University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Wisconsin vs. Michigan
ILLUSTRATION BY WILL CIOCI/THE DAILY CARDINAL PHOTO BY BRANDON MOE/THE DAILY CARDINAL
“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”
gameday 2 • Wisconsin vs. Northwestern
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Matchup to Watch
Badgers depth at safety set to be tested against Northwestern after suspensions By Joe Rickles THE DAILY CARDINAL
With starting strong safety Scott Nelson done for the season, and both Eric Burrell and Reggie Pearson suspended for the first half of the Northwestern game for targeting, Wisconsin’s secondary will have their work cut out for them against the Wildcats passing game. Q u a r t e rb ack Hunte r Johnson has underperformed this season; the former 5-star recruit and Clemson transfer has just one touchdown to five interceptions on the season. His pedigree, however, is undeniable and the Badgers defense would be remiss to count him out completely. The Wildcats’ receiving corps is anchored by senior captain Bennett Skowronek, who averages a team-high 47 yards per game and nearly 12 yards per reception. Skowronek has been most of Northwestern’s passing offense so far this year. The rest of the position is rounded out by sophomore JJ Jefferson, junior Kyric McGowan, and junior
Riley Lees, who combined have totaled just 148 yards receiving through three games this season, some of the lowest numbers in the Big Ten. The recieving corps also only have one recieving touchdown on the year, a pitiful number three games into the young season. So, while Northwestern’s passing attack has not been special yet, a depleted Badger secondary in the first half could result in a breakout performance for Northwestern on the offensive side of the ball. Wisconsin will be without both starting safeties throughout the first half, so the reserves will have to step up for at least the first 30 minutes of the game. The group fared not terribly against Michigan in mop up duty last week, only allowing two garbage time touchdowns after the dogs were called off. Among these Badger reserves is a pair of juniors that are likely to take the place of Burrell and Pearson: Collin Wilder and Madison Cone. Wilder is a transfer from Houston who redshirted last
year per NCAA transfer rules. In his last season at Houston, Wilder suffered a season-ending knee injury after just two games, and never took the field again for the Cougars. Cone played in twelve games last season for Wisconsin and started two of them at the nickel cornerback position, where he recorded two interceptions. Last week against Michigan, those Badger safties allowed two late-game passing touchdowns to the Wolverines and Shea Patterson after shutting them out in the first half. Burrell and Pearson still haven’t allowed a single point while they were both on the field this season. Wi s c o n s i n c e r t a i n ly has the talent to contain Northwestern’s Johnson and his receivers when at full strength on defense. This question of depth at saftey will be an important test for the Badgers and may show how well they might be able to deal with injuries or suspensions further down the line, when the games start to get more important.
CAMERON LANE-FLEHINGER/THE DAILY CARDINAL
Wisconsin’s starting safeties are both sitting for the first half Saturday.
Northwestern Outlook
Disapointing start to fall season has Fitzgerald, Wildcat offense searching for answers at the bottom of the Big Ten By Jacob Lebowitz THE DAILY CARDINAL
A slow start to the season for the Northwestern Wildcats (1-2 overall, 0-1 Big Ten) and reigning Big Ten West champions has them tied with Rutgers and Purdue with the worst record in the Big Ten. This Saturday, the Wildcats look to turn their season around against the No. 8 Wisconsin Badgers (3-0 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) at Camp Randall. The Badgers hope to get revenge for a loss last season in Evanston that put Northwestern in position to beatWisconsin for the division crown. Wisconsin is coming into this matchup hot after a dominant 21-point win over the Michigan Wolverines, while Northwestern is entering Madison following a 31-10 beating from Michigan State at home. Northwestern started the season as early favorites to repeat as division champs, but things haven’t worked out the way they would’ve liked so far offensively. Northwestern’s coach Pat Fitzgerald came into the season with a decision to make at quarterback, to start five-star sophomore transfer Hunter Johnson or experienced senior TJ Green. Fitzgerald ultimately ended up choosing Johnson to start, however, he has had an underwhelming start to the year. In the first three games, he’s
thrown for a total of 308 yards Defensive backs Travis with four interceptions, one touch- Whillock and JR Pace have down, and a dreadful completion really stepped it up this season, percentage of 48.5 percent. combining for 38 tackles and Although Johnson started two fumble recoveries through all three games at quarterback, the first three games. he ended up getting benched in The Northwestern secondboth of Northwestern’s losses. ary has managed to hold their If Northwestern wants last two opponents to only 348 to put up a fight against passing yards. Wisconsin, Fitzgerald is going Badger quarterback, Jack to need to produce an effec- Coan has been dominant this tive offensive game plan season, passing for to help Johnson open up 692 yards and five the field as the Badgers touchdowns, with defense has only allowed two rushing touch14 points all season. downs as well. One of the few Whillock and Pace bright spots in the will need big games to yards thrown Northwestern offense shut down the smokby Jack Coan this season has been ing Badgers offense this year, already more their freshman running commanded by Coan. than 150 more back Drake Anderson, There are a lot of than he had in who’s run for 237 yards questions that still 2018-19’ and scored two touchneed to be answered downs so far, while averfor this young Wildcat aging 5.3 yards per carry. team and a lot of Anderson came into answers should be this season as one of provided over the Coan’s average passer rating a few backup running coming weeks as throughout backs for the Wildcats Northwestern faces the Badgers but has quickly taken Nebraska, No. 5 Ohio first three over the lead back role. State, then No. 14 Iowa. games He has been able to Saturday’s game run the ball successfully will be the Wildcats despite Northwestern lostoughest contest of ing three starting offentheir young season, sive linemen from a season ago. so Northwestern needs to Along with Anderson, come ready to play if they hope Northwestern’s secondary has to upset Jack Coan, Jonathan been playing exceptionally Taylor and the rest of the well this year. Wisconsin Badgers.
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CAMERON LANE-FLEHINGER/THE DAILY CARDINAL
Northwestern upset Wisconsin in Evanston in 2018-19’, but both teams look much different than they did a year ago in this contest.
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Wisconsin vs. Northwestern • 3
Big Ten Outlook
Ohio State, Wisconsin take top spot in Big Ten after Michigan, Northwestern flop in embarrassing losses while away By Raul Vazquez THE DAILY CARDINAL
We are now well into the college football season, and it’s been a fun year so far. Week 4 saw the continued dominance of a national powerhouse, Ohio State, and the continued downfall of another, in Michigan. The most important big ten matchup of the weekend was No.11 Michigan (2-1 overall, 0-1 Big Ten) at No.13 Wisconsin (3-0 overall, 1-0 Big Ten). The Badgers were 4-0 in their previous four meetings with Michigan at Camp Randall and improved their record to 5-0 after a beatdown of the Wolverines. As the Wolverines fail to live up to preseason expectations and move out of the playoff conversation, the Badgers have taken their spot in the national conversation; and rightfully so, this team looks legit. Michigan has yet to look the part of the top ten team they were pegged as to start the year. Outside of a week one win over Middle Tennessee, where they gave up 21 points, these Wolverines look more like a team that should be in the mid-20s instead of at the top of polls. Michigan raised a ton of eyebrows when they barely
squeaked out a win at home over Army, and did nothing to quiet the critics as they got trounced by Wisconsin. However, they still have a ton of opportunities for marquee wins coming up with games against Iowa, Michigan State, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. However, while the team in Ann Arbor has failed to live up to the hype, the No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes have been up to the task. After losing quarterback Dwayne Haskins to the pros, the Buckeyes somehow have another QB in Heisman contention. Justin Fields transferred from Georgia and has surpassed any and all expectations so far this season. He has thrown for nearly 900 yards, 13 touchdowns and completed 70 percent of his passes. All eyes will be on their matchup against Wisconsin in five weeks time as the biggest game of the year for the Big Ten. The Big Ten East was 3-2 overall this weekend with the other loss coming from Rutgers, who already matched their 2018 win total with a win last week. Will Rutgers win another game this year, honestly the odds aren’t great but who doesn’t like a good David and Goliath story? Indiana came away with a
dominant win over UConn at home and improved to 3-1. They head to East Lansing next week in a game where they might be able to come away with the upset. Speaking of East Lansing, the No. 25 Michigan State Spartans took care of the Northwestern Wildcats easily in Evanston. The Michigan State offense which has been scrutinized all year looked good, as quarterback Brian Lewerke threw for three scores on the day. Michigan State is back in the top 25 after falling out last week, but have a tough road ahead and will need more out of Lewerke and the offense. They have four top 25 matchups left, with two against top ten teams in Ohio State and Wisconsin both on the road. On the other hand of that blowout were the defending Big Ten West, Northwestern. After going 8-4 in the regular season last year, which included an 8-1 record in conference play, the Wildcats have started 1-2 and are coming off a terrible loss. The good news is that the two losses have come against respectable teams, but the bad news is that the schedule doesn’t get much easier, with a date in Madison against the top
ten Badgers coming up. The Illinois Fighting Illini welcomed the much talked about Nebraska Cornhuskers in a game that turned out to be more exciting than anyone could have predicted. Illinois and Nebraska went back and forth for much of the game, until Nebraska broke through with a 15 point fourth quarter putting them up for good in the contest. Nebraska avoided a big upset and netted their first road win in the Scott Frost era. The favorites to win the west needed the win to keep up
in the division, especially the way the Iowa Hawkeyes and Badgers look. The Big Ten West came into the season with a ton of intrigue and excitement with most teams having a shot to win the division but outside of Iowa and Wisconsin the division has disappointed, to say the least. The most interesting matchup next week will be in Lincoln, as the Buckeyes visit Nebraska. Minnesota at Purdue should also be a fun game with talented receivers Tyler Johnson and Rondale Moore on either side of the game.
Hiesman Watch
Three quarterbacks, one running back: Who has best shot of walking home with Hiesman trophy at season ending? By Dexter McCann THE DAILY CARDINAL
Week 4 of the college football season has only intensified an already extremely close heisman race. Tua Tagovailoa remains the favorite, but the contenders behind him are certainly pushing to narrow the gap. Below are my top four contenders for the Heisman trophy this year. Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa This week: 17/21, 293 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs (vs. Southern Mississippi) Tagovailoa and the Crimson Tide haven’t really been tested as of yet, but the junior quarterback has certainly gotten the job done against lesser competition, and the Tide cruised once again on offense last Saturday. Tagovailoa has put up video game numbers this season, and Saturday’s victory marked the third time in four games this season that he has thrown for four touchdowns in a game. Tagavailoa has thrown for 325 yards per game thus far and is
one of just three quarterbacks to have thrown for over 1000 yards without an interception. More difficult tests are coming up, however, with a game at Texas A&M on October 12th and a home game against LSU on November 9. If Tua can maintain his extraordinary level of play against that caliber of competition, there’s no reason he won’t be the first Alabama player since Derrick Henry to lift the Heisman trophy. LSU QB Joe Burrow This week: 25/34, 398 yards, 6TDs, 0 INTs (@Vanderbilt) Nobody who watched Alabama defeat LSU 29-0 last November would expect Joe Burrow to be a legitimate Heisman contender, but the senior quarterback has completely reinvented himself following the hiring of new offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Last Saturday was proof of that for Burrow, who has thrown for
an absurd 1520 yards through four games, second only to Washington State’s Anthony Gordon. What makes those numbers all the more impressive is the fact that Burrow has already played a top team in the Texas Longhorns. Texas claims to be “Defensive Back University,” but Burrow had no issue with the Longhorns secondary, throwing for 471 yards and four touchdowns in a Tigers victory. The clash on November 9 against Alabama will prove the ultimate litmus test for Burrow, and should the Tigers escape Tuscaloosa with a victory, Burrow is sure to be the favorite for the Heisman. Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts This week: Idle After another outstanding performance against UCLA in Week 3, Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts got some well deserved rest in Week 4. Oklahoma QBs Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray are the prior
two Heisman winners, and there’s nothing so far to suggest that Hurts can’t be Lincoln Riley’s third winner in a row. Hurts has proven to be a true dual threat thus far, rushing for four touchdowns and well over a hundred yards a game in his first couple contests. That doesn’t detract from his passing numbers, however, which are superb. Hurts has completed over 80 percent of his passes and leads the nation in both yards per attempt (14.4) and passer rating (250.2). Much like Alabama, the Sooners haven’t really been tested thus far this season. October 12th’s Red River Rivalry game against Texas will give us a better indication of Hurts’s status as a Heisman contender. Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor This week: 23 carries, 203 yards, 2 TDs Taylor is perhaps at a disadvantage as a Heisman candidate as a running back, but it’s
impossible to argue with his production so far this season. Saturday’s beatdown of Michigan was just more of the same for Taylor, whose 2 touchdowns improved his season total to 10, the most of any running back or wide receiver in college football. That number is all the more remarkable considering Taylor has only played in three games this season. A running back hasn’t won this award since Derrick Henry did so in the 2015 season, one where he rushed for 2,219 yards for the eventual national champions Alabama. If Taylor is to have a legitimate shot at winning, the Badgers must find a way to make the College Football Playoffs, or at least a respectable bowl game. That’s still a possibility, but the road to the playoffs in the Big 10 runs through Columbus, OH, and the Badgers must make a statement on the road against the Buckeyes on October 26th for Taylor to receive real Heisman consideration.
4 • Wisconsin vs. Northwestern
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Jack Coan
Quarterback | 6'3'' | 220 lbs.
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gameday 6 • Wisconsin vs. Northwestern
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Three Keys to the Game
Wisconsin needs to play clean game, shut down Northwestern offense By Jared Schwartz THE DAILY CARDINAL
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Don’t turn the ball over
Avoid any injuries CAMERON LANE-FLEHINGER/THE DAILY CARDINAL
In their opening three games this season, Wisconsin has been dominant the turnover battle. Quarterback Jack Coan has completed 58 of his 75 passes so far without an interception, and running back Jonathan Taylor has made it through 58 rushing attempts without a fumble. Last year, Alex Hornibrook’s habit of throwing ill-timed interceptions and Taylor’s propensity to put the ball on the ground made the Badgers always susceptible to an upset, which they must avoid this week with the struggling Wildcats. In last year’s matchup, UW lost three fumbles, and Northwestern scored 17 points off those turnovers en route to a 31-17 win. Though, so far this year neither Coan or Taylor have turned the ball over. Wisconsin is currently 24-point favorites, and turning the ball over is likely the only way they should struggle in this matchup.
2 Don’t get distracted by jerseys Both Wisconsin and Northwestern will be wearing throwback uniforms on Saturday, paying homage to the jerseys they donned in the 1940s and 1950s in celebration of 150 years of college football. The Badgers will be wearing a red jersey with UW printed across the middle accompanied by brown pants to complete the retro look. The Wildcats will similarly wear white jerseys with NU across the chest, albeit with their normal purple pants. While the on-field look will grab fans’ attention, the Badgers should take care of business so long as they avoid any distractions. Wisconsin will enter Camp Randall outscoring their opponents 145-14 through three games, while a win over UNLV separates two lackluster losses for Northwestern.
While Coan has enjoyed a superb start to the season, Wisconsin’s explosive offense so far has largely come on the backs of Jonathan Taylor and the running game. Coan’s 87.2 quarterback rating is good for eighth-best in the country, but he has not had to carry the offense yet this season. Against Michigan, Taylor went off for 203 yards and two touchdowns, leaving little for Coan to do through the air – he finished with 128 yards and no touchdowns, but did pick up two scores on the ground. In last year’s matchup, Northwestern was able to slow down Taylor, and Coan was unable to generate much offense elsewhere, albeit it was his first career start. If they can somehow slow down Taylor, and force Coan to beat them through the air, the Wildcats stand a chance at pulling off a major upset. That, or Coan will prove he truly can be a high-volume passer.
3 Attack Wisconsin’s secondary
1 Force Jack Coan to beat you
Because of Wisconsin’s early Week 3 bye, the Badgers now have to go five straight weeks without a break until they have another bye in all the way in Week 10. In that span, UW faces the heart of their schedule, including perhaps the two biggest games remaining – Michigan State and Ohio State. The Badgers have already lost starting safety Scott Nelson for the season, and have seen nose tackle Bryson Williams and tight end Luke Benzschawel miss significant time with injuries. As heavy favorites, the Badgers should enter the game with the goal of building a big lead early so that they can get star running back Jonathan Taylor and other important starters off the field without any major injuries. We all have our fingers crossed.
2 Strike Early Wisconsin never surprises anyone with their offensive game plan – it’s often runheavy, leaning on Heisman candidate Jonathan Taylor and their perennially-dominant offensive line. However, that style of play often results in long, grinding drives, and it is often difficult for the Badgers to score quickly if they find themselves trailing in games. If Northwestern can figure out a way to jump to a quick lead, they will force the Badgers to do something they hate – airing it out. Jack Coan has looked good so far, but has yet to truly prove himself. If they let Wisconsin establish the run game and develop an early lead, they’ll likely find themselves trailing big by the second half.
Bennett Skowronek is the only Northwestern receiver that has recorded over 100 receiving yards this season, with their next three leading pass-catchers combining for 148 total receiving yards. On top of that, quarterback Hunter Johnson has only thrown for one touchdown all season, making for an extremely lethargic passing game through three games. However, Wisconsin will be without both starting safeties for the first half of the game, as both Eric Burrell and Reggie Pearson were ejected from Wisconsin’s win over Michigan for targeting penalties. Madison Cone and Collin Wilder would be in line to start in their place for the first half, but Cone is questionable to play, adding more questions marks as to who will line up at the back of UW’s defense. Wisconsin’s defense has been near-perfect to start the season, but they will likely be forced to go with inexperience at safety to start the game. Conversely, Northwestern’s passing attack has been brutal, but if there is one place to attack this Badges defense on Saturday, it’s the secondary.
With the edition of Quintez Cephus’s speed, the Badger offense and Jack Coan is flying higher than it has since Russel Wilson was in town.
X’s and O’s: Michigan
Cephus adds wrinkle to Badgers offense that has been missing for years By Sam Shiffrin THE DAILY CARDINAL
Last season, Wisconsin’s passing offense was anemic. Quarterback Alex Hornibrook couldn’t make simple plays and his receivers couldn’t find any separation. Jonathan Taylor still had success but faced defenses that knew the Badgers would only throw out of necessity. This year--and last Saturday against Michigan--it’s been a completely different story. Quarterback Jack Coan, unlike Hornibrook, is delivering accurate balls and has zero interceptions through three games while receiver Quintez Cephus has added a new element to the Badger offense with his ability to stretch the field. Whether or not you agree with UW’s decision to reinstate him after being found not guilty of sexual assault in August, Cephus’ impact has been undeniable through three games. He has 205 receiving yards and two touchdowns--no other Badger receiver has caught a touchdown this year. Cephus’ game also has an indirect impact on how opposing defenses defend the Badger offense which has allowed Taylor to have a dominant start to the season. Because Wisconsin has an elite running back in Jonathan Taylor, with extra tight-ends and has a stellar offensive line, teams have to stack the box with more linebackers and defensive backs. This means receivers are mostly facing man coverage, which means if Badger receivers can beat their man one-onone, Jack Coan can make simple throws and reads for big plays. Last season, the Badgers didn’t have a clear X receiver--a tall athlete flexed out wide who’s typically the team’s top receiver. Cephus has been able to get seperation on both short and deep passes this season the Badgers struggled with last year. Against Michigan, Cephus only had two catches but both altered
how Michigan approached the Wisconsin offense. Take Cephus’ 28 yard reception on 4 and 2. After a rub play by A.J. Taylor blocked the Michigan cornerback, Cephus blew by the Michigan cornerback and gave Jack Coan an easy throw. Against Central Michigan, Cephus had a 38-yard touchdown catch in which he beat his man one-on-one on a fade. These plays force opposing teams to respect Wisconsin’s deep-passing game. While Cephus has played well, Coan and Taylor’s consistent play has provided Wisconsin’s offense and defense with a needed lift. Because Coan has been accurate on simple completions and his receivers are getting separation, teams can’t crowd the line of scrimmage and dare the Badgers to pass. This means Wisconsin’s already dangerous rushing attack has fewer players to block than it normally would have to. Jonathan Taylor then only has to make a few defenders miss and he can run at the secondary at full speed. This season, Coan has zero interceptions and Taylor has zero fumbles. Too often last season, Hornibrook and Taylor gifted the opposition field position deep in their own territory. This made it much harder on UW’s defense to get stops and shifted momentum away from the Badgers. In the first half of Saturday’s game, the Wolverines started every drive at the 25-yard line or worse. Because of this, a struggling Michigan offense would have to go 75-yards to score which ensured momentum stayed on the Wisconsin’s side. The Badger offense is just different this year, it’s balanced and much more unique than in previous years. Disciplined players along with improved playcalling has led to a dominant start to the year. If the Badgers can keep this pace up offensively, they can play with anyone in the country.
Wisconsin vs. Northwestern
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Cruickshank, Aron Hicks, Faion Pearson, Reggie Wolf, Chase Pryor, Kendric Burton, Donte Taylor, A.J. Mertz, Graham Wildgoose, Rachad Davis III, Danny Engram, Dean Lytle, Spencer Shaw, Bradrick Harrell, Deron Nelson, Scott Currens, Seth Bracey, Stephan Smith, Alexander Toler, Titus Gregoire, Mike DiBenedetto, Jordan Lotti, Anthony Vanden Boom, Danny Dunn, Jack Coan, Jack Phillips, Cam Wilder, Collin Larsh, Collin Torchio, John Guerendo, Isaac Melvin, Semar Nelson, Cooper Williams, Caesar Green. Cade Heyroth, Jacob Taylor, Jonathan Krumholz, Adam Williams, James Burrell, Eric Watson, Nakia Blaylock, Travian Volpentesta, Christian Easterling, Quan Wilcox, Blake Kollath, Jackson Schipper, Brady Mais, Tyler Wanner, Coy Cone, Madison Davis, Julius Strey, Marty Stokke, Mason Johnson, Hunter Knaak, Kobe Groshek, Garrett Caputo, Dante Grass, Tatum Hintze, Zach Burls, Noah
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5-9 5-10 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-11 6-3 5-11 6-0 5-9 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-3 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-5 5-7 6-3 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-4 6-0 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-0 5-11 5-11 5-9 6-3 6-4 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-3 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-9 5-11 5-11 6-2 6-0 6-2
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Eschenbach, Jack Franklin, Jaylan Rucci, Hayden Chenal, John Chenal. Leo Lloyd, Gabe Tiedt, Hegeman Cundiff, Clay Wiltjer, Travis Bell, Christian Brown, Logan Green-May, Izayah Bay, Adam Paez, Gio Bernhagen, Josh Pfaff, David Orr, Chris Njongmeta, Maema Baun, Zack Johnson, Rodas Balistreri, Michael Sanborn, Jack Maskalunas, Mike Johnson, Tyler Lyons, Andrew Bruss, Logan Biadasz, Tyler O’Brien, Logan Bowden, Peter Beach, Tyler Sampson, Cormac Moorman, David Vopal. Aaron Seltzner, Josh Van Lanen, Cole Fenton, Alex Furtney, Michael Roberge, Gunnar Tippmann, Joe Lyles, Kayden Smithback, Blake Erdmann, Jason Mustapha, Taj Perry, Emmet Ferguson, Jake Neuville, Zander Benzschawel, Luke Cephus, Quintez Abbott, A.J. Allen, Connor Williams, Bryson Henningsen, Matt Rand. Garrett Dietzen, Boyd Benton, Keeanu Schlichting, Conor Loudermilk, Isaiahh Goetz, C.J. Mullens, Isaiah
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Northwestern Wildcats 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-6 6-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-6 6-3 6-2 6-6 6-0 6-2 6-5 6-5 6-6 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-7 6-3 6-4
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Bergin, Joe Newsome II, Greg Williams, Trae Holman, Berkeley James, Jace Anderson, Drake Marty, Andrew Whillock, Travis McGowan, Kyric Campbell, Roderick Green, TJ McDonald, Jeremiah Hampton, A.J. Smith, Aidan Jefferson, JJ Pace, JR Whittaker, Jason Kuhbander, Charlie Washington, Malik Finison, Trey Johnson, Hunter Joseph, Brandon Krause, Zac Kirtz, Bryce Kubuik, Daniel Hooper Price, Genson Ruiz, Cameron Lees, Riley Moten IV, John Mitchell, Cameron Jackson, Bryce Newhouse, Connor Niro III, Raymond Sermons, Donovan Heard, Rod Bowser, Isaiah Bullock, Brian Hull, Evan Azema, Coco Bergin, Chris Haskins, Tyler Rivers, Jaylen Gallagher, Bryce Jansey, Jr., Michael David, Andrew Mueller, Erik Brown, Jesse Gronewold, Cody Luckenbaugh, Drew Cisco, Marcus McIntyre, Peter Mann, Grayson Fisher, Paddy
DB DB DB WR WR RB QB DB WR DB QB DB DB QB WR DB QB K WR K/P QB DB QB WR P WR DB WR RB DB DB RB WR DB DB RB DB RB DB LB CB LB LB LB P LB RB P K/P RB LB LB LB
5-11 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-3 5-11 6-2 5-10 6-1 6-5 6-0 5-9 5-9 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-5 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-2 5-8 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-1 5-9 6-2 6-0 6-4
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Gillikin, Tyler Jones, Khalid Carnifax, Tommy O’Rourke, Devin Hudetz, Troy Snodgrass, Peter Adebawore, Adetomiwa Spencer, PJ Gallagher, Blake Gerak, Sam Leota, Eku Rowley, Conrad Gooden, Mark Stovall, Sam Kolwich, Cam Goosen, Jason D’Antonio, Dom Thomas, Jared Urban, Nik Blake, Wyatt Schmidt, Charlie Slater, Rashawn Vogel, Gunnar He’Bert, Payne Foster, Connor Wiederkehr, Ethan Meyler, Jesse Trifunovic, Luka Franks, Zachary Pugh, Trey Chiaohiao-Bowman, Ramaud Heald, Braeden Oelsner, Alex Goens, Trent Lansbury, Will Kennedy, Jack Dennis, Jr., Wayne Link, Cory Gordon, Thomas Skowronek, Bennett Bacon, Preston Mangieri, Charlie Genyk, Jake Saunders, Jake Miller, Samdup Boatman, Willy Spivak, Joe Gold, Jr., Jason Miller, Alex Kent, Trevor Gaziano, Joe Olges, Duke Brown IV, Earnest
LS LB SB DL LB LS DL DL LB OL DL OL DE OL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL SB WR WR SB SB WR WR WR SB SB WR WR SB P DT DL DL DL DE DL DE DL DL DE
6-2 6-1 6-3 6-6 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-5 6-7 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-6 6-4 6-7 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-2 5-11 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-5
217 233 265 270 223 215 260 260 235 291 255 300 264 300 300 322 290 310 305 310 290 305 300 300 300 290 306 280 290 250 203 191 247 250 204 188 190 250 231 215 195 252 205 295 270 270 290 270 300 280 275 272 270
JR R-FY JR R-FY JR SO FY FY JR SO R-FY FY JR R-FY JR JR FY SR JR R-FY R-FY JR JR R-FY FY SO JR FY FYJR JR JR R-FY SO SR SO FY FY JR FY SR FY SO R-FY JR JR R-FY JR FY SR SO SR FY JR
Game Information Kickoff: 11:00 a.m. Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI TV: BTN Radio: Badger Sports Network
CAMERON LANE-FLEHINGER/THE DAILY CARDINAL
Wisconsin looks to carry momentum from last week’s victory into the Northwestern clash.
gameday 8 • Wisconsin vs. Northwestern
dailycardinal.com
What We Learned
Overreactability: Pat Nardiuzzi is genius, Pac-12 puts on grand show By Bremen Keasey THE DAILY CARDINAL
Editor’s note: College football is nothing without its fans, and its fans are nothing without their passion. In an attempt to capture that unique intensity and Overreactability, we’ve asked washed-up sports editor and southerner Bremen Keasey to give us a weekly breakdown of college football happenings around the country like only a true fan could. Last weekend of college football wasn’t just a fever dream. Nope, Wisconsin really beat Michigan 35-14 and at one point was up 28-0. While I could write an epic poem that recreates Homer’s The Iliad with all the incredible emotions I’m feeling, there was other college football that went on. And that’s my job (I’m also pretty sure my editors would hate me if I turned in a column that spanned books). Dawgs walk the Fighting Irish As someone from Atlanta, I know about our state’s very painful sports history even though I haven’t always actively participated in it. When I moved to Georgia I was 9, and I tried to love the Bulldogs for a moment. I soon changed my mind though, as nine-year olds love to do, and kept to rooting for other teams while maintaining a somewhat love-hate relationship with the Dawgs. But when they kicked off against the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish down in The Classic City, I was ready for those Dawgs to run all over the Irish, screaming curses at my TV, calling the Irish soft and barking. And while UGA won on the narrow scoreline of 23-17 and the game was a little bit dull, I’m still feeling the mood to scream out the most obnoxious Georgia cheers. One of the greatest living Georgians, Rodrigo Blankenship, hit two field goals in the third quarter to give UGA the lead while captain checkdown Jake Fromm finally threw the ball down the field for a 15-yard touchdown in the fourth to give the Dawgs a lead they wouldn’t give up. Sure, the game might’ve been boring and it wasn’t the boat racing against the Irish I was hoping for, but the UGA crowd still brought it. That crowd noise helped make Notre Dame commit six false start penalties, which is even funnier when you remember that two years ago, UGA traveled to South Bend and took over the stadium. I guess Notre Dame isn’t as prestigious as people think. PITT happens Last week in this very column, I eviscerated Pitt Panthers’ head coach Pat Narduzzi’s decision making down the stretch of the Penn State game. It was too conservative, stupid and might’ve cost his team a chance at the win. So of course this week, this week he calls a “Philly Special” type play in the final seconds to win against No. 15 UCF. And it works for a 35-34 upset win for Pitt.
COURTESY OF PITTSBURGH FOOTBALL VIA TWITTER
Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett was key to Pitt beating UCF, dashing their playoff hopes early in the season. Of course, that’s not the whole story, and it’s not all on Narduzzi’s shoulders. Quarterback Kenny Pickett had to catch a tricky pass, and the rest of the team had to execute, but that call was gutsy. Also, you gotta wonder how Pitt, who jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the second quarter, found itself down 34-28 late at home, but a win is a win and a play like that is college football at its best. It’s not crazy if it works Ok, I know I just said that Pitt play call was “college football at its best,” but I’m just kidding. The best thing this weekend was a fake kneel. Yup, a fake kneel down. When the Tulane Green Wave lined up with 21 seconds left and a score of 31-31 against a more talented Houston Cougars, it seemed like they were getting ready to see what overtime would bring as they lined up to kneel. Instead of kneeling, however, head coach Willy Fritz dialed up a fake kneel run that led to an 18-yard gain and put Tulane in a position for at least a chance for a field goal. Then, as if the football gods were rewarding this gutsy play call, quarterback Justin McMillan connected with Jalen McCleskey for a 53-yard touchdown into triple coverage to give Tulane the winning touchdown as they won 38-31. That play completed a 21-point comeback for the Green Wave over Houston, which is crazy by itself. It’s even crazier when you consider just last year, the Green Wave was mostly an option-based team and McMillan had three touchdowns — all of which were downfield bombs, by the way — that it almost makes perfect sense. It’s like when you start watching a telenovela. At first, you have that skepticism in the show. “She can’t possibly have an evil twin,” you think to yourself. That’s the most basic, dumb trope in the whole of telenovelas. But then, as the evil twin somehow pulled a swticheroo with the other twin, took over their life, and used some medicine made the other person
unable to move or speak because of the manipulation by their mother, you’re like “oh my god, this now makes total sense.” Anyways, shoutout Tulane football and shoutout Jane the Virgin. The Pac-12 doesn’t have to make sense y’all In Georgia, we have a joke about our piss poor showing in state-bystate rankings. 49th in education? 49th in poverty? 48th in literacy?
“Thank god for Mississippi.” In some ways, when the various power conferences struggle in big-time games, for the past three or four years at least, they can look to the Pac-12’s struggles for relevancy and think “Thank god for the Pac-12.” But you know what we’re not gonna do today? We’re not gonna disparage the Pac-12, a beautiful nightmare of a conference that loves to sabotage its
own teams when most of the American public is asleep. Because if you were asleep, you would’ve missed a 67-63 barn burner between UCLA and No. 19 Washington State that combined for over 1,000 passing yards, and the previously-winless Bruins picked up an upset win on the road against the Cougars. I turned this game on when I got back from the bars, and was cackling laughing one moment and in stupefied silence the next. Wazzu’s quarterback Anthony Gordon had nine passing touchdowns. AND HE LOST. 67 points might be more points than Wisconsin’s basketball team will score in a game all year! And before we forget, on Friday night, USC upset No. 10 Utah 30-23 with their third-string quarterback leading the way and looking basically untouchable. After quarterback Kedon Clovis — who was already only playing because previous starter JT Daniels tore his ACL in the first game — was knocked out of the game after a brutal hit from 335-pound defensive tackle Leki Fotu, on came Matt Fink for the Trojans. Fink then went 21-for-30 passing with 351 yard and three touchdowns as he led the victory for USC. The Pac-12 was at maxium Pac12 this weekend, and I will be hearing no complaints at this time.