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Taylor could be in for big day for No. 6 Badgers vs. BYU
BYU (1-1) at No. 6 Wisconsin (2-0), 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Line: Wisconsin by 21.
Series record: Wisconsin leads 2-1.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
BYU managed just 94 yards and four first downs in the second half last week in a home loss to California, erasing the promise of an offensive turnaround seen in the season-opening win at Arizona. Now the Cougars have to face a Wisconsin defense that has played well in the red zone and allowed just 8.5 points per game. The Badgers have their last nonconference tuneup before opening Big Ten play next week at Iowa, so getting off to smoother starts on offense and staying healthy might be the top priorities.
KEY MATCHUP
BYU defense vs. Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor. The Badgers' tailback is so good that his rare mistakes stand out. The star sophomore is determined to take better care of the football after fumbling in each of his first two games. Cougars DB Dayan Ghanwoloku recovered two fumbles last week against California, returning one for a touchdown. They'll need to force more mistakes for a chance to stay in the game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
BYU: QB Tanner Mangum. The senior missed last year's meeting with Wisconsin, a 40-6 loss in Provo. Mangum must avoid turnovers like the two fourth-quarter interceptions he threw last week against California.
Wisconsin: Taylor. The nation's leading rusher (199 yards per game), Taylor could be in for another big day against a defense giving up 156 yards a game on the ground.
FACTS & FIGURES
BYU looking for third win over Big Ten team on road in past four seasons, having beaten Nebraska in 2015 and Michigan State following year. ... Cougars defense has allowed just two plays of more than 20 yards over first two games. ... Both head coaches - BYU's Kalani Sitake and Wisconsin's Paul Chryst - are working at their alma maters. ... Badgers WR A.J. Taylor is coming off career-high 134 yards and touchdown on five catches against New Mexico. ... Wisconsin has 41 straight nonconference home wins, longest active streak in FBS.
