

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

1. Chris Orr MLB

When Orr left the game against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game it was clear to see that one of Wisconsin’s leaders on the defensive side of the football was missing. Orr will play against Oregon and outside of his ability to make plays for Wisconsin’s defense, he’ll also provide the defensive leadership the Badgers need in order to have success. Orr will be counted on to help create pressure up the middle and be ready to make plays in pass coverage too. Orr’s ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways will go a long way in helping determine how the game goes for Wisconsin.

2. Zack Baun OLB

Baun who made countless All-American teams will need to provide the pressure against Justin Herbert and try and make him feel uncomfortable in the pocket. Oregon’s offensive line has only given up 23 sacks this season, which will make it difficult for Baun to be able to consistently apply pressure in the backfield. Making it important that when he does get his chance of sacking Herbert that he does as there won’t be many opportunities. If Wisconsin can force Oregon to play behind the chains it could allow for the Badgers to have short defensive drives.

3. Isaiahh Loudermilk DE

In order for Orr and Baun to have an impact in creating pressure against Herbert in the backfield, it will begin with Loudermilk and the rest of Wisconsin’s defensive line creating lanes for them to create that pressure. Although Loudermilk’s play along the defensive line doesn’t always show up in the box score he has registered a combined 11 tackles over the Badgers last three games, in addition, to registering 1.5 sacks over that time span too and he forced a fumble against Ohio State. Loudermilk’s ability to continue to make those types of plays for Wisconsin’s defense will help slow an Oregon offense that’s averaging 450.7 yards of total offense a game.

Three Badgers named to Associated Press All-American teams

The AP announced its All-American teams, and Wisconsin is well-represented with Zack Baun, Tyler Biadasz and Jonathan Taylor all included.

Wisconsin is well-represented on the Associated Press All-American teams that were released on Monday, joining Georgia and Kentucky as the only schools to land multiple players on the first team.

To the surprise of no one, Jonathan Taylor earned a spot as one of the two first-team running backs for the second year in a row. He was the only player to repeat as a first-team selection this season.

It’s safe to say Taylor has not disappointed throughout what most expect to be his final season in Madison. He leads the Big Ten in both rushing yards and touchdowns and ranks second nationally in both categories, and was named the Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year for the second year in a row. He was also just awarded the Doak Walker Award for the second consecutive season at last week’s College Football Awards.

Taylor is a special talent, but the offensive linemen who have blasted running lanes open for him over the last three years have been critical to his success as well and deserve their fair share of the recognition. This is especially true of Tyler Biadasz, who has been one of the nation’s top centers from the moment he seized the starting role as a redshirt freshman in 2017.

Biadasz has turned in his best season yet as a junior, earning consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors for the second straight year and winning the Rimington Trophy as the best center in college football. The Amherst, Wis. native can now add “First Team All-American” to his resume as well.

Taylor and Biadasz have been unsurprisingly fantastic for the Badgers this season, but arguably the biggest storyline of the year for Wisconsin has been the emergence of Zack Baun into one of the nation’s top linebackers and, as of today, a Second Team All-American.

Plenty of Badger fans expected to see some progress from Baun this season, but few anticipated him to turn into a full-fledged star. This, of course, is exactly what he has become: Baun’s team-high 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss are both good for No. 2 in the conference and No. 7 in the nation. In addition to earning AP All-American honors, he was a consensus First Team All-Big Ten selection and a finalist for the Butkus Award.

While Taylor and Biadasz were already held in high regard by professional scouts leading into the season, Baun was flying considerably under the radar. That’s no longer the case, as his breakout senior season has likely made him a great deal of money: he is now widely considered a likely mid-round selection (at worst) in this spring’s NFL draft and will have the chance to improve his stock even further at the Senior Bowl in January.

Zack Baun accepts invitation to 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl

Wisconsin senior outside linebacker Zack Baun has accepted an invitation the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

Senior outside linebacker Zack Baun emerged as one of the top breakout stars in all of college football this season, earning consensus First Team All-Big Ten honors last week on the heels of a phenomenal regular season of play. Taking into account his performance in the loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game, Baun has now tallied a team-high 12.5 sacks to go along with 19.5 tackles for loss, numbers that are both good for No. 2 in the conference and No. 7 in the nation.

His rise to stardom has landed him squarely on the radars of NFL franchises as they prepare for the draft in the spring, as evidenced by his invitation to the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl. After accepting his invitation on Monday afternoon, Baun will have the chance to make even more of a name for himself in NFL circles.

Baun is the first Badger to accept an invitation to this year’s Senior Bowl, an annual showcase of some of the top senior players in all of college football. Hundreds of NFL coaches, scouts, general managers and other front office personnel flock to Mobile, Ala. each year to take in the game, and, more importantly, take stock of the players throughout the three days of practice sessions that precede it.

Along with college pro days and the NFL Scouting Combine, the Senior Bowl is one of the most important events leading up to the draft for prospects, and it offers its participants the opportunity to greatly increase their stock. For example, it was his performance at the 2018 event that catapulted Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield into the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick in that year’s draft.

Last year, offensive linemen Michael Deiter and Beau Benzschawel and fullback Alec Ingold represented Wisconsin in Mobile. Ingold, in particular, had a big week on the North team that was coached by Jon Gruden and the Raiders’ coaching staff, and that played a major role in Oakland picking him up as an undrafted free agent following the draft.

Wisconsin fans can watch Baun in the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl on Jan. 25.

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.

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.