The Wisconsin Badgers will host the No. 1 ranked team in the country for the first time since 2010. The No. 1 Oregon Ducks have proved to be formidable this season, currently boasting a 10-0 record after defeating several ranked opponents, including No. 13 Boise State and No. 2 Ohio State.
As the newcomer to the Big Ten conference, Oregon has asserted itself into the premature discussion of a national championship title.
Wisconsin, on the other hand, has had much more of a rocky reason. The Badgers are currently 5-4 following a difficult defeat to the Iowa Hawkeyes before heading into an inconveniently timed bye week.
Despite the nearly opposite records, both teams have talent that will aid in their respective performances this upcoming Saturday.
WISCONSIN:
Tawee Walker
Wisconsin’s star running back has made quite a statement in his first season with the Badgers. The Oklahoma transfer has scored 10 touchdowns for Wisconsin this season, making him the 20th Badger to hit that milestone. Walker has not been as explosive during the last two losses against Iowa and Penn State, but he is certainly an essential part of this Badger offense. After showcasing his abilities in earlier games, dropping 198 yards, 24 carries and three touchdowns against Rutgers, Walker proved just how much he can give to his Wisconsin team.
Hunter Wohler
Senior safety Hunter Wohler has long been viewed as a leader on this Wisconsin team, and the Badgers will be relying on both his command of the team and his abilities on Saturday. Wohler led the team in tackles with 11 when facing off against the then No. 3 Nittany Lions. This marked his first double-digit game of the season but the seventh of his career. Against as dynamic of an offense as Oregon, the Badgers will be relying upon Wohler big.
CJ Williams
Junior wide receiver CJ Williams got off to a slow start this season, but he has slowly worked his way into Wisconsin’s rotation and has become a key piece to Wisconsin’s offense. Williams totaled two catches for 32 yards and a touchdown in his last game against Iowa. Hopefully, Williams can be the spark the Badgers offense has so desperately needed this season, especially against top-ranked opponents.
Nathaniel Vakos
A position not often recognized, Wisconsin kicker Nathaniel Vakos has stood out among the turmoil in the Badgers football season. The junior from Avon, Ohio made his mark on the university record books against then-No. 3 Penn State when he drilled in a 50-yard field goal on the first drive of the game. This successful kick made Vakos the first Badger to ever nail four 50-yard-plus makes in a career. Wisconsin will look to Vakos to keep Saturday’s match within reach, though ideally, the Badgers will be looking for seven-point score increments.
OREGON:
Dillon Gabriel
Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s performance has been lights-out this season for the Ducks. The graduate transfer from Oklahoma is a Heisman frontrunner and leads the Big Ten conference with 2,848 passing yards and 22 touchdowns. Just last week, in the Ducks’ 39-18 win over Maryland, Gabriel broke the NCAA all-time record for touchdowns responsible for. Case Keenum previously held the record at 178, but Gabriel’s three touchdowns for the day surpassed that quickly. If Wisconsin wants to win, the Badgers defense needs to find a solution to Gabriel’s domination.
Jordan James
Oregon’s star running back Jordan James is expected to play in Saturday’s matchup against Wisconsin after exiting the game against Maryland early with an unspecified injury. Prior to the Ducks’ game against the Terrapins, James had five 100-yard-plus performances. James sits at fourth in the Big Ten with 94.6 yards per game, accumulated from the 946 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns he’s completed on 166 carries. If playing, he will prove to be a crucial part of Oregon’s offensive strategy against Wisconsin.
Terrance Ferguson
Senior tight end Terrance Ferguson is just one spot away from cementing himself as Oregon’s all-time leader in all-time receptions and receiving touchdowns. Ferguson’s 119 all-time receptions and 14 receiving touchdowns place him second to Ed Dickson’s 124 and Josh Wilcox’s 15. The Oregon tight end returned to action last week against Maryland after having to sit out the Ducks two previous matches due to illness. As a dynamic offensive weapon for the Ducks, Oregon will be hoping Ferguson continues plowing ahead not only to break the two records mentioned but help pull out a win for the team on Saturday.
Matayo Uiagalelei and Jordan Burch
Two of the key contributors to Oregon’s success this season come from the dominant defensive line pair of Matayo Uiagalelei and Jordan Burch. They are the Ducks’ top two leaders in sacks, with 7.5 and 6.5 respectively. The duo’s ferocious play style will lead to a tough matchup for the Badgers’ offense.
