Wisconsin’s defense has been a driving force behind the team’s three-game win streak and significant improvement.
Every number and figure should back up that fact. The Badgers have allowed just one touchdown and 16 total points over the last three weeks — six to Purdue, seven to Rutgers and now three to Northwestern.
To put that run into context: Wisconsin’s 16 points allowed over the last three weeks is its fewest allowed over a three-game stretch in Big Ten play since 1998 — that stat via WOZN’s Zach Heilprin.
That 1998 team finished 11-1 and won the Rose Bowl. It had a mid-season run of allowing three points to Illinois, zero to Iowa and seven to Minnesota — 10 total points in the three weeks.
The 16 combined points the #Badgers gave up to Purdue/Rutgers/NW is their fewest over a three game stretch in Big Ten play since 1998.
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) October 20, 2024
That is terrific company for a 2024 Wisconsin defense that started the season somewhat slow, with pedestrian outings against Western Michigan, South Dakota, Alabama and USC. The group is now up to the No. 11-ranked defense in ESPN SP+, No. 14 total defense (295.7 yards per game), No. 7 pass defense (155.9 yards per game) and No. 18 scoring defense (17.57 points allowed per game). It has become statistically one of the best units in the country.
Part of those improved totals is obviously due to playing the struggling offenses of Purdue, Rutgers and Northwestern. But a big part is also clear improvement from the unit as it continues year two under Luke Fickell and Mike Tressel — especially from the front seven and pass-rush.
While Wisconsin’s air raid offense will capture most of the national headlines moving into the team’s closing stretch, the defense has been the primary force behind the team’s resurgence.
The Badgers are back on the field on Saturday night against No. 3 Penn State. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC and Peacock.
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