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Wisconsin Football: Key matchups to watch vs. BYU

By Steven Tondi

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 08: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates a touchdown with Tyler Biadasz #61 during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Camp Randall Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 08: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates a touchdown with Tyler Biadasz #61 during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Camp Randall Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Wisconsin Secondary vs. Tanner Mangum

Despite the youth that makes up the majority of Wisconsin’s secondary, the unit has turned in two steadfast performances.  Scott Nelson and Madison Cone recorded their first career interceptions and young corners Faion Hicks and Caesar Williams played admirably.  D’Cota Dixon is as reliable as any player in the country as he continues to make plays all over the field.

The Badgers looked susceptible on the back end of the defense during New Mexico’s opening drive.  The Lobos were successful in spreading out Wisconsin and completing intermediate passing plays.  After the opening drive,  Wisconsin’s secondary essentially shut down the New Mexico receivers for the rest of the game.  The Lobos did lose their starting quarterback after a devastating hit by Andrew Van Ginkel, but it seemed the Badgers defense had New Mexico’s game plan already figured out.

The Wisconsin secondary will face their toughest task of the young season when Tanner Mangum comes to Madison.  Most college football fans remember Mangum for his heroic Hail Mary throws to kick off the 2015 season.  He looked to be a promising player, but his career has been plagued by injuries that caused him to miss most of 2016 and parts of 2017, including last year’s game against Wisconsin.  BYU does not have many quick, explosive receivers on the outside, but Mangum has a rocket for an arm and has the ability to force balls into tight spaces.  Do not underestimate Mangum’s ability to make plays on the run as well.

Tanner Mangum is a playmaker, but he also has a tendency to make reckless throws and decisions.  In eight games last year he threw nine interceptions and has already thrown two interceptions this year.  He will make some great plays, but he will give the defense opportunities to pick him off.  The Wisconsin secondary can set the tone early if they take advantage of those opportunities at the start of the game.  Dixon and company may give up more passing yards compared to the first two games, but I would not be surprised if they capture a couple of interceptions as well.