Category Archives: Sports

Preview: Wisconsin Badgers Host Northwestern Wildcats

November 21, 2015 TER Staff Leave a comment

BY JEFF BERNIER

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

The injury bug hasn’t just bitten the Wisconsin Badgers (8-2, 5-1 Big Ten) this season, it has burrowed into them and feasted. All season long, the Badgers have been decimated by injuries. The picture becomes a little clearer on Saturday as offensive minded tight end Austin Traylor and star running back Corey Clement are expected back when Wisconsin hosts the streaking Northwestern Wildcats (8-2, 4-2 Big Ten).

While Northwestern does head into their matchup with the Badgers on a three game winning streak, there are some questions about the legitimacy of the Wildcats #20 national ranking. The three game winning streak came after an 0-2 stretch that saw them lose to both Michigan and Iowa by a combined score of 78-10.

How they perform will go a long way in determining the Wildcats stay amongst the 25 nationally ranked teams. Ditto for the Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin does have the same record as Northwestern but sports a better conference record.

Despite allowing 24 points two weeks ago in their matchup at Maryland, the Badgers feature one of the nation’s stingiest defenses. Before the hiccup at College Park, the Badgers were allowing just 11 points per game to their opponents.

Northwestern, who has struggled mightily in recent weeks in terms of their aerial attack, will need a spirited effort from its freshman quarterback to have a shot in Madison on Saturday.

Clayton Thorson is just 14/27 for 140 yards passing, no touchdowns and an interception over his last two games. He remains a threat to run however averaging over 6 yards per carry over those same two games.

The ground is where the game will probably have to be won for Northwestern. No small feat considering the Badgers run defense is one of the most dominant in the country. Wildcats tailback Justin Jackson is third in the conference in rushing with 1,033 yards on the season, averaging a solid 4.6 yards per carry. The sophomore has racked up 302 of those yards in his last three games.

With Corey Clement back in the fold for Wisconsin, the Badgers have the clear advantage from the half back position heading into Saturday afternoon’s matchup. Dare Ogunbowale has done a fine job filling in for the oft-injured Clement. Alec Ingold, the Badgers goal-line weapon has too helped ease the pain of Clement’s absences.

Badgers senior quarterback Joel Stave will also benefit from the return of Clement, as he seems to be more comfortable with Clement in the game. It also provides Stave with another weapon through the air as Clement has become more adept at catching passes out of the backfield and turning them into net gains.

The way football games used to be won back in the day was pound the ball on the ground, play smash mouth defense while winning the field position game with solid special teams play. This old school style will be the key to victory for either team Saturday.

Turnovers will also be a key factor. Both teams take pretty good care of the football, but the Badgers defense turns other teams over at a spectacular rate, so the Wildcats will have to protect the football to have a shot. Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald believes it to be the biggest key to his team’s success.

“Don’t turn the ball over. That’s the bottom line,” said Fitzgerald.

The Badgers, who have made a name for themselves in how dominant they have been running the football in recent years, have found ways to win this season throwing the football. And that is a credit to Joel Stave, who despite missing three quarters of the game at Illinois, has been one of the few constants for Wisconsin and company this season.

His steady if unspectacular play from the quarterback position has not been lost on Pat Fitzgerald, who knows he’ll have to game plan for Stave just as much as Clement and Ogunbowale.

“Been really impressed by Joel. I think he’s really had a terrific season,” Fitzgerald said. “He’s had to shoulder a lot with the running back situation with guys being out … tight ends being out. But Joel has been the one consistent, really impressive aspect of what they’re doing offensively.”

Wisconsin defeated Northwestern 35-6 in their most recent matchup October 12, 2013.

The home team has won the last eight matchups in the Badgers meetings with the Wildcats.

Prediction: Wisconsin 31, Northwestern 9

Game time: Saturday, November 21, 2:30 PM on BTN, BTN2; Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI

Game Recap, Sports

Recap: Wisconsin Badgers Defeat Maryland Terrapins, 31-24

November 7, 2015 TER Staff Leave a comment

BY JEFF BERNIER

For all the knocks the critics can put on the 2015 Wisconsin Badgers (8-2, 5-1 Big Ten) football team, one thing they cannot deny is their ability to overcome adversity. They are simply resilient.

The Badgers headed into a hostile environment Saturday afternoon in College Park, Maryland to face a Maryland Terrapins (2-7 0-5 Big Ten) team anxious for their first conference win. Stud tailback Corey Clement ended up sitting this game out for Wisconsin dealing with ankle pain.

With their familiar use of the proverbial ‘next-man-up’ philosophy, the Badgers overcame the absence of Clement once again, outlasting a spirited effort from the Terrapins by a score of 31-24.

It wasn’t the start the Badgers, or for that matter the Terrapins, had imagined heading into this one. Maryland gashed the Badgers #1 nationally ranked defense in the first quarter, rushing for 75 yards, outgaining Wisconsin 126 to 90 in total offense. Alas, football is a game of four quarters. Like most of Wisconsin’s opponents this year, the Terrapins just were not able to hang with a far superior Badgers squad as the game wore on.

Both Maryland and Wisconsin went three and out to open the game. Things would heat up white hot from there.

Wisconsin punter Drew Meyer, who’s been miserable at times this year, shanked a 24 yard punt that set up Maryland at the Badgers 32 yard line. The Terrapins took full advantage. Junior quarterback Perry Hills and junior tailback Wes Brown shouldered the load. With the help of a Badgers passing interference call, Brown would cap the short drive with a seven yard dash to opening the scoring 7-0.

Wisconsin sophomore reserve defensive back Natrell Jamerson exploded for a 98 yard kickoff return for a touchdown on the ensuing kickoff, knotting the game at 7-7.

After a Terrapins punt, the Badgers executed an 87 yard drive completed on just five runs. Joe Schoebert rumbled for a 57 yard run on 4th and one from their own 22 yard line, setting up Dare Ogunbowale’s 21 yard score.

Ogunbowale has been a savior for Wisconsin in the wake of Clement’s season long injury problems. Maryland kicker Adam Green would convert from 44 yards out, making it 14-10 Wisconsin. The sophomore would miss a crucial one from 46 yards out on the very next drive after Maryland linebacker Jalen Brooks picked off Badgers quarterback Joel Stave on 2nd down and 10.

Wisconsin prides itself on having a bevy of versatile players. Paul Chryst believes in his players’ abilities to play multiple positions and its positive effect on ballgames. The Badgers most versatile player is without a doubt, the position-less Tanner McEvoy. He’s run out of the backfield. He’s lined up at wide-out and in the slot. He’s lined up at quarterback and cornerback. But McEvoy mostly plays safety. And he does it very well. McEvoy intercepted Perry Hills on 3rd down and long, setting up a Rafael Gaglianone 28 yard field goal.

Later, Wisconsin was facing a 4th and one from their own 22 yard line with just over a minute remaining in the first half. Despite the earlier conversion, the Badgers wisely chose to punt. Unfortunately, the punt was blocked netting only 11 yards.

Special teams play and their inability to convert third downs absolutely killed Wisconsin in the first half against Maryland.

The Terrapins faced a 3rd down and 17 from Wisconsin 40 yard line with 49 seconds remaining in the first half. Perry Hills lofted a perfect throw deep down the left sideline to receiver D.J. Moore who hauled it in for the game tying touchdown. The play sent a confident and engaged College Park crowd into a frenzy.

Maryland won just about every statistic in the first half. The Badgers were very fortunate to just be tied. But as the saying goes, you have got to play a full four quarters to complete an upset.

The Badgers looked like the Badgers again after intermission. The defense did a 180. The offense moved the ball with relative ease, and the special teams’ squad looked like a completely different unit.

Badgers quarterback Joel Stave, who had just 20 yards passing in the first half, found his groove in the second half. Stave would go 4/5 for 63 yards on the Badgers second drive of the third quarter. The 8-play 69 yard drive was punctuated by Wisconsin’s goal line specialist Alec Ingold. A converted big back from linebacker, Ingold punched it in from 1 yard out.

Terrapins Perry Hills and Wes Brown could not find any of their first half magic in the second. The Badgers are the nation’s top defensive unit for a reason. They just shut teams down.

Wisconsin’s second half defensive effort was the MVP in this one.

Following yet another Maryland punt, Wisconsin would put together another long efficient drive going 71 yards on just 7 plays. Joel Stave or Dare Ogunbowale had a hand in all 71 yards. Ogunbowale would scurry in from 7 yards out on a delayed pass play into the left flat from Stave, with no Maryland defender in the vicinity.

Just like that, Wisconsin was up 31-17 early in the fourth quarter. Maryland finally was able to score with 2:39 remaining. Caleb Rowe, backup quarterback who took over for Hills connected with Levern Jacobs on a 27 yard pass and catch bringing Maryland within one score, 31-24.

Near disaster ensued on the onside kick attempt by Maryland. A very fortunate off sides call negated a Terrapins recovery and touchdown return, a play that would have tied it. The referees determined a Terrapins player was just slightly over the line. Replays showed it was very close.

From there, Bucky and company were able to run out the clock.

Badgers senior quarterback Joel Stave, who has faced a fair amount of criticism for his turnover issues, again made just enough plays for Wisconsin. Stave finished the game 15/24 for 188 yards. Stave really stepped it up in the second half.

Six different receivers caught a ball from Stave on Saturday. Senior receiver Alex Erickson, as steady a presence the Badgers have had this season, once again was Stave’s go to guy. Erickson finished the afternoon with 5 catches for 83 yards, both tops on the team.

While Wisconsin was just 3/13 on third down, they were 2/2 on fourth down. Both of the conversions were huge, helping Bucky to another stepping stone win.

Maryland outgained Wisconsin 316 yards to 305. This hadn’t been done since the Badgers week one loss at Alabama. The defense, as always this year, made the difference.

Wisconsin will now embark on a long overdue, much deserved bye week. Injuries have piled up after ten straight weeks of football, and the Badgers will look to get healthy over the next fourteen days. From there, Bucky and company will play host to #21 Northwestern (7-2, 3-2 Big Ten) in the biggest game of the year for both teams thus far.

Game Preview, Sports

Preview: Maryland Terrapins Host Wisconsin Badgers

November 6, 2015 TER Staff Leave a comment

BY JEFF BERNIER

The Wisconsin Badgers (7-2) will matchup with the Maryland Terrapins (2-6) at Capitol One Field from College Park, Maryland. The game will feature two teams heading in opposite directions. The Badgers are looking to continue rolling to victories despite being decimated by injuries. The Terrapins are looking for their first conference win of the year.

Wisconsin is making its case for having one of the greatest defensive units in the program’s history. This group leads the nation in scoring defense, giving up just 11 points per game. If you take away the Alabama game, the group is surrendering just 8 points per game. The Badgers defense will be facing a Terrapins offense that is wildly inconsistent and features nearly no true playmakers.

The Badgers will have to deal with Maryland quarterback Perry Hills, who will be just the second mobile quarterback the Badgers defense will have played against this season. The other, Nebraska’s Tommy Armstrong, ran for 50 yards and a score. Despite his mobility, Hills has more interceptions than touchdowns on the year, 10 to 7.

Maryland senior running back Brandon Ross has run for 520 yards on the season, averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per tote. Maryland actually is averaging over 30 more yards per game on the ground than the Badgers. The Terrapins will have their hands full however, facing one of the best rushing defenses in the country in Wisconsin.

Outside of Hills and Ross, this is absolute nightmare of a matchup for Maryland.

The Badgers defense, which excels at getting turnovers, will face the most turnover prone team in the country. That’s right; the Terrapins are dead last in turnovers, leading the nation with 28. 20 of those turnovers have come in the team’s last five games, with nine in their last two games played.

Wisconsin’s defense also ranks fifth nationally in pass defense efficiency. Maryland’s offense is second to last in pass efficiency. If games were won and lost on paper, Maryland would be wise to simply forfeit this one.

Star running back Corey Clement returned last week in the Badgers drubbing of Rutgers. Despite just 11 touches, Clement made the most of them, racking up 115 yards and three touchdowns.

Despite not being 100%, Clement provides the Badgers a true top shelf playmaker. Simply put, Wisconsin is a better team with Clement, even if he is performing at only 80%.

Badgers senior quarterback Joel Stave, who has been steady this season, will look to crack 2,000 yards passing Saturday afternoon in College Park. Stave enters the game with 1,974 yards and nine touchdowns. His seven interceptions are somewhat of a concern, but the majority of them have come with the game already well in hand for the Badgers.

Senior wide receiver Alex Erickson continues to be the man for Wisconsin. A veteran of the Badgers offensive scheme, Erickson leads the team with 58 receptions and 748 receiving yards. His 58 catches are the most through nine games in Wisconsin Badgers history.

Wisconsin is still holding out hope of a chance at the Big Ten Championship game. For this to happen, Iowa will have to slip up, possibly twice. The Badgers will have to control what they can control, scoreboard watching notwithstanding. And that control will continue Saturday against Maryland. The game kicks off at 2:30 Central.

Prediction: Wisconsin 42, Maryland 6

Game time: Saturday, November 7, 2:30 PM on BTN, BTN2; Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium, College Park, MD

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Photos: Wisconsin Badgers v. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

October 31, 2015 TER Staff Leave a comment

BY TER STAFF

Today we traveled to Camp Randall Stadium for a Halloween edition of college football, as the Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University. While many predicted Wisconsin to take home the W for their home crowd, almost no one predicted the margin of victory. This one was all Wisconsin, all the way, as the Badgers came out on top, 48-10. Read our game recap here and check out our photos of Wisconsin’s Big 10 victory below.

Continue reading Photos: Wisconsin Badgers v. Rutgers Scarlet Knights →

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Recap: Wisconsin Badgers Dominate Rutgers Scarlet Knights in 48-10 Victory

October 31, 2015 TER Staff Leave a comment

BY JEFF BERNIER

So in the end, it turned out to be a total of seven weeks of recovery time for Wisconsin Badgers star running back Corey Clement. Clement returned Saturday in Madtown, giving the Badgers a huge emotional lift, as well as a pretty impact lift on the field, with Wisconsin running away with the game by halftime. The Badgers would crush the Rutgers Scarlett Knights on this day, 48-10.

Wisconsin would receive the game’s opening kickoff and turn it into three. Rafael Gaglianone converted from 49 yards out. It was a big conversion for the up-and-down Gaglianone as it seemed to springboard the Badgers for the rest of the day.

After Rutgers would punt on their first possession of the game, Wisconsin would take over where they quickly produced the game’s first touchdown. A two yard Clement run, followed by a 27 yard pass play from Joel Stave to Alex Erickson set up the Badgers at the Rutgers 12. Corey Clement would rumble into the end zone on the next play, making it 10-0 Badgers on Clement’s first touchdown of the season.

The Scarlett Knights would get on the board on their second drive. A 21 yard field goal by Kyle Federico would be all Rutgers could muster versus the Badgers defense in the first half.

The Badgers would convert two more touchdowns. Stave connected with Erickson from 31 yards out on a beautiful crossing pattern over the middle. Later, Corey Clement would break away from 21 yards out, making it 24-3 Badgers with 3:30 left in the first half.

Gaglianone capped the first half scoring with a 27 yard field goal after the Badgers marched down the field on an 8 play 61 yard drive in the final 44 seconds.

Wisconsin would out-throw Rutgers in the first half, 156 yards to 25, with the Badgers finishing the game 217 yards to Rutgers 82.

Wisconsin continued to pile on in the second half behind Clement, Stave, and company, blowing away a Rutgers team that many thought would put up a much tougher fight.

Badgers quarter back Joel Stave, who head coach Paul Chryst assured was the undisputed starter this week, had another good effort for Wisconsin. The senior finished the game 13/25 with 217 yards passing. His only real hiccup came on a pick-six midway through the second half, finishing with two interceptions and one touchdown.

To say running back Corey Clement provided the Badgers offense a spark would be putting it mildly. Clement ran for 115 yards and three touchdowns, putting several exclamation points on his Halloween return to the Badgers offense.

“It was good to get him going,” said head coach Paul Chryst. “I think he uplifted the team some …”

Tanner McEvoy and Dare Ogunbowale combined for 70 yards rushing, complimenting the big time return of Clement. McEvoy, who does a little bit of everything for Wisconsin, also added an interception on the day.

Missing stud wide receiver Robert Wheelwright, Alex Erickson again was relied on heavily by Stave and the Badgers. Erickson finished the day with 103 yards on 6 receptions.

The Scarlett Knights quarterback Chris Laviano was a complete non-factor in the game.

Wisconsin held the Big Ten’s completion percentage leader to just 4/14 for a miserable 31 yards passing.

The Badgers piled up 426 yards of total offense to Rutgers 165. The Badgers actually lost the time of possession 32:00 to 28:00 thanks to scoring so quickly and efficiently all day long versus an overmatched, exhausted Rutgers defense.

The Badgers will travel to Maryland next week where they will face a struggling Terrapins (2-5) team, hoping to continue to take care of business as they wait for Iowa to slip up. The Badgers can’t just wait for that to happen. They have to keep taking it one game at a time, just as they’ve been doing. The game kicks off at 2:30 pm Central.

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Preview: Wisconsin Badgers Host Rutgers Scarlet Knights

October 31, 2015 TER Staff Leave a comment

BY JEFF BERNIER

The banged-up Wisconsin Badgers (6-2) will welcome the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-3) to Camp Randall Stadium this Saturday for a morning matchup. Suffering from a seemingly never-ending rash of injuries, the Badgers will try to fend off a competitive Rutgers team hungry for a statement win.

Rutgers has a tough two game swing starting this weekend in Madison, and next week where they’ll travel to the Big House to face a big time Michigan team. They know it won’t be easy, and they don’t expect it to be.

“It’s not supposed to be easy. I don’t want it to be easy,” Rutgers linebacker Steve Longa said. “I want to see how I measure against the best out there and that’s what it’s about.”

The Badgers injuries have not since stopped since star running back Corey Clement went down after the Alabama game. The latest victim was center Badgers center Dan Voltz who some say is the best player on this talented Wisconsin offensive line.

The Badgers will also be without one of their top receiving weapons in Robert Wheelwright. The junior will miss several weeks after the injury that knocked him out of last week’s game against Illinois.

Senior quarterback Joel Stave, who missed the final three quarters of the Badgers win at Illinois last week, went through and passed all the concussion protocol this week. He will be the starter Saturday, despite a surprisingly effective day for backup Bart Houston a week ago.

Stave, who has been steady, will be a key cog Saturday for a Badgers team having to throw it a lot more than in recent seasons. Corey Clement remains questionable for the game.

The Badgers have averaged only 152.5 yards rushing per game this year. That’s good enough for just 11th in the 14-team Big Ten.

The Badgers, who are now Bowl eligible, know that all teams deal with injuries and that no one is going to feel sorry for them. Just ask head coach Paul Chryst.

“We’re not the only team in the country. But we’ve had our fair share,” said Chryst. “They just keep plugging away. I give our players a lot of credit.”

The Badgers will have to contain Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano who despite struggling of late, leads the Big Ten in completion percentage (67.2%).

The best running back talent this Saturday may come in the form of the Badgers opponent, something that is not usually a concern for Wisconsin. Rutgers tailback Paul James has averaged a spectacular 9.6 yards per carry over his team’s last three games. James, who tore his ACL last year, has indeed made a full recovery and will be one of the toughest challenges for this outstanding Wisconsin run defense.

The Badgers rank eighth in the entire nation in run defense, giving up just 97.3 yards per game. And if you take away the thrashing that came at the hands of Alabama, the Badgers are giving up a paltry 77 yards per game.

Third down efficiency has been the focus of late for the Badgers and they will need to continue their solid conversion rate to come away with another win Saturday. The Badgers have converted 53 percent of their third downs over the last two games; this after converting on just 39 percent over their first six.

Prediction: Wisconsin 17, Rutgers 10

Game time: Saturday, October 31, 11:00 AM CT on BTN, BTN2; Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI

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Recap: Wisconsin Badgers Defeat Illinois Fighting Illini, 24-13

October 24, 2015 TER Staff Leave a comment

BY JEFF BERNIER

Despite missing their star tailback Corey Clement for a seventh straight game and losing their senior quarterback Joel Stave in the first quarter, the Wisconsin Badgers were able to grind out another victory; this time on the road versus a much improved Illinois Fighting Illini team by a score of 24-13.

It took some time before the first points flashed up on the scoreboard in Champagne. The Fighting Illini received the game’s opening kickoff. They would punt shortly thereafter.

The Badgers would go three and out on their first possession. The Illinois’ defensive line flexed their muscle early and often, getting into the backfield with relative ease. They got to Badgers quarterback Joel Stave repeatedly, knocking him down, and forcing rushed throws.

Mike Phair, Illinois’ new co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach has made a huge impact on this Fighting Illini squad. Phair has been able to focus his guys game in and game out; a defensive group that includes some NFL quality talent.

After one more punt apiece, the Fighting Illini were finally able to convert a drive into points. A sloppy 9 play, 18 yard drive by Illinois was capped with a 37 yard field goal by senior kicker Taylor Zalewski.

A few more hits on Stave by a possessed Fighting Illini front line was all it took for them to knock the Badgers senior play-caller out of the game with what appeared to be a concussion. The Badgers training staff took away Stave’s helmet on the sidelines as they walked him to the locker room.

The Badgers season now rested on the right arm of junior backup quarterback Bart Houston who, until today, had never thrown a pass in conference play in his collegiate career. Houston, at 6’4” 228 pounds was certainly ready for his number to be called Saturday.

Having just come in for the injured Stave, Houston and the Badgers were facing a third down and 9 from the Illini 23 yard line. Houston, with a quick three step drop, floated a beauty of a throw to the right corner near the pylon to junior wide-out Robert Wheelwright. Wheelwright, who hauled the pass in while being able to turn up field just enough to dive and break the plane, made it 7-3 Wisconsin.

The spectacular effort from Wheelwright continued a trend of elite athleticism for the junior. It also was his fourth touchdown reception on the season, which leads the Badgers. Wisconsin would later lose Wheelwright to an injury. He did not return for the Badgers.

A 26 yard field goal by Rafael Gaglianone with 7:03 remaining in the half set the half time score in Wisconsin’s favor, 10-7.

The Badgers missed a golden opportunity to push the lead heading into halftime. Houston was picked off by Illinois sophomore cornerback Eaton Spence in the end zone with just 33 seconds remaining.

The Badgers started the second half with two punts, unable to get their makeshift offense in gear. On the Fighting Illini’s second possession of the final half, they broke through the Badgers stout defense.

Illinois’ junior quarterback Wes Lunt found his rhythm. He completed passes of 16, 15, and 19 yards. The 5 play 86 yard drive was capped by freshman tailback Ke’Shawn Vaugh on an impressive 36 yard sprint right up the gut. Vaugh is filling in at running back for Illinois while their star running back, Josh Ferguson, continues to recover from a shoulder injury.

The Fighting Illini wouldn’t enjoy their third quarter lead for long. The Badgers came right back on the next drive and scored on an Alec Ingold 2 yard touchdown run, making it 17-13 Wisconsin. From there, the Badgers would not look back.

Wisconsin capped the day’s scoring with another touchdown, this time it was Houston connecting with senior wide receiver Alex Erickson on the Badgers very next possession. The 9 yard pass and catch play came on third down and goal from the Illinois 9.

Wisconsin continued their resurgence on third down efficiency, which has been a point of emphasis lately for head coach Paul Chryst. The Badgers finished the game a healthy 9/16 on the critical down.

The Badgers again struggled to run the ball with efficiency. Senior #1 wide receiver Alex Erickson was unquestionably the player of the game, doing a little bit of everything for the Badgers’ offense. Erickson saved the ground game for Wisconsin too on Saturday, rushing for 81 yards on 4 carries. Erickson also hauled in 10 catches for 96 yards and that capper score.

Bart Houston, who was thrust into action following the Stave concussion, performed very well, leading the Badgers offense on many crucial drives in the second half. Houston finished the game 22/33 for 232 yards with two touchdowns. Houston had two interceptions, but they did not hurt the Badgers chances Saturday.

Illinois’ quarterback Wes Lunt had a quiet but decent day, finishing with 278 yards and a pick. He and Illinois just weren’t able to convert in the red zone, the few times they got deep into Badgers’ territory.

Badgers’ senior safety Michael Caputo picked off Lunt for his second interception on the season.

Fighting Illini safety Clayton Fejedelem had a monster day for Illinois, helping keep the game closer than it maybe should have been. The junior finished the game with 19 tackles and an interception.

The Badgers will head back home next weekend for a matchup against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-3) on Halloween night in Madison, Wisconsin. The game kicks off at 11:00 am Central.

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Preview: Wisconsin Badgers Go on the Road to Face the Illinois Fighting Illini

October 24, 2015 TER Staff Leave a comment

BY JEFF BERNIER

When the Wisconsin Badgers (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) travel to Champagne, Illinois Saturday to take on the Fighting Illini ( 4-2, 1-1 Big Ten), it’ll mark the first time in a quite a while where the game will mean this much to both teams.

The Badgers will need a big road win in order to keep pace with Big Ten leading Iowa. The Fighting Illini, despite canning their head football coach less than a week before the season even began, are also in the running.

Despite facing an abnormal amount of injuries this season, the Badgers have been able to hang their hat on their outstanding defense to win ball games. Wisconsin currently ranks seventh nationally in total defense, giving up just 272.4 yards per game. Wisconsin has also only given up 10.9 points per game, with only 2 of their 7 opponents thus far being able to score more than 10 points in a game against them.

Current Illinois head football coach Bill Cubit knows the challenges his team’s offense will face when they line up against Wisconsin on Saturday.

“The Edge guys and their linebackers are so active,” Cubit said. “They’ll find out what your protection is and they’ll find a way to get their best player on your worst player.”

Illinois is no slouch defensively either, as the Fighting Illini rank 30th nationally in total team defense, allowing only 332.5 yards per contest.

The Badgers are hoping to get a big boost from their star running back Corey Clement, who hasn’t played a down since the opening game at Alabama. Clement will be a game time decision for the Badgers.

Despite missing arguably their most valuable offensive player for much of this season, the Badgers have still had a good enough run game to where opponents must game plan for that part of Wisconsin’s attack.

Dare Ogunbowale and Taiwan Deal have filled in nicely for the Badgers, combining for over 800 yards and eight scores through seven games.

If Clement cannot go Saturday, look for the Badgers to continue to pass the football. Senior quarterback Joel Stave is having a fine senior season. Stave has completed 62.3% of his passes while on pace for a 3,000 yard season. Senior #1 receiver Alex Erickson comes into the game with 42 receptions for 549 yards, but just one touchdown. He and junior Robert Wheelwright, who leads the Badgers with three touchdown receptions, remain the favorite targets for Stave.

Wisconsin ranks fourth in the Big Ten, averaging 251 passing yards per game. After Clement went down with injury, Stave knew he’d be relied on much more within the Badgers offense.

“I knew we would have to throw it a little more,” noted Stave. “We’d have to be more balanced.”

Illinois will for sure be without its star tailback Josh Ferguson. The senior, who will miss his second straight game with a shoulder injury, has ran for nearly five and a half yards per carry. The Fighting Illini are very thin at running back. Freshman Ke’Shawn Vaughn will assume much of the load Saturday where he will face one of the best run-stopping defenses in the country in Wisconsin.

Illinois is just 1-9 against Wisconsin in their last 10 meetings. The lone win came in 2007, a 31-26 upset in a season that saw the Fighting Illini make it to the Rose Bowl.

Prediction: Wisconsin 28, Illinois 13

Game time: Saturday, October 17, 2:30 PM CT on BTN, BTN2; Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL

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Photos: Wisconsin Badgers v. Purdue Boilermakers

October 17, 2015 TER Staff Leave a comment

BY TER STAFF

Today we traveled to Camp Randall Stadium, as the Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Boilermakers of Purdue. It was all Wisconsin all the way, as the Badgers dominated Purdue throughout their 24-7 victory. As expect, the Badger stuck to the run and the Boilermakers had no answer. Read our game recap here and check out our photos of Wisconsin’s Big 10 victory below.

Continue reading Photos: Wisconsin Badgers v. Purdue Boilermakers →

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Recap: Wisconsin Badgers Defeat Purdue Boilermakers, 24-7

October 17, 2015 TER Staff Leave a comment

BY JEFF BERNIER

With Wisconsin fighting for its Bowl aspirations, they took another step in the right direction Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison as the Badgers (5-2) defeated the Boilermakers (1-6) of Purdue 24-7. The offense made enough plays and the Badgers defense, which has been dominant for long stretches this season, was brilliant again on this day.

The Badgers received the game’s opening kickoff and immediately went to work against a struggling Boilermakers’ defense. Senior quarterback Joel Stave and junior tailback Dare Ogunbowale were sharp as the Badgers marched right down the field for the game’s first touchdown. Stave was perfect on the drive while Ogunbowale had several effective runs.

True freshman Alec Ingold, a linebacker by trade who has emerged as a new weapon for Wisconsin in the run game, capped the opening drive with a four yard rush for a touchdown.

The effectiveness and balance of the Badgers opening drive had a feeling of blowout home win being imminent. Especially, after Purdue went three and out on their subsequent opening drive. But not so fast …

The Badgers were once again marching on their second drive. Stave continued his brilliance, making quick reads and firing passes that were right on the money. The senior started the game a perfect six for six for 68 yards.

Facing a third down and 8 from the Purdue 11 yard line, Ogunbowale was flagged for a false start, moving the team back to a more complicated try of 3rd and 13. Stave dropped back and could not get his footing with the pass rush closing in and tried to zip a pass across the field that sailed on Stave right into the waiting arms of Purdue defensive back LeRoy Clark.

Clark, who recently accepted a position move to safety, returned the Stave pick 66 yards to the Wisconsin 29 yard line, breaking several tackles along the way. It was Stave’s only real hiccup in the game.

Purdue, finding themselves with excellent field position, seized the moment. Purdue, wanting to make a statement, chose to go for it on 4th and 1 from the Badgers 20. Freshman tailback Markell Jones was able to convert. Freshman quarterback David Blough capped the drive with an untouched 2 yard touchdown scramble.

The Badgers missed a golden opportunity to extend the lead just before half, as struggling sophomore kicker Rafael Gaglionone missed from 35 yards out. Gaglionone had hit from 28 earlier in the half, as the Badgers lead just 10-7 going into intermission.

Strangely, the Badgers did not punt in the first half, and they outgained the Boilermakers 272 yards to 61. Despite the lopsidedness, Wisconsin only able to build just that three point lead.

Purdue had first crack in the second half. The Badgers, who presumably got a verbal lashing from their head coach Paul Chryst, came out strong, forcing a three and out.

What followed were two Badgers punts and two more Boilermakers punts. On Purdue’s third punt of the second half, the Badgers finally gave the Camp Randall sellout crowd reason to “jump around.”

Purdue punter Joe Schopper shanked a miserable punt that netted just 27 yards as Wisconsin took over at the Purdue 33 yard line. The generous field position was all the Badgers needed to get going.

Stave continued his fantastic accuracy with passes of 7, 4, and 19 yards setting up a first and goal at the Purdue four yard line. From there, Ogunbowale pounded it in, giving the Badgers some much needed breathing room at 17-7.

Wisconsin would put the game out of reach after they got the ball right back following yet another Purdue punt.

Stave was at his best here on the Badgers final scoring drive on the day. He carved up a worn-out Boilermakers’ defense, going 7 for 7 for 56 yards. For the second time Saturday, Ingold ran the ball in for the score, this time from 1 yard out making it 24-7.

Stave, despite the near pick-six in the first half, had a very quiet, yet stellar effort for the Badgers as the senior finished 30 of 39 for 322 yards. Stave nickel and dimed his way to his second consecutive 300 yard day as he and the Badgers longest pass play on the day was just 14 yards.

It marked the first time a Wisconsin quarterback had back-to-back 300 yard performances since former Badgers quarterback and Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson did so in 2011.

Senior #1 wide-out Alex Erickson continued his sparkling final season in Madison, finishing with nine receptions for 86 yards, which both lead the team.

Junior Robert Wheelwright had 6 catches for 61 yards for Wisconsin.

The Badgers did just enough on the ground to keep the Boilermakers defense honest for Stave. Wisconsin ran the ball 37 times for just 96 yards, a 2.8 per average.

Redshirt freshman inside linebacker T.J. Edwards was a man possessed for the Badgers, leading a total defensive effort. Edwards was outstanding, racking up 16 tackles, including a forced fumble and a tackle for a loss.

The Badgers defense held another opponent under 100 yards on the ground as the Boilermakers ran for only 55 yards. Purdue was unable to break one single big play, finishing with just 191 yards of total offense.

Wisconsin finished the game with a healthy 418 yards of total offense, while also winning time of possession 37:46 to 22:09.

The Badgers, who hit on their goal of improving on their third down conversion rate Saturday (50%), will have to clean up the penalties next week against a much more capable opponent.

Wisconsin will face a big road test next Saturday when they travel to Champagne, Illinois to take on a talented Fighting Illini (4-2) squad fresh off their bye week. The game will kick off at 2:30 pm (Central Standard).

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