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Wisconsin Football: Matchups Wisconsin will dominate against Illinois

By Steven Tondi

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 28: Garrett Groshek #37 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs the ball and delivers the stiff arm to Patrick Nelson #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 28: Garrett Groshek #37 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs the ball and delivers the stiff arm to Patrick Nelson #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football - Danny Davis
MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 30: Danny Davis III (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Wisconsin Wide Receivers vs. Illinois Secondary

There is not much to talk about regarding Wisconsin’s wide receivers against Michigan.  Other than the Kendric Pryor run, the wide receivers had little to no impact on the game.  To their defense, they never really had the opportunity to make plays.  Hornibrook struggled to hit open receivers or held onto the ball too long and was sacked.  The wide receivers need to be involved more in the passing game, they have too much talent at the position.

I know I sound like a repeating record but Danny Davis needs to be given more opportunities in the passing game.  He is too good of a player to only be targeted a couple times a game.  He has the ability to beat corners on quick slant routes and has the speed to get by them downfield.

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I rarely question Paul Chryst’s play calling, but I think there needs to creativity in getting Davis the ball.  Even if it is simply throwing quick screen passes to Davis, it could add some explosiveness to the offense.  Plus it would force the defense to spread out and not be able to load the box against Jonathan Taylor.

It seems like on every third down passing play Hornibrook is locked onto Jake Ferguson.  I do not know if that is by design or just a tendency of Hornibrook but it needs to change.  Ferguson has been great so far this season but defenses are starting to strategize against it.  Quick passes to Davis, Taylor, and Pryor could be utilized to offset the defense and force them to change up their scheme.  The passing game has more options than most might think.

The Illini secondary has shown that they are vulnerable deep downfield.  Illinois’ defense has been criticized for being unimaginative yet exploitable.  They do not have a lot of talent in the secondary and it shows on the field.  The secondary consistently has blown coverages and has difficulty tackling receivers once they make the catch.

The Wisconsin wide receiver group should be licking its chops going into this matchup.  The Illini secondary is a young and struggling unit that continues to give up big plays to opposing offenses.  If Hornibrook can put the Michigan game behind him as well as be given time to throw the ball, the receivers could be in for a great day.  Hopefully, Davis can have that breakout game that myself and many more are waiting for.