GOOD FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Wisconsin has led at halftime in seven of eight games this season. That happened only four of 13 times in 2023. The Badgers have also allowed one score on an opening drive this season (a touchdown to USC).

TARGET PRACTICE

UW cornerback Ricardo Hallman has been targeted just 17 times this season, according to Pro Football Focus. That’s the fewest in the nation for any CB with 200-plus coverage snaps.

KABOOM

UW has registered 12 plays of 30-plus yards (five rushes, seven passes) during Big Ten play. That total ranks second in the Big Ten to top-ranked Oregon (one rush, 12 passes).

EARLY NOD TO VETS

The Wisconsin coaching staff will wear special Under Armour Freedom Collection items during the game. Since Veteran’s Day falls on Nov. 11 and the Badgers have a bye on Nov. 16, UW staffers will don the specially designed apparel earlier than other schools.

THE HITS KEEP COMING

For a while there, the Badgers were led in overall tackles by a familiar face. Senior strong safety Hunter Wohler, who paced UW with 120 a season ago, began to reprise that status through the first four games of 2024. But inside linebacker Jaheim Thomas has picked up the tempo, and now leads with 52 (24 solo, 28 assisted). Wohler, who leads Wisconsin with 32 solo tackles, is not far back at 48 total takedowns.

1st & 10 with Curt Neal

Is there a new teammate that you've come to admire?

Elijah Hills. That’s my boy, my right hand. We just clicked. We played the same position in spring ball. We have very similar games, quick and twitchy. I just feel like we hit it off. He’s in the (defensive line) room, so he’s automatically my brother.

You own an American Bully named “Dax.” Why did you chose that kind of dog?

Their build is kind of similar to mine: short, stocky, thick head. I kind of feel like my dog looks like me.

What's the lie you tell yourself most?

That my body doesn’t hurt. That I’m just complaining to myself. That’ll I get through the day. Sometimes you just have to lie to yourself. This sport is pretty tough and your body’s going to hurt, so you just have to lie to yourself and that you feel amazing and that today’s going to be a great day even though you feel horrible.

Is there something to do on campus, the city or general area that you haven't tried yet, but want to?

I’m going on my third year here, so I think I’ve done pretty much everything in Madison. I’ve gone to the lakes. I’ve tried brats and cheese curds.

What's biggest favor you've ever done for someone?

I loaned someone $5,000.

What's the personality trait you're most proud of?

I think I’m very bubbly most of the time. I feel like I’m a smiley person, especially off the field.

What's your worst habit?

I'm very petty. I get angry really quickly.

What's something people would never guess just by looking at you?

That I’m half Puerto Rican.