Baggot: Five things to know – Badgers host No. 1 Oregon

The last time the Wisconsin football team’s 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 possession. match. Cornerbacks Jack Ikegwuono and Allen Langford, strong safety Joe Stellmacher and free safety Rodrick Rogers helped Wisconsin to a 7-0 record, holding opponents under 160 passing yards per game. competition.

The 2024 Badgers follow a similar note, allowing opponents just 158.9 passing yards per game. game, which is ranked second in the Big Ten and sixth in the nation as they enter their duel with top-ranked Oregon on Saturday at 18:35 in Camp. Randall Stadium.

UW (5-4 overall, 3-3 in Big Ten) has held six opponents to fewer than 150 passing yards per game. contest and is 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 carry. match.

Meanwhile, the Badgers have allowed just two passes of more than 40 yards, which is tied with Ohio State for second-most in the Big Ten. Oregon has produced 10 plays of at least 40 yards.

Here are five more things to know: