Wisconsin football: Grading position groups from week three vs. BYU

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MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 15: A group of BYU Cougars defenders make a tackle against the Wisconsin Badgers in the third quarter of the game at Camp Randall Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. BYU won 24-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

. . Wisconsin Badgers. RUNNING BACKS . B

The running backs in this one were the least impressive they had been all year, but that’s not really a damming statement considering how awesome they were in prior weeks. And this performance isn’t entirely on them either. More on that in a bit.

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Jonathan Taylor had a very quiet 117 yards rushing and was vultured twice for scores by Taiwan Deal. Deal finished the game with six carries for 15 yards but has shown he deserves Paul Chryst’s trust in short-yardage situations as the main secondary back to Taylor. Also worth noting, Taylor did not fumble this week.

Garrett Groshek has continued to impress too. He looks like Wisconsin’s best receiver out of the backfield and had several catches on the final drive of the game that led Wisconsin down towards the tying field goal attempt. He finished with four catches for 29 yards and six carries for 45 yards.

Alec Ingold also had a carry for a touchdown this week. He continues to be a touchdown machine.

The Badger running backs ran for a total of 179 yards on 39 carries when you take away Kendric Pryor’s jet sweep and Honribrook’s rushing numbers. That equates to a 4.5 yards-per-carry average, which is fine for most teams but is less than desirable for Wisconsin.

The running game continues to be a strength on this team. It’s just unfortunate they couldn’t do enough this week.