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

Leo Chenal, Sophomore Line Backer

A defense that plays against a rhythm, tempo offense wants to disrupt timing. The best way to accomplish this is to mix and disguise coverage and get to the quarterback without blitzing. Also, a defense wants to shut down one aspect of their opponent’s offense. Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal can help with that.

Chenal is an every-down linebacker who can play sideline to sideline as well as pressure the quarterback. Though the Badgers played just six games this season, Chenal recorded three sacks. Chenal is Wisconsin’s best box defender and can get after the quarterback and shut down the running game.

This is a strength on strength game—Wisconsin’s defense versus Wake Forest’s offense. For the Demon Deacons, they have to block Chenal. If he can run wild all over the field, the sophomore will wreak havoc all over the field for the Badgers, and that is trouble for Wake. If the Badgers hope to win this game, they must keep the game close.

That means Chenal making lots of plays defensively.  If Chenal can pressure Hartman and get the Deacons off of the field on third down, the Badgers have a chance to win this game.