Here are three offensive players for the Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Ohio State this weekend:
1. Jack Coan, QB
Coan put together his best performance as a Badger this season against Minnesota as he did a great job of dissecting the Gophers secondary and picking them apart. Coan will need to be able to deliver another similar performance against Ohio State if the Badgers want any chance of pulling the upset. Coan wasn’t perfect against Ohio State in the first meeting as he finished the game 10-for-17 for 108 yards and a touchdown. Coan also lost a fumble on a strip-sack as he was sacked a season high five times against the Buckeyes. Coan will need to try and do a better job of feeling the pressure making it important that he gets rid of the football in order to avoid a sack. The last thing Wisconsin’s offense can do against Ohio State’s talented defense is by consistently having to work behind the chains.
2. Cole Van Lanen, LT
Van Lanen and the rest of Wisconsin’s offensive line will have the difficult task of blocking Ohio State’s talented defensive line. Van Lanen like the rest of Wisconsin’s offense didn’t have his best performance against the Buckeyes. Van Lanen will have a chance to redeem himself as he gets ready to try and neutralize defensive end Chase Young. Young has wreaked havoc against opposing Big Ten offenses this year as he leads the Big Ten in both tackles for loss (2.07) and sacks (1.64). In order for Wisconsin’s offense to generate a rhythm, it will begin upfront and will depend on the success by Van Lanen and the rest of Wisconsin’s offensive line. If the Badgers can’t consistently get the better push it will prevent Wisconsin’s ground game from getting into a rhythm or allowing Coan the time he needs in the pocket to have success.
3. Jonathan Taylor, RB
In Wisconsin’s first meeting against Ohio State, Taylor was held to a season low 52 yards on 20 carries. In order for Wisconsin’s offense to have success, it will begin with Coan and his success in the passing game to help Taylor have success. If Coan can prove that he’s capable of beating Ohio State with his arm it should open up rushing lanes for Taylor. Making it important that Taylor is able to take advantage of each carry he receives to make sure he consistently picks up positive yards. Taylor’s ability to not get tackled behind the line of scrimmage will be critical as the Badgers offense needs to be able to take advantage of each offensive possession against Ohio State.