Wisconsin is favored in the rest of its games, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index (the Badgers have been given a 52.8 percent chance of winning against Nebraska). Since then, both teams have lost elite running backs Gordon and Ameer Abdullah to the NFL. Wisconsin is 4th nationally in scoring defense (9.6 points per game) and tied for 11th nationally in total defense (278 yards per game).
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Badger of Honor: This defense is special.
An ankle injury early in camp, along with being so far behind because of arriving late, led many to think he’d redshirt this season.
In years past the badgers have been a run heavy team that builds their pass based off of their success in the run game.
UW defensive coordinator Dave Aranda believes the Cornhuskers rely on the 6-foot, 195-pound Westerkamp in the same way the Badgers rely on Alex Erickson (26 catches, 350 yards and one TD). The No. 2 receiver is Brandon Reilly, with 18 catches for 352 yards and one touchdown. And a year after dropping and fumbling any ball that got close to him, Traylor had become Mr. Dependable for quarterback Joel Stave.
“Our defense may be especially suited for this type of offense”, defensive end Jack Gangwish said. He’s a huge contributor to what we do. “Those guys deserve just about as much as I did after watching the game”. But this is Wisconsin; you know there are other backs in the program.
Gordon has moved on to the National Football League, top running back Corey Clement is still out recovering from sports hernia surgery and the Wisconsin offensive line isn’t as imposing as a few in the past. In what must be an even bigger surprise in Madison than it is in Lincoln, Wisconsin is only averaging 4.94 sack-adjusted yards per carry, which ranks 66. It’s possible that Benzschawel could play on Saturday. The rush defense was solid once again only giving up 131 yards on the ground, in a game where the run was heavy due to the weather conditions.
Brazzoni: Stave, UW offense gets reality check, overshadows dominant defensive performanceIn the time between the start of the 2015 season and Saturday’s trophy matchup against Iowa, UW players and coaches …
Husker Corner: Who has stepped up out of the blue for Wisconsin? The running game is fine against the weak and the sad, but the young offensive line isn’t pounding away and isn’t doing enough to open holes for the mediocre backs. Devine proved that he can be an every down back, but as of right Ozigbo is the number 2 back behind Newby.
“I’m not going to worry; worrying won’t do me any good or our team”. We’ll check in with him tomorrow.
“I remember it being a great atmosphere, a fun place to play a game”, he said. Alonzo Moore looks to continue his steady work and have the occasional big play. After all of the controversy this week for the Huskers on the third and 7 call the Huskers have had a good week of practice. But after a 2-3 start to the year, Nebraska coach Mike Riley has reversed course and indicated that Stevenson could see time on special teams against Wisconsin, with the potential to return kicks. This should be a very interesting game between these two teams and could go either way.
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Wisconsin has beaten Nebraska 129-55 the last 2 times they played and they are catching points? Let’s just hope I am wrong Husker fans.
