Wisconsin center Jake Renfro was PFF’s highest-graded player at his position in college football Week 8.
The service gave Renfro an overall grade of 88.3 — nearly nine rating points better than the second-highest grade on Wisconsin’s offensive unit: WR Will Pauling’s 79.7 mark.
Related: Studs and duds from Wisconsin’s win over Northwestern: Tawee Walker continues strong play
Renfro helped the Badgers control a strong Wildcats defensive front. Wisconsin rushed for 199 yards on 4.6 yards per carry during the 23-3 win, that after Northwestern entered the contest ranked No. 9 in the nation in rush defense (87.5 yards per game, 2.9 yards per carry).
He also led the Badgers’ offensive line to allow only one sack and play yet another penalty-free game — continuing their overall dominance as a unit.
Highest Graded Week 8 Center:
🔴 Jake Renfro, Wisconsin: 88.3@BadgerFootball pic.twitter.com/PJuNFKgBA6
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 21, 2024
Wisconsin’s season-long statistics are continuing to reflect the team’s dominance up front and resurgent run game. The Badgers now rank No. 35 in the nation in rush offense (194 yards per game), No. 22 in sacks allowed (1.14 per game), No. 13 in tackles for loss allowed (3.57) and No. 8 in fewest penalties per game (4.00).
Renfro and the unit have a big upcoming test when No. 3 Penn State visits Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday. The Nittany Lions enter with the nation’s No. 10 rush defense (95 yards per game allowed, 3.2 yards per carry), No. 14 pass defense (167.5 yards per game) and No. 6 total defense (262.5 yards per game).
Wisconsin’s offensive line will play a key role in the matchup as the Badgers look to notch a program-defining victory.
The Badgers and Nittany Lions will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m. CT.
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