Wisconsin Badgers versus Nebraska Cornhuskers By the Numbers

By Jackson Badgers | Posted Wednesday, September 28

What are the Badgers facing when they play the Nebraska Cornhuskers this weekend?  On offense, the Cornhuskers are led by an impressive quarterback and running back combination. They have an intimidating receiving core as well. Offensive coordinator Tim Beck works hard to give quarterback Taylor Martinez as many targets as possible. You never know where the ball is going to go, and that keeps the opposing backfield on their toes. Those targets aren't easy tackles either. Five Nebraska receivers average 13.9 yards per catch or better. Taylor Martinez is not the most accurate passer. He averages 162 passing yards a game, completing just 50%.

Nebraska's running back, Rex Burkhead, is just as dangerous an option on the ground as its receivers are in the air. He averages 105 rushing yards per game on 6.5 yards per carry. Burkhead has the power to drive up the center, but when he gets a chance to run outside, he can really make a defensive line pay for any containment mistakes. So far this season he has had four runs of at least 40 yards, and six runs of 20-plus.

Nebraska Defense Coming Back from Injury

The other end of the ball will be a mixed bag of quality individuals, and a defensive line that has been crippled by injuries. Nebraska's three most talented seniors, weak-side linebacker Lavonte David, tackle Jared Crick, and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, have recently recovered from injuries. On top of that, they will get their first serious test against Wisconsin. The Cornhuskers will also have to improve the performance of their pass rushing ends on Saturday. Defensive ends Cameron Meredith and Jason Ankrah have a combined four sacks and three hurries this season.