The Badgers are Top 15 in the Country in These Five Stats

Opponent Points Per Game

Thanks to a three-game win streak where the Badgers have allowed just 16 total points, Wisconsin ranks 13th in points allowed per game with 18.3. It's a huge improvement from the first four games when the Badger D allowed nearly 27 points per game and lost twice. Penn State will bring a top 10 offense into Madison, so we'll find out Saturday night if the team has truly found their identity on defense.

Opponent Yards Per Game

Not only are the Badgers keeping their opponents out of the endzone, they aren't even letting them get close. Wisconsin ranks 15th in yards allowed per game with 305.5. The Badger secondary -- more on them in a second -- has shut down opposing quarterbacks and the run defense has come into it's own. The defensive front has generally been a weak point for Wisconsin, but players like Elijah Hills have stepped up after the injury to James Thompson.

Opponent Pass Yards Per Game

The Wisconsin secondary is no doubt the strength of the team and they've been absolutely dominant. Not only does the team rank 10th in pass yards allowed, but they also are top 15 in opponent completion percentage and yards per pass. The Badgers have only allowed 200 yards passing or more once in the first seven games.

Rushing Touchdowns

Tawee Walker has been the MVP of this offense so far, and has chalked up score after score. The Badgers as a team have been getting things done on the ground too, ranking 14th in total rushing scores with 18. Despite the infamous air-raid, Wisconsin is still doing what they've always done best, and it doesn't hurt that they have one of the best offensive lines in the country.

Penalties Per Game

It's one of the more unheralded stats, but the Badgers are one of the least penalized teams in football. They rank 4th in the country with just 4.0 penalties per game. Say what you will about coach Luke Fickell, but he runs a disciplined and smart team.