Keeanu Benton
FILE - Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard watches during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in Madison, Wisc., Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. Wisconsin has produced defenses that have ranked among the nation’s stingiest virtually every year since Jim Leonhard took over as coordinator in 2017. Leonhard faces perhaps his biggest challenge in maintaining that standard this year. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
Wisconsin defense faces major challenge in bid to stay elite

By Steve Megargee Apr. 22, 2022 11:27 AM EDT

Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz (5) throws a pass as Nebraska linebacker Damian Jackson (38) closes in during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Gophers lean on leader Morgan as surging Badgers, Axe arrive

By Dave Campbell Nov. 26, 2021 10:11 AM EST

Wisconsin safety Collin Wilder (18) celebrates after intercepting a Nebraska pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Grit helped No. 18 Wisconsin bounce back from slow start

By Steve Megargee Nov. 24, 2021 05:37 PM EST

Mouthguards are displayed in Charlottesville, Va., Aug. 17, 2021. The mouthguards that some college football players are wearing this season have a dual purpose. Not only does the equipment provide the obvious protection for teeth and jaws, it also includes sensors collecting data to help research the best way to prevent serious head injuries. Ten NFL teams already had been using these sensors for the last few years. (Ryan M. Kelly/AP Images for NFL)
Mouthguard sensors help provide research on player safety

By Steve Megargee Nov. 23, 2021 12:01 PM EST

FILE - Illinois running back Joshua McCray sticks the ball over the goal line to avoid a safety as Wisconsin defensive end Matt Henningsen (92) and Collin Wilder (18) make the tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Champaign, Ill. Across the country, college football teams once again are discovering that establishing a rushing attack is even tougher than it was the year before.(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
What's the rush? Teams struggle to establish ground attacks

By Steve Megargee Nov. 11, 2021 03:11 PM EST

Wisconsin's Leo Chenal hits Army's Tyhier Tyler as he pitches the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Aggressive approach paying off for Wisconsin LB Leo Chenal

By Steve Megargee Oct. 20, 2021 03:34 PM EDT

Wisconsin's Leo Chenal hits Army's Tyhier Tyler for a loss during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Chenal's big game helps Wisconsin outlast Army 20-14

By Steve Megargee Oct. 16, 2021 11:26 PM EDT

Wisconsin's Chez Mellusi celebrates his touchdown run during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Penn State Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Madison, Wis. Penn State won 16-10. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
No. 12 Irish face No. 18 Wisconsin with OL work in progress

By Ralph D. Russo Sep. 23, 2021 01:30 PM EDT

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