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GAME NOTES: The sixth-ranked Wisconsin Badgers aim to keep the good times rolling this weekend, as they host the Indiana Hoosiers in a Big Ten clash at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.
The Badgers have climbed the rankings over recent weeks thanks to a winning streak that has now reached four games. Included in the run were victories of then No.1 ranked Ohio State and No.13 Iowa, giving Wisconsin an edge in the Big Ten title race. Last weekend, Wisconsin took care of business on the road and defeated Purdue, 34-13, to improve to 4-1 within the conference.
"Saturday's game, the way it went by and then we watched it on film Sunday, was really just a good example of just believing in what you're doing, not flinching, and moving forward with the plan. I thought our guys did that in the second half and was excited to see them have that success," said head coach Bret Bielema during a press conference this week.
As for Indiana, it nearly pulled off a big upset last weekend, but a dropped ball in the end zone in the closing moments cost the team in an 18-13 setback to Iowa.
"It was a great football game," stated head coach Bill Lynch. "Our kids really battled, and I thought they played very well in all phases, and then we got beat by what I think is a great football team in Iowa. We just came up a play short there at the end."
The Hoosiers have now fallen in three straight, as they remain one of only two winless teams in the Big Ten at 0-5.
In regard to the all-time series, Wisconsin owns a 36-18-2 lead over Indiana and the Badgers have come out on top in each of the last five meetings.
After giving up the lead late in the fourth quarter, Indiana still had a chance to win, but Damarlo Belcher dropped a TD pass with 28 seconds left and Iowa survived.
"I saw a wide open receiver, that's what I saw. Unfortunately we didn't make the play," stated coach Lynch.
The Indiana offense didn't do much all game long, gaining just 313 total yards, and that is well below its season average of 399.9 total ypg. Ben Chappell didn't have his best game, as he completed just 27-of-46 pass attempts for 222 yards and an INT. Normally a sound QB, Chappell has hit on 63.8 percent of his tosses for the season, with 18 TDs against eight picks.
Belcher has been his favorite target with 65 catches for 706 yards, as the passing attack has done it all considering the Hoosiers are rushing for just 97.1 ypg.
The Hoosiers did a solid job bending but not breaking last weekend, but that was until a late 88-yard TD drive put Iowa ahead for good. It was the only TD surrendered by Indiana, which kept Iowa to four field goals despite giving up 445 total yards.
The defense, though, has had some issues this season for Indiana and is giving up 390.9 total ypg. The Hoosiers haven't been particularly effective against the run (166.1 ypg) or the pass (224.8 ypg) and the unit has forced just 12 turnovers.
Tyler Replogle leads the team in tackles with 62, including six last weekend, while Mitchell Evans tops the roster with three INTs.
The Badgers once again relied on their punishing ground attack to get the job, as they ran 39 times for 173 yards and two TDs in a win over Purdue last weekend. Starter John Clay was limited due to injuries and second leading rusher James White missed the game, so Montee Ball carried the load with 21 totes for 127 yards and two scores.
Both Clay (929 yds, 13 TDs) and White (570 yds, nine TDs) are listed as questionable and that could mean more carries against for Ball, who has rushed for 346 yards and six scores on the season.
QB Scott Tolzien could also be asked to play a bigger part this weekend with the banged up backfield. An efficient passer, Tolzien has completed 71.5 percent of his tosses, though he has just nine TDs. Last weekend, Tolzien completed 13-of-19 attempts for 130 yards, with one TD against an INT.
The Badgers gave up a few too many rushing yards last weekend, allowing 162, but compensated by limiting Purdue to just 141 yards through the air. Furthermore, the defense forced four turnovers, including three INTs, and that was a nice improvement from a unit that had just seven takeaways going into the game.
While Wisconsin may not have forced many turnovers on the season, its defense has still been solid, holding foes to just 315.6 total ypg. The run defense has been strong for the most part, allowing only 120.4 ypg and four TDs on the ground.
J.J. Watt is one of the top playmakers on the team, as he leads the Badgers with 16 TFLs and six sacks, while ranking fourth with 43 stops. He came up with a sack last weekend, but stealing the show was Antoni Fenelus, who recorded nine tackles, a fumble recovery and an INT return for a TD.
The Badgers may be a bit banged up, but they still have plenty of options to get the job done at home this weekend.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Wisconsin 38, Indiana 17
Indiana Loses 83-20
Well, that was embarrassing. No, actually calling it embarrassing is one of the biggest understatements in sports history.
No. 6 Wisconsin absolutely destroyed Indiana 83-20 Saturday afternoon in what was likely one of the worst performances in Hoosier Football history. Wisconsin had its best offensive performance in 95 years. The fact that the Badgers did it without the reigning Big Ten offensive player of the year – running back John Clay – made it all the more impressive and depressing.
Wisconsin put up 598 yards of total offense, throwing for 260 yards and rushing for 338. The Badgers averaged 7.2 yards on 47 running plays. That’s just flat out ridiculous. Backup running backs Montee Ball and James White both dominated. Ball rushed for 167 yards on 22 carries and three touchdowns. White went for 144 yards on 19 carries while scoring two touchdowns.
As for the Hoosiers, the performance on both sides of the ball was sad. Quarterback Ben Chappell completed 8-of-14 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown. Redshirt freshman Nick Turner rushed for 103 yards on 11 carries, but most of that came on one 67-yard carry.
Indiana turned the ball over three times – two fumbles and an interception by backup quarterback Dusty Kiel that was returned for a touchdown.
I have always said that Indiana’s worst matchup in the Big Ten every year is Wisconsin. Why? Because the Badgers are always going to be much bigger and much stronger than the Hoosiers. Year in and year out they’ll just simply be able to out-muscle Indiana.
The Badgers are what the Hoosiers some day hope to be. Problem is, that “some day” is extremely far away.
Saturday was yet another reminder that the Hoosiers have a long, long way to go.
Nov 13 6:52p by Ryan Phillips - 0 comments