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Wisconsin Football vs. New Mexico Lobos: Tale of the tape

By Christian Borman

MADISON, WI - AUGUST 31: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers breaks a tackle attempt by Kyle Bailey #36 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: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers breaks a tackle attempt by Kyle Bailey #36 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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SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Tevaka Tuioti #16 of the New Mexico Lobos is tackled by Parker Baldwin #33 and Kyahva Tezino #44 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half of a game at Qualcomm Stadium on November 24, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Tevaka Tuioti #16 of the New Mexico Lobos is tackled by Parker Baldwin #33 and Kyahva Tezino #44 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half of a game at Qualcomm Stadium on November 24, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

The Quarterbacks

Wisconsin

Junior quarterback Alex Hornibrook is coming off a breakout season where he was the lone starter for the Badgers. He threw for 2,644 yards and 25 touchdowns while leading Wisconsin to it’s first ever undefeated regular season.

Last week, Hornibrook showed he is ready to take the next step and lead this Wisconsin team to a possible Big Ten championship and a playoff berth. Without his top two receivers, he completed 17 of 29 passes for 257 yards, good for 3rd in the Big Ten. He also added two touchdowns on top of that.

Hornibrook stood in the pocket with confidence, even though his offensive line play was somewhat shaky. He was sacked three times and hurried another three times by the Western Kentucky defense.

New Mexico

Under center for the Lobos is sophomore quarterback Tevaka Tuioti. Tuioti got some valuable reps as a freshman. He played in eight games last season, throwing for 705 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.

His biggest statistical game last year was a 38-0 loss at Fresno State, where he threw for 200 yards. He also ran the ball frequently last season. He had 28 rushing attempts for 142 yards and one touchdown.

This season, he is off to a good start. Last week, he threw for 327 yards, 4 touchdowns, and one interception. He added 11 carries for 54 yards a touchdown.

The fast and physical Wisconsin defense will be a much bigger obstacle and present a lot more problems for the young quarterback this week.

Advantage: Wisconsin