When the Badgers played a tight game against Purdue just a few weeks ago, the biggest play of the game wasn’t a Jonathan Taylor touchdown or a Troy Fumagalli catch, but rather, an interception inside the Badgers’ 20-yard line which helped ice the game and keep Wisconsin’s unbeaten season alive. That play was made by senior linebacker Leon Jacobs, who has had a breakout year that has gone unseen by many.
With young quarterback, and Menomonie native, Nate Stanley playing at the top of his game, including last week’s drubbing of Ohio State in which he threw five touchdowns, it will be vital for the Badger defense to interrupt his rhythm early and often. This begins in the trenches and starts with Jacobs. Despite having limited playing time in his first three seasons with the Badgers, the senior linebacker has blossomed into one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten. With 33 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception on the year, Jacobs has been a tough match for opposing offenses all season long. What makes Jacobs such a tough matchup is the versatility he brings to the game. He has shown he can play extremely well against the run, where he always seems to be involved in any given play, but his game against the pass must also be respected. Whether it's beating opposing tackles coming off the edge or covering as well as any corner, Jacobs is an all-around great player. This weekend against a stingy Iowa team, it will be extremely important for Jacobs to continue his strong all-around play and get after Stanley often, as to not allow him to sit in the pocket and dissect the strong but crippled Badger secondary.
