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.