Matchup to Watch: IU’s Run Defense vs. Wisconsin’s Run Game

Written by: TJ Inman

The Indiana Hoosiers host the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. The 2-6 Hoosiers need a victory to keep their very slim bowl hopes alive. What key matchup will determine the outcome?

IU’s Run Defense vs. Wisconsin’s Run Game

The Wisconsin Badgers are first in the Big Ten at 4.8 yards per rush. Despite all of the offseason talk about how much things will change under new offensive coordinator Phil Longo, the strength of this team continues to be running the ball. Wisconsin has leaned on star running back Braelon Allen and the junior is averaging 5.7 yards per carry along with eight touchdowns on the season. The mobility of quarterback Tanner Mordecai was also a weapon for this offense and his legs gave them a dimension they had lacked in previous seasons. Things could be quite different on Saturday in Bloomington. Braelon Allen left last week’s game against Ohio State with an ankle injury and he appears unlikely to play against IU. Tanner Mordecai is out with an injury as well, forcing freshman Braedyn Locke into action. Locke has been solid but he does not have the mobility that Mordecai offers. Second running back Chez Mellusi was lost to injury in September. That means the vaunted Wisconsin rushing attack will have to rely on Jackson Acker (35 carries for 145 yards) and freshman Cade Yacamelli. 

The Indiana Hoosiers are 102nd in the country, allowing 4.8 yards per rushing attempt. Wisconsin cannot be allowed to get into a rhythm running the ball and impose their will on the IU front. Indiana’s best chance to win is to limit the Wisconsin running game, do not let Acker or Yacamelli get any confidence and force the Badgers into third and long or medium situations. Braedyn Locke is completing only 49.5% of his passes this season and Wisconsin lacks dynamic playmakers at wide receiver, with the lone exception of Will Pauling. If Wisconsin doesn’t miss a beat on the ground and is able to average north of 4.5 yards per carry, IU is going to have a very difficult time getting the Badgers off the field and this game could look a lot like the Rutgers contest did with IU losing the time of possession battle and wilting in the second half as the defense gets gassed.