TThe No. 12 Michigan Wolverines (5-1, 3-0) have played well since a 24-17 loss at No. 5 Notre Dame to start their season. Their offense has improved, especially in the passing game, and their defense continues to be one of the best in the country. However, their improvement is about to be measured this week when the No. 16 Wisconsin Badgers come to visit.
Opponent Overview Last year, the Badgers went 12-0 before losing to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. They'd go on to finish the season 13-1, their best record in program history. This year has been good but the team hasn't quite met expectations. Their defense isn't nearly as dominant as it usually is, especially with a banged-up, inexperienced secondary that gave up 400 passing yards for the first time in 13 years in last week's game against Nebraska. However, there has been improvement on this team and no one player has improved more than quarterback Alex Hornibrook. The junior has completed 64 percent of his passes for 963 yards, seven touchdowns and just two interceptions. However, their offense runs through Jonathan Taylor (no pun intended). The sophomore running back and Heisman trophy candidate has 126 carries for 849 yards, third best in college football, and eight touchdowns. The receivers are led by A.J. Taylor. The junior from Kansas City leads the team with 18 catches for 354 yards and two touchdowns. Jake Ferguson follows him with 16 catches for 213 yards and two touchdowns. Expect Garrett Groshek, Kendrick Pryor and Danny Davis III to see time as well. Players to Watch The Front Seven-This will be an area to watch throughout the game, especially if Rashan Gary can't play. The Wolverines surrendered 182 yards on the ground to the Badgers. That's not something they'll be able to afford if they want to survive this game. With or without Gary, the front seven can't afford to get down early like they have the last two games. Karan Higdon-The senior running back has done well this season, running for 100 yards in each of his last four appearances. However, he'll be hard pressed to chip away at a Wisconsin defense known for its ability to stop the run game. This will be especially noteworthy if Chris Evans still can't play. Shea Patterson-The junior quarterback has been a stable force on offense over the past month. However, he'll need to be more of a playmaker against Wisconsin, that means more deep throws down field and more mobility in the pocket. This is the kind of game that Michigan got him for, now it's time for him to prove he can deliver. : The Wolverines and Badgers kick off Saturday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 eastern on ABC.
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AuthorBeat writer for Michigan Wolverines football and basketball, Ithaca College '20 Archives
November 2018
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