Baggot: Five Key Things to Know you as Badgers Host No. 1 Oregon
The Wisconsin Badgers are gearing up for a tough matchup against top-ranked Oregon this Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium. Here are five key things to watch ahead of the 6:30 p.m. kickoff:
1. Badgers Look to Upset No. 1 for First Time Since 2010
Wisconsin aims to notch its first win over a No. 1-ranked team since 2010, when they defeated Ohio State at home. The Badgers will need a strong performance to take down the undefeated Ducks.
2. Strong Defensive Play
Wisconsin's pass defense has been one of the nation’s best this season, allowing just 158.9 passing yards per game—ranking second in the Big Ten and sixth in the country. The last time the Badgers had a defense this stingy against the pass was in 2006.
3. Oregon’s High-Powered Offense
The Ducks bring a potent offense to Madison, averaging 287.7 passing yards per game (15th nationally). Wisconsin will need to limit explosive plays and put pressure on Oregon’s quarterback to stay competitive.
4. Key Defensive Stats
The Badgers have allowed just two pass plays of 40+ yards, the second-fewest in the Big Ten, tied with Ohio State. By contrast, Oregon has recorded 10 pass plays of 40+ yards this season, so limiting big plays will be crucial for Wisconsin.
5. Season Outlook
At 5-4 overall and 3-3 in the Big Ten, Wisconsin is fighting to stay relevant in the conference race. The Badgers have shown resilience, holding six opponents to under 150 passing yards this season—posting a 5-1 record in those games.
Game Details:
- Opponent: No. 1 Oregon
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024
- Time: 6:30 PM (CT)
- Location: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI
For more information, visit the [official game day page](#).
HOLDING THE LINE
The Badgers have allowed just nine sacks this season, ranking 11th nationally and marking their lowest sack total since 2014. Additionally, according to Pro Football Focus, Wisconsin’s offensive line has given up only 40 quarterback pressures in pass protection, the fewest in the nation.
IT BEARS REPEATING
For the first time in program history, Wisconsin will host three top-five teams at Camp Randall: No. 1 Oregon, No. 3 Penn State, and No. 4 Alabama. The Badgers, alongside Purdue, are the only FBS teams to face three top-five opponents so far this season.
Baggot: Five Things to Know – Badgers Host No. 1 Oregon
The Wisconsin Badgers are preparing for a challenging showdown with top-ranked Oregon on Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium. Here are five key things to watch for ahead of the 6:30 p.m. kickoff:
1. Bucky Seeks First Win Over No. 1 Since 2010
Wisconsin is aiming to secure its first victory over a No. 1-ranked team since 2010 when they defeated Ohio State. To do so, they’ll need a strong performance against the undefeated Ducks (9-0, 7-0).
2. A Defensive Legacy of Success
Wisconsin's pass defense has been outstanding this season, allowing just 158.9 yards per game, ranking second in the Big Ten and sixth in the nation. This marks a return to a level of defensive excellence last seen in 2006, when the Badgers limited opponents to just 138.3 passing yards per game.
The Badgers have kept six opponents under 150 passing yards, posting a 5-1 record in those games. But Oregon presents a significant challenge, as the Ducks rank 15th nationally in passing offense, averaging 287.7 yards per game.
3. Holding the Line – Offensive Line Dominance
Wisconsin's offensive line has been stellar this season, allowing only nine sacks, ranking 11th nationally, and their lowest total since 2014. Pro Football Focus highlights that the Badgers have surrendered just 40 quarterback pressures in pass protection, the fewest in the country. This strong offensive line will need to keep the Ducks' defense at bay for Wisconsin to have a chance.
4. Historic Schedule – Hosting Three Top-Five Teams
For the first time in program history, Wisconsin will host three top-five teams in a single season: No. 1 Oregon, No. 3 Penn State, and No. 4 Alabama. The Badgers and Purdue are the only FBS teams to face three top-five opponents so far this year.
5. Honoring Melvin Gordon’s Legendary Performance
Saturday’s game will commemorate the 10th anniversary of Melvin Gordon’s iconic 408-yard rushing performance against Nebraska in 2014, an FBS record at the time. Gordon, who scored four touchdowns and averaged 16.7 yards per carry, will be honored during the game. His remarkable performance remains one of the greatest individual achievements in Badger history.
Game Details:
- Opponent: No. 1 Oregon
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024
- Time: 6:30 PM (CT)
- Location: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI
Baggot: Five Things to Know – Badgers Host No. 1 Oregon
The Wisconsin Badgers are set to host top-ranked Oregon on Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium. Here are five key things to watch for ahead of the 6:30 p.m. kickoff:
1. Seeking First Victory Over No. 1 Since 2010
Wisconsin is looking for its first win over a No. 1-ranked team since 2010, when the Badgers defeated Ohio State at home. The Ducks (9-0, 7-0) will be a tough test, but Bucky is up for the challenge.
2. Strong Defensive Play Against the Pass
The Badgers’ pass defense has been outstanding in 2024, allowing just 158.9 yards per game, ranking second in the Big Ten and sixth in the nation. The last time Wisconsin’s pass defense was this effective was in 2006. So far, Wisconsin has held six opponents under 150 passing yards, going 5-1 in those games, with their only loss in such matchups coming against Iowa. However, Oregon boasts a high-powered passing attack that ranks 15th nationally at 287.7 yards per game, so this will be a true test.
3. Holding the Line – Offensive Line Dominance
Wisconsin’s offensive line has been a fortress this season, allowing only nine sacks—ranking 11th nationally—and marking the fewest sacks allowed since 2014. According to Pro Football Focus, the Badgers’ offensive line has surrendered just 40 quarterback pressures, the lowest in the country. Their solid play in the trenches will be key to keeping Oregon’s defense at bay.
4. Historic Schedule – Three Top-Five Teams
For the first time in program history, Wisconsin will host three top-five teams in one season: No. 1 Oregon, No. 3 Penn State, and No. 4 Alabama. The Badgers and Purdue are the only FBS teams to face three top-five opponents this season. This historic schedule underscores the competitive nature of Wisconsin’s 2024 campaign.
5. Honoring Melvin Gordon’s Legendary Performance
Saturday’s game marks the 10th anniversary of Melvin Gordon’s record-breaking performance against Nebraska in 2014, when he set an FBS record with 408 rushing yards. Gordon scored four touchdowns and averaged 16.7 yards per carry in what many consider the greatest individual performance in Badger history. Gordon, who sat out the fourth quarter, will be honored during the game for his remarkable achievement.
Additional Notes:
- Rare Territory
This will be the 20th time in school history that Wisconsin has faced the No. 1 team in the nation in a regular-season game (4-15 record). Notable victories include wins over Ohio State (1942, 2010), Northwestern (1962), and Michigan (1981).
- Experienced Offensive Line
Wisconsin’s starting offensive line has combined for 169 career games played and 148 career starts. The unit is one of just seven in the FBS to have the same set of starters in every game this season.
Game Details:
- Opponent: No. 1 Oregon
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024
- Time: 6:30 PM (CT)
- Location: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI
For more information, visit the [official game day page](#).
For more information, visit the [official game day page](#).
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