One week down, but still plenty more to accomplish for the Wisconsin Badgers as it continues the gauntlet that is its opening Big Ten play for 2016. Up next is a second straight trip to the state of Michigan and a visit to the Big House.
Wisconsin and Michigan haven’t met in some time (since 2010 to be exact), and there have been plenty of changes between these two programs. However, both have ended up right back where they started — playing excellent defense and running a pro-style offense.
In fact, one may not see much different between these two than from the last time they met. That said, what does the Wolverines defense look like and what challenges do they present?
It’s time to dive deep in to the Wolverines defense…its time for some opposition research!
Starters:
DE: Chris Wormley – Sr. (6-6, 302)
NT: Matthew Godin – Sr. (6-6, 294)
DT: Ryan Glasgow – Sr. (6-4, 299)
DE: Chase Winovich – Jr. (6-3, 245)
OLB: Jabrill Peppers – Jr. (6-1, 205)
MLB: Ben Gedeon – Sr. (6-3, 247)
WLB: Mike McCray – Sr. (6-4, 248)
CB: Jourdan Lewis – Sr. (5-11, 186)
FS: Delano Hill – Sr. (6-1, 215)
SS: Dymonte Thomas – Sr. (6-2, 199)
CB: Channing Stribling – Sr. (6-2, 175)
Stats and Rankings:
Michigan Defense
(2016 Stat/B1G/National) *according to CFBstats.com
Total Defense: 269.8 ypg — 1st — 11th
Scoring Defense: 13.8 ppg — 4th — 13th
Passing Defense: 147.3 ypg — 1st — 12th
Rushing Defense: 122.5 ypg — 5th — 40th
Wisconsin Offense
Total Offense: 410.5 ypg — 8th — 75th
Scoring Offense: 30.8 ppg — 6th — t-63rd
Passing Offense: 226.3 ypg — 9th — 70th
Rushing Offense: 184.3 ypg — 7th — 58th
Advanced Stats:
Badgers Offense:
S&P+ offensive rating: 27.7 (80th)
F/+ ranking: 36.2% (12th)
Points Per Scoring Opp.: 3.97
Offensive Success Rate: 42.3%
Michigan Defense:
S&P+ Defensive Rating: 9.1 (2nd)
Def. Points Per Scoring Opp: 3.03
Opp. Success Rate: 27.5%
What Do the Stats Tell US:
They tell us that Wisconsin’s improving offense is going to see a serious challenge to said improvement. Michigan’s defense has been one of the most impressive units in the country, and both the raw and advanced stats point that out.
Speaking of points, the biggest takeaway is that Michigan’s defense hasn’t given up a ton of them all season long. However, the underlying news is good for the Badgers in the fact that the one real offense this team has seen all season (Colorado) was able to put up some points on them.
UW is going to have to find ways to be multiple, and with Alex Hornibrook at quarterback, it will be interesting to see if he can duplicate the key third-down performance he put up last week (9-13 for 136 yards and 1 TD).
This will be Wisconsin’s biggest challenge against a defense all season long most likely, and taking care of business against it certainly should put the rest of the country on notice. Just don’t count on it being easy to accomplish.
3 Keys For Wisconsin’s Offense
Third Down Offense: As we point out above, Wisconsin’s offense was ridiculous on third down situations and were really effective against Michigan State on third and 10 or worse, where Hornibrook was a massive help. He was perfect in those situations, and that kind of performance may be needed even more this week than last.
On the whole, Michigan opponents are converting on just 12 percent of their third down opportunities (6 of 50) so far this season. Meanwhile Wisconsin has converted on 45 percent of its opportunities. Something will have to give here, and for UW to be successful it has to win this down more than it looses…or at least be better than 12 percent against the Michigan defense.
Keep Hornibrook Upright: One of the most dangerous weapons Michigan has is starting linebacker (jack of all trades) Jabrill Peppers. He has given opposing offensive lines fits with his athletic ability and power for his size. He has helped to lead a group that has 17 sacks already on the season. Meanwhile, Wisconsin has given up just six sacks on the year.
Hornibrook also had times last week where he put himself in dangerous situations inside the pocket. He has to know when to take care of the football and when to get rid of it to live to play another down instead of taking a sack. The battle at the line of scrimmage is going to be vital in the pass game.
Get Clement Going: Wisconsin’s star running back Corey Clement eased his way back in to action last week, rushing for just 54 yards on 23 carries in the game. However, it seemed that as the game went on he was able to get things going. That included as 22-yard run late in the contest.
If Wisconsin wants to win this game, Clement has to get going earlier and with a defense that is as aggressive as Michigan is on defense, a threat at running back only will serve to help ease the pressure off. Let’s see if the Badgers can finally put together a noteworthy rushing performance against what is the weaker part of Michigan’s overall defensive effort.
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