Scouting Report for Wisconsin
Overall record: 7-5
Offense: rushing = 163.1 yds/game (58th); passing = 207.1 yds/game (90th); 77th overall offense
Defense: rushing = 137.9 yds/game (45th); passing = 193.4 yds/game (265h); 32nd overall defense
Head Coach: Luke Fickell (1st season)
Arguably, this season has been one of the worst seasons for the Badgers in recent years. However, Luke Fickell hasn't had the number of years to fully instill his system and players.
This is a team that has 2 quality running backs, who combined are responsible for almost 50% of their offensive TDs on the year. Braelen Allen is the key to their offense - which is also the 5th best passing offense in the Big 10 - but relies on the productivity of Allen to set up the pass.
Basically, this is a ball control rushing offense that has an average time of possession per game at 29:08 (opponents 30:41). They are 82-184 (44.57%) in 3rd down efficiency and 5-18 (27.78%) in 4th down efficiency.
Tanner Mordecai (starting QB) has multiple talented options on the outside, as well as standout sophomore Will Pauling in the slot. Allen also gets involved in the passing game with 28 catches on the year. Mordecai can also pick up 1st downs with his legs, averaging 4 yds per carry on plays where he has rushed (305 yds rushing on the season).
Defensively, the Badgers have only given up 24 points or more only 3 times this season. Their best defensive player is Hunter Wohler (S) who has 73 solo tackles and 40 assists for a total of 113 tackles. Ricardo Hallman (CB) has 6 interceptions on the season and 30 total tackles. Their redshirt sophmore OLB, Darryl Peterson, leads the team in sacks with 4.5 on the season and 44 total tackles (26 solo and 18 assists).
Assuming our offense is clicking, I think we can pull out a victory, but our defense needs to stop their ground game and force them to pass.