Auburn Outback Bowl Preview: Wisconsin Badgers Defense and Special Teams

Wisconsin Badgers Defensive Line

Prior to the debacle against Ohio State, Wisconsin did a terrific job controlling the line of scrimmage overall, and the running game in particular.

The Badgers had allowed 23 touchdowns in the first 12 games (fourth best in FBS), had held its previous six opponents to an average of 90.7 rushing yards, six of their last 11 opponents under 100 yards, and only allowed a player to rush for more than 100 yards in a game four times in the past two seasons.

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Playing in defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s 3-4 scheme, senior Warren Herring and redshirt freshman Chikwe Obasih will start at defensive end for the Badgers, with Alec James and Jake Keefer in reserve.

Herring missed five games this season after suffering a knee injury in the season opener against LSU, and has only 14 tackles and two tackles for loss. Not a pass rusher, Herring has not registered a sack this year, and at 6-foot-3 and 283 pounds, he also has experience playing nose guard.

Obasih has 19 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks for the Badgers, and ranks second on the squad and first among defensive linemen with four quarterback hurries.

Konrad Zagzebski, a senior, was expected to handle the nose guard responsibilities and did most of the season. Slightly undersized for the position at 6-foot-3 and 277 pounds, Zagzebinsi also has starting experience at end. However, Zagzebski is injured and sophomore Arthur Goldberg will see time in the middle of the defensive line. Goldberg started five games at nose guard this season.

Next: Wisconsin Linebackers