Wisconsin Football: 5 players to watch versus New Mexico

MADISON, WI - AUGUST 31: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers breaks a tackle attempt by Kyle Bailey #36 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes during the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

1. Jonathan Taylor

Jonathan Taylor is the engine that drives the Badgers. And the hope is he takes them all the way to the College Football Playoffs. It appears Wisconsin is going to be cautious with him early and not ride him into the ground. He only had 18 carries in Week 1 and ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns. That’s smart long-term planning by Paul Chryst.

Expect a similar workload right around that 20 carries for Taylor again, as they have other options in the backfield who can hold their own against competition like New Mexico. Taiwan Deal is probably in line for another 5-10 carries as his primary backup as well.

The Badgers are good enough to beat a team like New Mexico even if Taylor isn’t having his best day. However, he’s likely to be able to run through and over a team like the Lobos so keep an eye on his big day ahead.

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