Michigan State travels to Camp Randall Stadium this Saturday to take on the Wisconsin Badgers. The Spartans are fresh off a disheartening loss to Ohio State 34-10. The Badgers, on the other hand, come off a 48-0 shutout victory over Kent State. Currently, Wisconsin is undefeated at 5-0. MSU is 4-2 on the season thus far.
Get to know the Wisconsin Badgers football program:
Jonathan Taylor Is An Animal
There is no other place to start. Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor is an absolute animal. How much of an animal? Wisconsin is the only FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) team to score on every opening drive in 2019. Guess who scored those touchdowns? None other than Jonathan Taylor. If that doesn’t clue you in, check out this highlight clip below:
This past week against Ohio State, MSU gave up the second-most rushing yards in the Mark Dantonio era. Now, the Spartan’s defense must stop Jonathan Taylor. Truthfully, their best bet is to try and contain Taylor. Avoid large running bursts that cripple your momentum and morale. If not, Taylor is going to have an absolute field day this upcoming Saturday.
Starting QB
Jack Coan is the starting QB for Wisconsin. Certainly, Coan is a step back from Ohio State QB Justin Fields, but, don’t sleep. Jack Coan can definitely play. He boasts accuracy and athleticism all at once. Don’t believe me? Watch Coan burst through an open field for a rushing touchdown:
Now, Coan could potentially offer MSU an advantage. He is a sound QB but can make mistakes under pressure. Right now, Coan has one interception on the year. The Spartans will want to bump that number up to 3 or 4. Last week, MSU’s defense reached Buckeye’s QB Justin Fields on multiple plays. The Spartans must maintain this type of pressure for a victory this weekend.
Badgers Linebacker Core
I’m not quite sure what to make of Wisconsin’s defense. On one hand, the Badgers have kept opponents to under 15 points all season with two shutouts. On the other hand, their shutouts came against Central Michigan and Kent State. Not necessarily the most impressive shutout victories.
With that being said, there are some NFL-caliber players on this Wisconsin roster. I’m specifically referencing LB’s Jack Sanborn, Chris Orr, and Zack Baun. Sanborn boasts 16 solo tackles on the year and three sacks. Orr has 13 solo tackles and four sacks along with two interceptions. Baun has 15 solo tackles and an impressive six sacks on the season.
Ohio State’s defensive line gave MSU fits. It is entirely possible that the Wisconsin LB core does the same. Especially against MSU’s depleted o-line. Watch for the Badgers to utilize all kinds of different LB blitzes on defense. Hopefully, MSU QB Brian Lewerke and company are prepared for Wisconsin’s LB core.
MSU and Wisconsin square off Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3:30 P.M. You can catch the game on the Big Ten Network. SpartansWire will have plenty of coverage all throughout the week and during the game. Keep it locked for more information and coverage.
