Tag: Zack Baun

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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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.

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

Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Nebraska. Zack Baun OLB, Caesar Williams CB, Chris Orr MLB

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

1) Zack Baun, OLB

Baun had an effective game a week ago, as he registered two sacks in Wisconsin’s win over Nebraska. Baun has a chance of registering his third multi-sack game of the season, considering the Boilermakers allow an average of three sacks a game over Big Ten play. Baun’s ability to generate pressure against Aidan O’Connell, a walk-on quarterback, will be critical in possibly creating an extra offensive possession. Baun’s ability to create pressure should force him to speed up his decision making, which could lead to a mistake by O’Connell as he threw two interceptions in Purdue’s last game.

2) Caesar Williams, CB

Williams has started the last three games at cornerback and over that time he has a combined 10 tackles. Williams will likely have to cover David Bell at times, making it important that his consistent tackling continues, considering Bell has become one of the top targets in the passing game over the last five games. He has registered 48 of his 65 catches on the season over that time span for 491 yards and four touchdowns. If Williams can slow him down and limit his yards after the catch, that will take one of Purdue’s more consistent offensive players away and limit what Purdue can do on offense.

3) Chris Orr, ILB

Orr is averaging 1.14 sacks over Big Ten play, which leads the league as Orr can assist Baun in creating pressure against O’Connell in the backfield. Orr certainly has had an impactful year and if he and Baun can consistently create pressure it should lead to Wisconsin getting off the field quickly against the Boilermakers. It will also be important that Orr and Baun are able to create third and longs, which should allow for Jim Leonhard to dial up the pressure against Purdue that’s converting 40.5 percent (45-for-111) of their third downs.

Notes: Wisconsin Beats Nebraska on the Road 37-21

Game notes following Wisconsin’s 37-21 win over Nebraska.

LINCOLN, Neb. – News and notes from UW Athletics after No. 15 Wisconsin’s 37-21 victory over Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM NOTES

  • Today’s captains: senior OLB Zack Baun, junior C Tyler Biadasz, senior ILB Chris Orr, junior RB Jonathan Taylor.
  • Paul Chryst improved to 50-14 (.781) in his fifth season as Wisconsin’s head coach, becoming the 5th coach in program history to win 50 games at UW.
  • Under Chryst, Wisconsin is:
    1. 32-10 (.762) in Big Ten Conference play
    2. 23-5 (.821) vs. the Big Ten West Division
    3. 14-3 (.824) in November games
    4. 18-6 (.750) in road games
    5. 5-0 vs. Nebraska, including a 3-0 mark in Lincoln
  • Wisconsin is 50-14 (.781) since the start of the 2015 season. Entering today, only Clemson (65-4, .942), Alabama (63-5, .926), Ohio State (57-6, .905), Oklahoma (54-9, .857) and Georgia (50-14, .781) own higher winning percentages during that 5-year span.
  • UW is 39-11 (.780) in conference play since 2014, when the Big Ten went to its current divisional alignment. Only Ohio State (45-4, .918) has a better league record over that span.
  • The Badgers have won 25 of their last 31 Big Ten games, dating to the 2016 season.
  • The Badgers have won 21 of their last 23 games with a rivalry trophy on the line (vs. Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska) since 2010.
  • Wisconsin racked up 482 total yards, its secondhighest total in Big Ten play this season, trailing on the 487 yards the Badgers piled up against Michigan.
  • UW ran for 320 yards, marking the 4th time the Badgers have eclipsed the 300-yard threshold this season.
  • The Badgers owned a 9:00 edge in time of possession (34:40 to 25:20). UW entered the game leading the nation in time of possession, holding the ball for an average of 36:51.
  • Wisconsin finished with 4.0 sacks on the day, without surrendering any. This marks the 6th time this season that the Badgers have posted at least 4.0 sacks in a game.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

  • Junior RB Jonathan Taylor ran the ball 25 times for 204 yards with 2 TDs. He also added 2 catches for 11 yards.
  • Taylor now has 5,634 yards for his career, passing two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin for 2nd place on the Big Ten’s all-time rushing list.
  • Taylor’s 5,634 yards are the most ever by an FBS player through his junior season.
  • Taylor recorded the 30th 100-yard rushing game of his career. Only Ron Dayne (33) has recorded more as a Badger.
  • Taylor rushed for at least 200 yards for the 11th time in his career, matching USC’s Marcus Allen for the 3rd-most 200-yard games in FBS history. Only Ron Dayne (14, 1996-99) and Texas’ Ricky Williams (12, 1995-98) have recorded more.
  • Taylor is the first Badger to rush for 200 yards against a single opponent 3 times. He also had 249 yards vs. Nebraska in 2017 and 221 yards vs. the Huskers in 2018, giving him 674 career rushing yards (224.7 yards per game) and 7 career touchdowns vs. the Huskers.
  • Now with 21 touchdowns, Taylor is the 5th player in school history to score at least 20 touchdowns in a season, joining Montee Ball (2011, 12), Melvin Gordon (2014), Brian Calhoun (2005) and Ron Dayne (1996, 99).
  • Taylor now has 46 career rushing touchdowns, moving past James White (45) and Melvin Gordon (45) for third on UW’s career list.
  • Junior QB Jack Coan went 13-for-21 for 162 yards with 1 TD and 0 INTs for a 142.4 QB rating.
  • Coan connected with A.J. Taylor on a career-long 55-yard pass that went for a touchdown in the 2nd quarter.
  • That passed served as the longest completion of Coan’s career and the longest TD pass at Wisconsin since Joel Stave and Jared Abbrederis connected on a 63-yard touchdown pass against Northwestern (Oct. 12, 2013).
  • Sophomore WR Aron Cruickshank scored an 89-yard kickoff return touchdown in the 1st quarter, the first return TD of his career, and the first for the Badgers since Natrell Jamerson’s 98-yard kick return TD at Maryland on Nov. 7, 2015.
  • Senior WR A.J. Taylor hauled in 2 catches for 65 yards and scored the 10th receiving touchdown of his career on a career-long 55-yard reception in the 2nd quarter.
  • Junior WR Danny Davis carried the ball 3 times for 48 yards, both of which represent career highs.
  • Redshirt freshman S Reggie Pearson tallied a career-high 10 tackles, surpassing his previous high of 5 tackles.
  • Senior ILB Chris Orr recorded his 10th sack of the year on Nebraska’s first offensive series, moving him into a tie for 8th on UW’s single-season list.
  • Senior OLB Zack Baun recorded 2.0 sacks — his 2nd multi-sack game of the season and the 3rd of his career — and has 9.5 on the season.
  • Senior OLB Tyler Johnson posted his first sack of the season and the second of his career. He also tallied 3 tackles, the second-highest mark of his career.
  • Junior S Eric Burrell finished with 6 tackles and forced his second fumble of the season and the fourth of his career.
  • Sophomore ILB Jack Sanborn snared his second INT of the season, intercepting Nebraska QB Adrian Martinez in the second quarter.
  • Sophomore K Collin Larsh was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals, matching his career high. He also connected on 3 FGs at Illinois earlier this season.

 

Who earned game balls from Wisconsin’s 37-21 victory against Nebraska?

Handing out game balls from Wisconsin’s 37-21 victory over Nebraska. Jonathan Taylor RB, Reggie Pearson S, Zack Baun OLB

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LINCOLN, Neb. – There were many contributors to Wisconsin’s 37-21 win over Nebraska on Saturday, but these were the three key players to the Badgers’ victory over the Cornhuskers.

Jonathan Taylor

Taylor’s success against Nebraska continued on Saturday as for the third time in his career he rushed for over 200 yards as he finished the game with 204 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. In his career, Taylor rushed for 674 yards on 74 carries and seven touchdowns. Taylor didn’t bust a long rush against Nebraska as his longest gain was 19 yards but he still averaged an impressive 8.2 yards per carry. Taylor’s first touchdown of the day in the second quarter put Wisconsin up 24-14 allowing the Badgers to play with a double-digit lead for the rest of the game.

Reggie Pearson

Pearson had to exit the game briefly with a right arm injury but he was able to return to the game. With Nebraska threatening to cut Wisconsin’s lead to 37-27 in the fourth quarter Pearson was able to make the critical defensive play of the game when he stopped Wyatt Mazour at Wisconsin’s 1-yard line on a fourth and goal play. Pearson finished the game with a team leading 10 tackles.

Zack Baun

Adrian Martinez was able to get out of the pocket and pick up positive yards at times with his feet as he finished the game with 89 yards rushing on 16 carries and one touchdown. But Baun did register two sacks his second multi-sack game this season and third in his career. Baun’s second sack of the day was big as it resulted in a 20-yard loss. Martinez on Nebraska’s opening offensive possession in the second half was able to get the Cornhuskers to Wisconsin’s 24-yard line. On first and 10 with Martinez dropping back to pass Baun’s sack set up 2nd and 30 at Wisconsin’s 44-yard line. Although Martinez was able to get the 20-yards back on Nebraska’s next two plays it forced the Cornhuskers to settle for a field goal from 41-yards, which they missed. That missed field goal by Nebraska allowed for Wisconsin to go on a 9-play, 76-yard touchdown drive as Taylor capped it off with an 11-yard touchdown run.