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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
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first quarter of the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Alex Hornibrook vs. New Mexico Secondary

Alex Hornibrook got off to a great start to the 2018 season against Western Kentucky.  Yeah, he missed some throws, but more times than not he looked to be everything you would want in a quarterback.

Hornibrook looked extremely comfortable in the pocket despite seeing some pressure from the Western Kentucky front.  Just like he did in the Orange Bowl last year, Hornibrook looked excellent moving out of the pocket and throwing on the run.  He hit Kendric Pryor and A.J. Taylor on some big plays when operating outside of the pocket.  It appears that a more mobile Hornibrook is here to stay.

The Lobos gave up 322 passing yards last week despite boasting a solid secondary going into the season.  Cornerbacks Jalin Burrell and D’Angelo Ross could be the best players on a New Mexico defense that will be looking to make a statement.  They combined for 21 PBUs as a starting duo last year.

It is difficult to evaluate the quality of New Mexico’s secondary given their Week 1 opponent, but I think it is safe to say that they will be in for a rude awakening against the Wisconsin Badgers.

Hornibrook will again be missing Quintez Cephus and Danny Davis on Saturday.  We know that Davis will return for the BYU game but no updates have been provided on the Cephus situation.  Hornibrook must rely on Taylor and Pryor to be his primary receiving options.

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Do not be surprised to see Hornibrook targeting Jake Ferguson again and giving him even more opportunities to make plays on Saturday.  I expect Hornibrook to turn in a similar performance to his play against WKU, but this time he will hit on one or two of those downfield throws he missed last week.