Wisconsin Football: Key takeaways from win against Michigan

The Wisconsin Football team dominated the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday, here are the key takeaways from their performance.

Coming into their Saturday matchup against the then-ranked number 11 Michigan Wolverines, the Wisconsin Football team had put together two dominating performances in the first few weeks of the season by outscoring their opponents 110-0.

Meanwhile Michigan, who was also 2-0 at the time, had struggled against lesser opponents and was looking to steal a win on the road. However, the issues that had led to some lackluster performances in the first two games were magnified against this stingy Badgers’ defense and the game got out of hand quite quickly.

The Wisconsin Badgers would cruise to a 35-14 victory and for the most part, the game didn’t even feel that close. As a result, they’ve jumped up to the eighth-ranked team in the country and will now take on Northwestern this upcoming Saturday.

But before we get to that point, let’s take a look back at their game against Michigan and discuss some of the key takeaways from their dominating win.

Zack Baun will be playing on Sundays

Outside linebacker, Zack Baun is continuing on with the tradition of very good linebacker play at the University of Wisconsin. Against Michigan, Baun would total seven tackles, two of which were for a loss, with a sack and two quarterback hurries.

From his closing speed, to his knack for getting to the quarterback, along with his ability to make tackles in the open field, Baun can be a real game-changer for any defense. It won’t be too long before we see him making these kinds of plays on Sundays in the NFL.

Continue to play aggressive

There were two critical moments in Saturday’s game that both took place on fourth-down. The first was on the opening drive on a fourth and one while the Badger offense was still in Michigan territory. Paul Chryst decided to go for it and was rewarded with a Jonathan Taylor first down. Later on, it was fourth and goal and once again, Wisconsin went for it and this time they scored a touchdown.

I loved this aggressiveness from coach Chryst and I hope we continue to see it moving forward. Really on just about any fourth and short, the Badgers should consider going for it. With their stout offensive line and of course, Jonathan Taylor at running back, they are very tough to stop on short-yardage plays. My hope is that we continue to see the Wisconsin Football team play aggressively for the remainder of the season.

Jonathan. Taylor.

I mean honestly, what else is there left to say about Jonathan Taylor as a running back? The opponents continue to change and he continues to produce. Against Michigan, he would total 203 yards on the ground, including a long of 72, with two touchdowns and would average 8.8 yards per carry. He is the best back in the country and I hope that those who vote for the Heisman Trophy are watching closely.

Do they have a kicker problem?

Luckily it hasn’t affected the outcome of any games but kicker Collin Larsh did miss another field goal on Saturday which puts him at just 1/4 on the season. The Badgers aren’t going to win every game comfortably and if they need a field goal in the fourth quarter, are we confident that Larsh can step in and make the kick?

Jack Coan continues to get the job done

Coming into the season many would have preferred Graham Mertz at quarterback over Jack Coan but after a very strong start to the season, in his first real test against Michigan, Coan did exactly what this Wisconsin Football team needed him to do.

By no means do the Badgers need Coan to go out there and be Super Man every Saturday. Behind Jonathan Taylor and their defense, Wisconsin just needs Coan to be efficient and not turn the ball over which is exactly what he did. Coan finished the game 13/16 for 128 yards with no interceptions.

Coan has great pocket presence and is unphased by pressure as he will sit in the pocket to deliver a pass knowing that he is going to get hit. He has good anticipation and has been a very accurate passer. Coan has been precisely what this Badgers team needs.

Their play without JT was very encouraging

As everyone in and around college football knows, this Wisconsin offense runs through Jonathan Taylor. But due to cramping, he did have to miss a large portion of the second quarter, however, that didn’t slow this Badgers’ offense down.

With a score of 14-0 to start the quarter, the game was still very much in reach and with Taylor on the sidelines, the momentum easily could have swung in Michigan’s direction. Yet the Badgers didn’t let that happen. With Coan completing a number of passes and Garrett Groshek at running back, the Badgers were able to extend their lead to 28-0.

I found this to be incredibly encouraging as it shows that the Badges have other players that they can rely on and Taylor doesn’t have to shoulder 100 percent of the offensive burden.

The Badgers are for real

Wisconsin has been dominant all season but even though they had outscored their opponents 110-0 through the first two weeks, it was understandable that you may need more proof before hopping on the hype train. Well on Saturday, they gave you all the proof that you should need.

They absolutely dismantled that Michigan team and as I said above, 35-14 doesn’t do this game justice as it didn’t even feel that close. With the number one ranked total defense in the country, the best running back in the country, and an efficient quarterback in Jack Coan, they are going to be very difficult to beat moving forward. These Badgers are for real, folks.