Wisconsin enters the Big Ten Championship game 26th in scoring offense, averaging 34.8 points per game. Additionally, the Badgers rank 18th nationally in Rushing Offense (243 yards per game) and more importantly, Wisconsin ranks an impressive second nationally in third down conversions at 50.7%.
Defensively, the Badgers are the number one ranked Rushing Defense, allowing only 80 yards per game, while only surrendering 12.0 points per game, good for number two nationally. The offensive line has surrendered 17 sacks on the season, 26th nationally.
The key to this matchup will be on first downs, where Wisconsin only allows 2.99 yards per attempt and excels on third down run stops, surrendering only 0.84 yards per third down rush attempt.
Wisconsin Offense
Jonathan Taylor (#23)
Running Back
Freshman
5’11” 214
Taylor is a star Freshman Running Back who has rushed for over 1,800 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season. Taylor is a strong runner who runs with excellent balance and power and creates yards after contact. Shows breakaway speed when skirting through the hole and displays good patience and vision to set up blocks. A one-move runner who focuses on keeping his pads pointed down field. Not a key factor in the passing game, only the occasional designed screen, and has had issues with fumbles this season, losing four.
Alex Hornibrook (#12)
Quarterback
Sophomore
6’4” 215
Typical Wisconsin Quarterback who is not asked to do too much under center. The lefty has good height and slender frame and offers solid mobility with the ability to scramble and extend plays with his feet. Has good accuracy when throwing in rhythm, but becomes erratic when moved off his mark after protection breaks down. Will lock onto primary target and has thrown 13 interceptions due to confidence in arm strength and challenging double coverage deep down the field.
Wisconsin Defense
T.J. Edwards (#53)
Inside Linebacker
Redshirt Junior
6’1” 244
Second leading tackler for the Badgers with 67 tackles on the season including 11 Tackles for Loss and 4 interceptions. Edwards has prototypical size for an NFL Middle Linebacker and provides good speed and aggressiveness. Attacks the gaps as a run stopper and provides good lateral speed to the outside. Can drop into coverage, gaining the appropriate depth in zone coverage, but will struggle in man to man situations.
Garret Dooley (#5)
OLB/DE
Senior
6’3” 246
Typical Wisconsin OLB who can play multiple positions along the defensive front. Accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl next month. Plays standing up on the line of scrimmage where he can use his upfield burst and use of hands to create pressure on the Quarterback. Displays very good speed to power when rushing the passer. Can move around the defense and drops into coverage as well, proving to be an every down player. Has tremendous effort and will have to be accounted for in pursuit as a backside defender.
Other Notables
Quintez Cephus (#87) Wide Receiver, 6’1” 205- Deep threat for the Wisconsin offense, averaging 17 yards per reception. Good speed and strength to separate.
Troy Fumagalli (#81) Tight End, 6’6” 248- Leading receiver for the Badgers despite missing two games due to injury. A threat in all levels of the passing attack, good hands and athleticism. Not a blocking Tight End at the point of attack.
Ryan Connelly (#43) Inside Linebacker, 6’3” 228- Leading tackler for the Badgers defense. Similar play style to Garret Dooley, wins with effort and toughness.
