BYU football: Scouting the Wisconsin Badgers
By Adam Gibby
Wisconsin Defense
Playing Style: 3-4 Hybrid defense with blitzes and line of scrimmage crashes
Returning Starters: 8
Key Returning Players: DE Conor Sheehy, LB Jack Cichy LB T. J. Edwards, S D’Cota Dixon, DL Chikwe Obasih
Key Losses: LB T.J. Watt, LB Vince Biegel, DB Leo Musso
2017 Prediction: Wisconsin plays an easy schedule for the Big 10. Without having Michigan or Ohio State this year, it is very likely that they will have one of the best defensive stat lines in college football. Wisconsin is not a team that gives up very many points. In fact last year, they only gave up more than 24 points in regulation one time. With eight returning starters from last years squad, and a schedule that is favorable to them, the defensive numbers will probably improve.
However, I will mention again, Wisconsin had a very difficult time putting teams away last year. Despite having a great defense, it would not be surprising if Wisconsin again loses some games this year from not being able to finish out a game.
How BYU can be successful: Have long drives. BYU football if probably not going to do what no other team has been able to do by scoring a ton of points against the Badgers. If BYU wins this game it will be because of two things. Winning the turnover battle and having the offense on the field enough for the defense to rest. Even a six minute drive resulting in a field goal can be a huge win for BYU because it will give the defense time to rest. With Wisconsin only giving up 14, 23 and 14 points last season to Michigan, Ohio State and Nebraska, the Badgers are not going to give up 42 against the Cougars. Long drives, field goals, a touchdown or two and some special teams plays may be what gives the Cougars the best chance to win.
Prediction: This will be the third big game in a row for the Cougars. This will be the first big game for the Badgers. BYU will find a few opportunities to have big plays against Wisconsin. BYU does not play Big 10 football, which may be an advantage to them. The Cougars will not have any drives that go over 75 yards unless there is a huge play to help out. The Cougars will not score more than twice offensively when starting on their side of the 50-yard line.