B10 West Power Ranking: It’s a Mess After Wisconsin
By Jeremy Karll
No. 1 – Wisconsin Badgers 5-2 (1-2)
Last Week: 1
The latest AP Poll punished Wisconsin for winning on the road. They’re still clearly the best team in the Big Ten West, though, even with two losses. The Badgers continue to rely on their tough defense and their offense does just enough to come away with a win.
That being said, Corey Clement continued his sub-par season with 134 yards and a fumble on 35 carries. He also had a touchdown, but 34 yards came off one run and Iowa had no problem stopping the senior running back. He’s averaging a mere 4.3 yards per carry in 2016 and Wisconsin needs more from him this week against Nebraska.
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Although, the quarterback controversy is back for Wisconsin. Bart Houston replaced Alex Hornibrook in the fourth quarter against Wisconsin, and the Badgers have an important decision to make heading into their game against Nebraska. Hornibrook didn’t play bad, completing 11-of-19 passes for 197 yards, but he never gave Wisconsin the spark they needed to pull away from Iowa.
Still, neither quarterback has been impressive this year, despite Wisconsin having three 20-plus reception receivers.
The Badgers’ defense also faces a dilemma. Linebacker Jack Cichy, Wisconsin’s leading receiver, has been lost for the season due to a torn pectoral muscle. They did get Vince Biegel back, but Cichy has been a vital part to the defense this year, and Wisconsin might also be without T.J. Watt.
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The Badgers need a couple of breaks to win the West, but they’ll still be favorites if they win against Nebraska this week. Wisconsin has a quarterback controversy and needs to replace their leading tackler, but as long as their offense does just enough they’ll be fine.