The Tennessee Volunteers (6-2 SEC, 9-4 overall) allow 162.5 yards rushing on defense per game. The Badger (5-3 Big Ten, 9-3 overall) offense averages 201 yards per game on the ground. Historically, UW is at its best when it has a solid rushing attack. Advantage, Wisconsin.
However, the Badgers will head to Tampa to take on Tennessee, possibly without the services of sophomore running back P.J. Hill. The reigning national freshman of the year suffered a deep thigh bruise that has kept him sidelined, except for a couple snaps, since UW defeated Indiana Oct. 27.
Wisconsin running game vs. Tennessee linebackers
Freshman Zach Brown and sophomore Lance Smith, whose suspension has been completed and can now travel with the team, will attempt to make up for any void left.
Running the ball might be the biggest advantage for the Badgers as Tennessee ranks in the bottom half in the nation with rush defense per game.
By facing difficult, physical rush defenses over the course of the year when they played the likes of Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan, UW has become accustomed to pounding the ball throughout the game. Those experiences will be key to exploiting Tennessee's weaker rush defense.
Brown will likely get the start following his career day where he rushed for 250 yards against rival Minnesota, but this will be a match up to focus on as the SEC's leading tackler Jared Mayo, also first team All-SEC selection, and linebacker Rico McCoy will most likely be involved in many tackles.
Wisconsin receivers vs. Tennessee secondary
On the receiving end for UW, Travis Beckum will be, as usual, the focal point. The junior, recently named a Walter Camp First Team All-American, is on the cusp of breaking some very prestigious UW records in receiving yards and receptions.
Tennessee freshman defensive back Eric Berry leads the Volunteers in interceptions with five, and hopes to make a difference against the Badgers and in particular Beckum, when he plays in his first bowl game.
Tyler Donovan, making his first ever bowl start, will be key for the Badgers. The senior quarterback will need to play as good a game as he has all year and limit mistakes if the Badgers hope to win their third consecutive New Year's Day bowl.
Tennessee gives up 245 passing yards per game; therefore, by playing a clean game, Donovan could potentially have a great bowl performance to cap off his collegiate career.
As a defense, Tennessee has intercepted 15 passes this season, taking three of those back for scores. Senior wide receiver Paul Hubbard and freshman Kyle Jefferson will need to step up to take some of the pressure off Beckum. If that were to occur, UW would have a great chance to move the ball on Tennessee and expose their defense that allows 28 points per game and a great chance to come out victorious.
