Chris Orr
FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2017, file photo, Wisconsin's Isaiahh Loudermilk (97) and Leon Jacobs celebrate after a sack of Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin traditionally wins games primarily because of its running game and defense. Now that Jonathan Taylor has moved on to the NFL, that would seem to put more pressure on the defense to carry the load as the Badgers’ offense adjusts to life without the two-time Doak Walker Award winner. The defense looks forward to that challenge. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
Wisconsin's veteran defense ready for bigger responsibility

By Steve Megargee Oct. 19, 2020 05:10 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2019, file photo, Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst gestures during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin will head into spring practice with plenty of questions as the Badgers attempt to replace their top playmakers from a team that reached the Rose Bowl last season. (AP Photo/Andy Manis, File)
Chryst stays patient as Badgers prepare for spring practice

By Steve Megargee Mar. 09, 2020 03:25 PM EDT

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields throws a pass against Clemson during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
AP Top 25 Reality Check: A familiar top 10 looking to 2020

By Ralph D. Russo Jan. 14, 2020 02:22 PM EST

FILE - In this Nov. 23, 2019, file photo, Iowa place kicker Keith Duncan (3) celebrates with teammate Colten Rastetter after kicking a 45-yard field goal during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, in Iowa City, Iowa. Duncan was selected to The Associated Press All-Big Ten Conference team, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Ohio State leads the pack in AP All-Big Ten top honors

By Eric Olson Dec. 11, 2019 12:06 PM EST

FILE - In this Nov. 23, 2019, file photo, Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins, right, cuts up field against Penn State defensive back Lamont Wade during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Columbus, Ohio. Championship weekend crowns the winner of 10 FBS conferences and matches up some big-time players. Wisconin and Ohio State will meet for the Big Ten Championship. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)
All-America Watch: Championship weekend’s best matchups

By Ralph D. Russo Dec. 03, 2019 04:30 PM EST

Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun (56) holds out Paul Bunyan's Axe for fans to touch after Wisconsin beat Minnesota 38-17 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
No. 10 Wisconsin used bye to rally to Big 10 title game

By Keith Jenkins Dec. 02, 2019 08:13 PM EST

Wisconsin running back Bradrick Shaw (7) holds Paul Bunyan's Axe in celebration after Wisconsin defeated Minnesota 38-17 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Badgers get Axe back, blame Minnesota for too many displays

By Dave Campbell Nov. 30, 2019 09:52 PM EST

Minnesota wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell (7) is tackled by Wisconsin cornerback Semar Melvin (20) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Badgers take back Axe in snowy 38-17 win vs. Gophers

By Dave Campbell Nov. 30, 2019 07:18 PM EST

Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor runs during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
As Gophers aim for title game, Badgers seek to take back Axe

By Dave Campbell Nov. 29, 2019 10:21 AM EST

Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor (23) runs with the ball away from Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
No. 14 Wisconsin seeks 14th straight victory over Purdue

By Keith Jenkins Nov. 22, 2019 12:29 PM EST

Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst watches during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)
No. 13 Wisconsin looks for redemption against No. 3 Buckeyes

By Mitch Stacy Oct. 25, 2019 11:45 AM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2019, file photo, Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor runs against Michigan during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Madison, Wis. Taylor was selected to the AP Midseason All-America NCAA college football team, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Andy Manis, File)
No. 13 Wisconsin will try to rebound against No. 3 Ohio St

By The Associated Press Oct. 24, 2019 02:04 PM EDT

Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun (56) returns an interception for a touchdown against Michigan State wide receiver C.J. Hayes (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 38-0. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
No. 6 Wisconsin hits the road against underdog Illinois

By Terry Towery Oct. 18, 2019 11:21 AM EDT

Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck, left, talks with wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell (7) after a defensive pass interference call on Illinois in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Ohio State, Wisconsin take top midseason awards in Big Ten

By Eric Olson Oct. 17, 2019 03:42 PM EDT

Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor celebrates a touchdown against Michigan State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 38-0. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
No. 8 Badgers post 4th shutout in 38-0 win over Spartans

By Keith Jenkins Oct. 12, 2019 07:43 PM EDT

Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke drops back to pass against Ohio State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Spartans' re-tooled offense to face No. 8 Badgers' No. 1 D

By Keith Jenkins Oct. 11, 2019 03:00 AM EDT

Michigan linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) sacks Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. Michigan won 10-3. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
STAT WATCH: Penn State, Wisconsin lead Big Ten sack attack

By Eric Olson Oct. 07, 2019 02:47 AM EDT

LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) passes under pressure from Utah State defensive end Tipa Galeai (10) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
No. 10 Florida beats No. 7 Auburn 24-13 at Swamp

By The Associated Press Oct. 05, 2019 05:16 PM EDT

Wisconsin linebacker Noah Burks sacks Kent State quarterback Dustin Crum during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Taylor scores 5 TDs to lead No. 8 Wisconsin past Kent State

By Keith Jenkins Oct. 05, 2019 03:35 PM EDT

Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan (17) looks to pass against against Northwestern during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Former Badger Lewis leads Kent State against No. 8 Wisconsin

By Keith Jenkins Oct. 04, 2019 03:00 AM EDT