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Five players to watch for Wisconsin football vs New Mexico

By Tanner Nestle

MADISON, WI - AUGUST 31: Ryan Connelly #43 of the Wisconsin Badgers sacks Drew Eckels #4 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - AUGUST 31: Ryan Connelly #43 of the Wisconsin Badgers sacks Drew Eckels #4 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football - Andrew Van Ginkel
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Malik Rosier #12 of the Miami Hurricanes is stopped by Andrew Van Ginkel #17 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the fourth quarter of the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

Andrew Van Ginkel came into the year as Wisconsin’s premier pass rusher. Most players don’t average a sack per game, so it’s not alarming to see Van Ginkel not get the quarterback last week. But some more pressures from Van Ginkel this week would be a welcomed sight.

Van Ginkel is probably better known for his plays against Miami and Ohio State last year where he brought in two interceptions, taking one back for a touchdown. Those plays are less likely to happen, but it’s good to know he has that kind of big-play capability in him.

The Badger defense was close to making a ton of plays last week. As the inexperienced players get more comfortable in their roles I expect things to settle down for the entire defensive unit. More big plays and turnovers will shortly follow. Van Ginkel is one of the leaders on the defense, but he has a new role to fill too as an every-down leader.

A player with a nose for the football like Van Ginkel is going to make those kinds of plays eventually. Since they didn’t really come against Western Kentucky I think we might see him making some noise against New Mexico.

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New Mexico will present plenty of opportunities for Van Ginkel to make plays. He’s talented enough to make them pay. It’s just a matter of time before he gets totally comfortable and starts playing lights out football and contributing to the highlight reel.

All stats referenced in this post are courtesy of ESPN.com.