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:
