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Wisconsin Football: Key matchups to watch vs. New Mexico

By Steven Tondi

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)
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) /
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Wisconsin football CB Faion Hicks
MADISON, WI – AUGUST 31: Faion Hicks #20 of the Wisconsin Badgers tackles Jacquez Sloan #2 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Three matchups that will help decide the game for Wisconsin football this weekend.

Wisconsin football started the 2018 campaign with a solid 34-3 victory against Western Kentucky this past Friday.  The Badgers now turn their focus towards the New Mexico Lobos of the Mountain West Conference.

Friday’s performance against the Hilltoppers was about what you would expect from a season opener against an inferior opponent.  There were mostly moments of excitement and brilliance, but there were also some underwhelming moments.

Alex Hornibrook showed flashes of improvement but missed some throws and Jonathan Taylor demonstrated why he is one of the best running backs in the country, but also lost one fumble.  I believe the coaching staff was satisfied with the result but will have plenty to work on this week in practice.  This Wisconsin Badgers team knows they can play better, and I expect to see a better performance on Saturday.

The New Mexico Lobos started their season with a 62-30 win against Incarnate Word.  That’s not exactly the most impressive opponent but 62 points is a substantial number.  New Mexico put up 680 yards of total offense but also surrendered 566 yards on defense.  Allowing 566 yards on defense to an FCS school bodes well for Wisconsin’s offense this weekend.

This game will most likely be over very quickly, but let’s take a look at the most important matchups between the Wisconsin Badgers and the New Mexico Lobos.