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Wisconsin Football: Tale of the tape vs. Michigan State

By Christian Borman

MADISON, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 05: Jack Coan #17 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs for yards during the first half against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Camp Randall Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 05: Jack Coan #17 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs for yards during the first half against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Camp Randall Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Offense

MADISON, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 05: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs around Alex Hoag #53 of the Kent State Golden Flashes during the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 05: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs around Alex Hoag #53 of the Kent State Golden Flashes during the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Wisconsin

This Wisconsin football offense seems to have gotten things rolling on all cylinders this season. Jonathan Taylor has continued his dominant season, rushing for 745 yards (3rd in the country) so far this season and catching 12 passes for 114 yards. He has a total of 16 touchdowns. These are some crazy stats, but it’s even crazier to think he has sat out essentially three halves of football games this season when the team has gotten so far ahead of their opponents.

As a team, Wisconsin football is 25th in total yards per game (457), tenth in rushing yards per game (254.6) and 94th in passing yards per game (202.4). The Badgers have improved all three of the statistics from last year. This is a much-improved offense and they are showing it.

They are putting up points in bunches, more than Badger fans are used to. This year, they are averaging over 43 points per game, which currently is about a 14-point difference per game since last season.

Michigan State

Michigan State, on the other hand, has struggled to consistently put together good offensive performances this year against Power 5 teams. On the year, they average 27.8 points per game (64th) and 393.5 yards per game (71st). This is an offense that has had good offensive showings and some tough games as well.

Then they gained just 285 total yards against Ohio State. Granted, Ohio State has one of the best defenses in the league with a few players who are sure to hear their names called in the upcoming NFL Draft, but Wisconsin’s defense is right up there with them this year.

Lewerke is a very good quarterback, but so far this offense has been relatively one dimensional. Their top rusher is redshirt-freshman Elijah Collins with 476 yards and three touchdowns on 90 carries. If the Spartans can’t get the running game going, that will allow this Wisconsin football team to pin back their ears and get after the quarterback.

The passing game is where this offense shines. They have two receivers, Darrell Stewart Jr. and Cody White, who have more receiving yards than Wisconsin’s top receiver, Quintez Cephus. They will be the key to Michigan State’s offense to be successful against this Badger defense.

Both offenses have to face quality, stout defenses. With the way Jack Coan has been playing and Jonathan Taylor’s ability to take control of games, I think Wisconsin’s offense will have the advantage, especially at home.

Advantage: Wisconsin