Wisconsin Football vs. BYU Cougars: Tale of the tape
The Defense
Wisconsin
There were some questions about the defense of Wisconsin football coming into the season. Will they be able to replace their starting cornerbacks from last season? Will their pass-rush be as effective as the past few seasons?
Although it is early, I think Jim Leonhard has done a great job at keeping the defense at Wisconsin at an elite level. Dixon, Edwards, and Sagapolu have been great leaders so far with this young defense. Freshman safety Scott Nelson is all over the field making tackles and getting his first career interception last week, likely one of many.
Wisconsin football has allowed only 201 yards (100.5 yards per game), and only 77 against New Mexico last week. Through the air, the Badgers have locked opponents down there too. They have allowed just 157.5 yards a game and only two touchdowns through the air.
BYU
BYU has been decent against the run. They have allowed about 150 yards per game on the ground. They allowed just 124 against Arizona and Khalil Tate, who is one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the country. Cal, on the other hand, gained 172 yards, but on 38 carries, allowing 4.5 yards per carry.
In the air, they have allowed 205.5 yards per game. The Cougars have forced only one turnover, an interception last week against Cal. If they want a chance in Camp Randall this week, they will need to win the turnover battle.