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.