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By the Numbers: Wisconsin’s defense is even more dominant than we thought
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Routing the Central Michigan Chippewas, 61-0, on Saturday, the Wisconsin Badgers were in control from the very beginning. Leading 16-0 after the first quarter, Wisconsin added four more touchdowns in the second quarter and took a 44-0 lead into the half.
Completing 26-33 passes, junior quarterback Jack Coan threw for 363 yards and four touchdowns. Running back and Heisman Trophy candidate Jonathan Taylor ran for 102 yards and three more scores.
Paired with their season-opening win over USF, the Badgers are off to a dominant start. Through two games, Paul Chryst’s team has outscored their opponents, 110-0.
To further illustrate how impressive the Badgers have been, take a look at these stats courtesy of Brian Mason, co-host of the “Behind the Badgers” podcast:
Wisconsin is the only FBS team to not surrender a point through the season's first 2 weeks.
The #Badgers rank…
#1 in scoring defense (0.0 ppg)
#1 in total defense (107.5 ypg)
#2 in rush defense (20.5 ypg)
#1 in pass efficiency def. (58.9)#OnWisconsin— Brian Mason (@Brian_Mason) September 8, 2019
In his third year as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, Jim Leonhard’s defense has forced four turnovers and sacked the opposing quarterback five times in 2019.
Idle on September 14, the schedule begins to harden for the Badgers. They host the 2-0 Michigan Wolverines on September 21 in what will likely be a top-15 showdown.
A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Rydquist has been contributing to Saturday Down South and Saturday Tradition since 2019. He can be found on Twitter @TeddyRydquist.