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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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Wisconsin Football- Jonathan Taylor
MADISON, WI – AUGUST 31: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Camp Randall Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

The Offense

Wisconsin

There are some high expectations for the offense of the Wisconsin Badgers this season. They are headlined by Heisman hopeful Jonathan Taylor who ran for almost 2,000 yards last season as a true freshman.

Last week, he ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdowns came on plays where he busted free and used his speed to outrun the entire defense. Backup running back Taiwan Deal added another 53 yards. Altogether, the Badgers rushed for 234 yards.

Wisconsin has a young, but effective receiving corps. Last year, tight end Troy Fumagalli was Hornibrook’s security blanket. With Fumagalli gone, Hornibrook will have to find a new favorite target.

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With the suspensions of Quintez Cephus and Danny Davis III, A.J. Taylor and Kendric Pryor stepped up. Taylor caught five passes for 85 yards on Friday while Kendric Pryor added four catches for 51 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Jake Ferguson also made his name known, catching four passes for 43 yards.

The Wisconsin offensive line is widely regarded as one of the best groups in the country. It returns all five starters from the year before and has 137 combined career starts among the linemen who make it up. They looked a little shaky in the first half of the game last week, but expect them to get the bugs figured out and ready to roll for New Mexico.

New Mexico

New Mexico’s offense racked up 680 yards last week. Senior running back Tyrone Owens ran for 58 yards on 20 attempts but put the ball in the end zone twice. Backup Zahneer Shuler added 90 on five carries, most of which came on a 67-yard scamper.

Ten different Lobos had a reception last week, five were tied at two receptions for most on the team. The Lobos had eight catches that were 22 yards or more. Sophomore tight end Marcus Williams caught two touchdowns on the day.

Last week, the New Mexico offensive line gave up no sacks and no pressures but did give up 10 tackles for a loss.

Advantage: Wisconsin