Indiana Passing Offense vs. Wisconsin Passing Defense
IU passing offense: 258 yards per game (5th in Big Ten – 42nd nationally)
Wisconsin passing defense: 174.3 yards allowed per game (2nd in Big Ten – 15th nationally)
While the starting quarterback for IU is unknown after redshirt freshman quarterback Peyton Ramsey injured his knee against Maryland last week, Wisconsin brings in the second-best passing defense in the conference. Cornerback Nick Nelson is third in the nation in passes defended, while the defense as a whole is fourth in the nation. The pass rush is what helps the Wisconsin secondary though, as linebackers Garrett Dooley and Andrew Van Ginkel and defensive end Alec James all combine for 14.5 of Wisconsin’s conference-leading 27 sacks. With tight end Ian Thomas still questionable with injury, it will be difficult for the Hoosiers to get anything going up the middle of the field.
Advantage: Wisconsin
Indiana Rushing Offense vs. Wisconsin Rushing Defense
IU rushing offense: 123.9 yards per game (13th in Big Ten – 104th nationally)
Wisconsin rushing defense: 93.8 yards allowed per game (2nd in Big Ten – 5th nationally)
Like there are questions around the IU quarterback position, there are also questions surrounding the running back position. Freshman running back Morgan Ellison did not play last week, after his post on Instagram showed him in a cast. His availability is questionable, Tom Allen said Monday, and freshman running back Cole Gest and junior Ricky Brookins haven’t picked up the slack at the position. Wisconsin is ranked fifth in the nation in rushing defense and has allowed fewer than 100 yards rushing four times in eight games this season.
Advantage: Wisconsin
Indiana Passing Defense vs. Passing Offense
IU passing defense: 180.1 yards allowed per game (3rd in Big Ten)
Wisconsin passing offense: 197 yards per game (9th in Big Ten – 89th nationally)
This matchup is the one IU needs to take advantage of, as Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook has thrown eight interceptions this season. While he has completed 64 percent of his passes, Hornibrook and the Wisconsin passing offense’s flaws have prevented the Badger offense form being as explosive as it has the potential to be. While the Hoosiers have seen themselves near the top of the charts in passes defended in recent seasons, they sit at 126th this week, with just 2.75 pass deflections per game. Despite that statistic, IU is still ranked third in the Big Ten in passing defense and has proven effective against opponents like Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley and Ohio State quarterback JT Barrett.
Advantage: Indiana
Indiana Rushing Defense vs. Wisconsin Rushing Offense
IU rushing defense: 162 yards allowed per game (10th in Big Ten – 62nd nationally)
Wisconsin rushing offense: 245.8 yards per game (1st in Big Ten – 16th nationally)
Wisconsin freshman running back Jonathan Taylor has taken the Big Ten by storm this season, as he leads the conference in rushing yards per game (148.1), touchdowns (11) and is tied with Iowa running back Akrum Wadley for most carries (161). He is also the only Big Ten running back who has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark this year. IU limited Penn State running back Saquon Barkley, but allowed Ohio State running back JK Dobbins, Maryland running back Ty Johnson and Michigan running back Karan Higdon to have big games against its rushing defense. Taylor is questionable for the game Saturday, so if he doesn’t play, IU could find success. If he plays, look to IU to stack the box to stop the freshman and leave passing targets in one-on-one situations on the outside.
Advantage: Wisconsin
Special Teams
IU special teams S&P+ rating: 8th nationally
Wisconsin special teams S&P+ rating: 50th nationally
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