Playing against a rushing offense that ranks 71st in the nation and ninth in the Southeastern Conference, the UW defense knows what No. 16 Tennessee will primarily do when they have the ball: pass.
When the No. 18 Badgers (5-3 Big Ten, 9-3 overall) take the field against the Volunteers (6-2 SEC, 9-4 overall) for the Outback Bowl Jan. 1 in Tampa, Fla., a pair of key match-ups will play crucial roles in the outcome of the game when UW is on the defensive side of the ball.
Tennessee offensive line vs. Wisconsin defensive line
One of the main reasons the SEC East champions have been so successful at putting the ball in the air has been their ability to protect senior quarterback Erik Ainge. An honorable mention All-SEC selection, Ainge has compiled 3,157 yards and 29 touchdowns on the season behind a steady, dependable offensive line.
The Volunteers lead the SEC in sacks allowed, surrendering only four sacks in their 13 regular season contests, or one every 122.8 passing attempts. Junior guard Anthony Parker, a consensus first-team All-SEC selection who has received mention on several All-America teams, anchors the unit.
Despite protecting primarily for pass, the Vols' offensive line has also been opening holes for a 1,000 yard rusher. Junior tailback Arian Foster has racked up 1,162 yards on the ground, good for a 5.1 yard average per carry.
The Badger defensive line will need to put pressure on Ainge and get into the Tennessee backfield to fluster the timing of the Vols' offense. Junior defensive end Matt Shaughnessy, a consensus second-team All-Big Ten selection, carried the load for the defense in the last half of the season.
Shaughnessy is tied for 21st in the nation with 16.0 tackles for a loss. He was named team defensive MVP for his leadership and excellence on the field.
Senior defensive tackle Nick Hayden also put together one of his finest years as one of the Badgers' most consistent defensive playmakers. He has blocked a field goal attempt and is third on the team in sacks and tackles for loss. The Hartland, Wis., native collected honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades for his performance.
As a defense, the Badgers rank seventh in the Big Ten in sacks, registering just 28 quarterback sacks in their 12 games. To slow down Tennessee's air attack, UW will need to pressure and hurry Ainge into making poor decisions. This will be no easy task, considering Ainge's poise and craftiness behind stellar pass protection.
Tennessee receivers vs. Wisconsin secondary
The Vols have a number of talented receivers, featuring the trio of Lucas Taylor, Austin Rogers and Josh Briscoe, who combined for more than 2,000 yards and 14 scores. Tight end Chris Brown broke a school record by recording his 40th reception of the season in the Vols' 21-14 loss to Louisiana State in the Southeastern Conference Championship game. This was a pretty impressive feat, considering he shattered a mark previously held by current Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.
The Badger defense enters the game as the third-rated passing defense in the Big Ten. The young secondary has shown signs of improvement and growth this season, but has been susceptible to the big play. They will need to play one of their finest games of the season to contain Tennessee's passing attack.
Junior cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu, a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection one season after garnering first-team accolades from the coaches, has fought through injuries and illnesses to contain some of the nation's top receivers this season. He held talented Indiana wide receiver James Hardy to just 17 yards on four receptions, and contained Michigan wide receiver Mario Manningham while breaking up four passes and intercepting a pass. UW won both games.
However, Ikegwuonu was mediocre in UW's final regular season game, surrendering 125 yards and two touchdowns to Minnesota's Eric Decker in UW's 41-34 victory in Minneapolis.
Sophomore safety Shane Carter and freshman cornerback Aaron Henry have also shown flashes of potential. Carter has been a ball hawk, registering seven interceptions on the season, tied for fourth most in the nation. Henry has shown the maturity and poise of a senior, and will be depended on as a starter after junior cornerback Allen Langford went down with a season-ending knee injury at Ohio State Nov. 3.
The Badgers' execution in its nickel and dime packages will be critical. If the Badgers contain the Vols' passing attack, it will be the play of not only the starters, but the reserves - namely safeties Kim Royston and Jay Valai, and cornerbacks Ben Strickland and Josh Nettles - that will determine UW's fate.
