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BYU Football: Scouting the Schedule – Wisconsin

By Shaun Gordon

PROVO, UT - SEPTEMBER 16: Wisconsin Badgers football helmet during the game between the Badgers and the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
PROVO, UT - SEPTEMBER 16: Wisconsin Badgers football helmet during the game between the Badgers and the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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PROVO, UT – SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers gestures behind the line during a game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
PROVO, UT – SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers gestures behind the line during a game against the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

The Offense

In 2017, Wisconsin featured one of the best running games in the nation, with a standout freshman running back, Jonathan Taylor, and a mauling offensive line. The entire offensive line is back, and Taylor is on Heisman watch.

Quarterback

Alex Hornibrook is the textbook definition of a game manager. He’s not flashy, and he won’t win many games with his arm alone, but he’s a solid quarterback that does more than enough to keep defenses honest and allow the run game to flourish.

He’s back for his junior year, after throwing for 2,644 yards and 25 touchdowns on a 62% completion percentage. He did throw 15 interceptions, so he’ll look to cut down on that.

Jack Coan (So.) saw time in mop-up duty last year, so he’ll at least have some in-game experience if injury hits Hornibrook.

Running Back

As a freshman last year, Jonathan Taylor rushed for 1,977 yards and 13 touchdowns. With a year of experience and improvement he could become the most dominant offensive player in the nation. He’s a Heisman Trophy candidate, and rightfully so.

He’s got three experienced rushers to back him up. Bradrick Shaw (Jr.), Chris James (Sr.), and Garrett Groshek (So.) all rushed for more than 200 yards last year. Even if Taylor gets hurt, the Badgers have the pieces to keep the run game strong.

Receivers/Tight Ends

Wisconsin does lose their top pass-catcher from last season in tight end Troy Fumagalli. Receiving leaders Nos. 2-6 are all back though.

Quintez Cephus (Jr.) looks primed to become Hornibrook’s new favorite target, after 501 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. Danny Davis (So.) and AJ Taylor (Jr.) will also provide capable hands in the passing game at the wideout spot.

While the loss of Fumagalli hurts, Zander Neuville (Sr.) has plenty of tight end experience and caught two touchdowns last season. Kyle Penniston (Jr.) will be in the mix for playing time at the position as well.

Offensive Line

Wisconsin boasted arguably the best offensive line in college football last season, and the entire starting five is back for 2018. The Badgers will trot out:

  • Left Tackle Cole van Lanen (So.)
  • Left Guard Michael Deiter (Sr.)
  • Center Tyler Bladasz (So.)
  • Right Guard Beau Benzschawel (Sr.)
  • Right Tackle David Edwards (Jr.)

Jon Dietzen (Jr.) also has starting experience at guard, and most of last year’s two-deep saw significant time and returns this season.

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