Duke’s Mayo Bowl: 3 Players to Watch for Wisconsin vs Wake Forest

Jalen Berger- Fr. Running Back

The Wisconsin offense seemed to have a new look with Graham Mertz at quarterback. The Badgers scored 94 points in their first two games. After their blowout victory against Michigan, it was announced that Mertz tested positive for COVID-19. The Badgers scored just 13 points the next two games and 20 over the next three.

Even when Mertz returned to the lineup, the Badgers were not the same offense. In this game, if the Badgers want any chance to win, they need to play good defense and run the Wisconsin way. If they are to run the football successfully, Jalen Berger needs to get the ball early and often.

Wisconsin employed a running back by committee for most of this season and with Berger being the most dynamic runner. Nakia Watson is the pounder, and Garrett Groshek their all-purpose back. The Badgers do not have many game-breaking playmakers on offense. Berger, their leading rusher,  is their most talented skill player.

Berger is the only player on the team with the ability to score from nearly anywhere on the field. Expect the Badgers to try to win this game ugly, which should involve 20-25 carries from their talented freshman from Jersey.