Baggot: Five things to know – Badgers host No. 1 Oregon
November 14, 2024 | Football
Bucky seeks first victory over No. 1 since 2010
The last time the Wisconsin football team pass defense showed this much promise was 2006.
First-year coach Bret Bielema debuted with a 12-1 overall record, 7-1 in the Big Ten Conference, with its only loss coming at the hands of Michigan.
A major factor in that showing was the fact that UW limited opponents to an average of 138.3 passing yards per game. Cornerbacks Jack Ikegwuono and Allen Langford, strong safety Joe Stellmacher and free safety Rodrick Rogers helped Wisconsin to a 7-0 record when holding opponents under 160 passing yards per contest.
The 2024 Badgers are following a similar note, allowing opponents just 158.9 passing yards per game, which ranks second in the Big Ten and sixth in the nation as they go into their duel with top-ranked Oregon on Saturday at 6:35 p.m. at Camp Randall Stadium.
UW (5-4 overall, 3-3 in the Big Ten) has held six opponents to fewer than 150 passing yards per contest and are 5-1 when that has happened. Its only loss when allowing fewer than 150 passing yards was to Iowa.
The Ducks (9-0, 7-0) are a formidable test in this regard. They rank 15th nationally in passing offense at 287.7 yards per game.
Meanwhile, the Badgers have allowed only two pass plays of 40+ yards, which is tied with Ohio State for second-fewest in the Big Ten. Oregon has produced 10 plays of at least 40 yards passing.
Here are five more things to know:
HOLDING THE LINE
The Badgers have allowed but nine sacks this season, which ranks 11th in the country and represents their lowest total since 2014. According to Pro Football Focus, UW has yielded 40 quarterback pressures in pass protection, which ranks first nationally.
IT BEARS REPEATING
For the first time in program history, Wisconsin will host three top-five teams at Camp Randall: No. 1 Oregon, No. 3 Penn State and No. 4 Alabama. The Badgers and Purdue are the only FBS teams to face three top-five opponents this season so far.
MR. 408
This week marks the 10th anniversary of Melvin Gordon’s epic outing vs. Nebraska in which he carried 25 times for a then FBS-record 408 rushing yards during a 59-24 victory. Gordon, who will be honored during Saturday’s game, scored four touchdowns and averaged 16.7 yards a carry in what many Badgers fans see as the greatest individual showing in program history. Gordon, who fumbled twice early, had runs of 42, 62, 39, 44, 43, 68 and 26 yards. Amazingly, he didn’t see action in the fourth quarter.
RARE TERRITORY
This marks the 20th time that UW has faced the No. 1 team in the nation in a regular-season game (4-15). The victims were Ohio State (1942, 2010), Northwestern (1962) and Michigan (1981).
EXPERIENCED CREW
Wisconsin’s starting offensive line has played in 169 career games and made 148 career starts. It’s one seven FBS units to have the same set of starters in every game this season.
FIRST AND 10: Jake Renfro
What’s your favorite thing about yourself?
“My competitiveness. No matter what it is – video games, football, weight lifting – I hate losing.’’
How do you deal with stress?
“I talk to my parents. I have really awesome parents who help me deal with a lot. I talk to them almost every day.’’
What’s something people would never guess just by looking at you?
“I’m not a huge eater. I don’t eat a lot of food. I just do what I have to.’’
What are you good at besides football?
“Talking to people. I feel like I have a good personality and I’m able to talk to a lot of different people and help them with whatever they need. Making friendships.’’
Is there a new teammate you’ve come to admire?
“Ryan Cory. His work ethic, his attitude, his willingness to learn. I love that out of a young kid for sure. I’ve tried to take him under my wing a little bit and I’ve learned a lot from him as well in the six months he’s been here.’’
What’s the personality trait you’re most proud of?
“My attitude. I feel like I’m a happy go-with-the-flow guy. I like that part about myself. There are really no bad days with me.’’
What item is tops on your bucket list?
“Hunting in Montana would be a big bucket list item for me.’’
What’s the biggest favor you’ve done for someone else?
“I recently drove all the way to Chicago to pick up my roommate. Three hours down, three hours back just to pick him and his brother up.’’
Is there a class you’d like to take again?
“I took this video editing class last semester and I really enjoyed it. I had a great professor. That’s going to be a lifetime skill.’’
