After being upset by BYU, Wisconsin looks to rebound with a strong showing against Iowa this Saturday. One of the keys for Wisconsin this week will be putting the ball in the air.
Wisconsin’s offense had high expectations coming into the 2018 season, not only because of their star running back — sophomore Jonathan Taylor — but also their talented receiving corps. However Wisconsin started the season without two of its top three receivers: junior Quintez Cephus, who was suspended indefinitely after being charged with two counts of sexual assault, and sophomore Danny Davis, who was suspended for his involvement in the incident, according to the police report. As a result, junior receiver A.J. Taylor has had to take over as the lead man for the start of the season. With Taylor impressing so far this season, Wisconsin is looking for another receiver to step up and help out junior quarterback Alex Hornibrook.
Danny Davis is the guy.
After sitting out the first two games, Davis failed to live up to his expectations in his 2018 debut, catching just four passes for 40 yards with a pair of drops.
This week, the Badgers will need to target Davis frequently and get him more involved in the offense, as he played an important role in Wisconsin’s win over Iowa last year. Facing off against star Iowa cornerback Josh Jackson — who was taken in the second round of the NFL draft this spring — Davis showed out, catching four passes for 74 yards.
This year, Iowa’s defensive line is stacked. The Hawkeyes rank third in the country in sacks, with 12 in three games. Iowa’s defensive plan will start with slowing down Heisman candidate Jonathan Taylor and forcing Hornibrook to throw the ball. With Josh Jackson out of the picture, the Badgers will need to take advantage of Iowa’s inexperienced secondary by targeting Davis deep and on the outside to stretch the field vertically and horizontally.
At 6’0” and 196 pounds, Davis has the ability to speed past Iowa’s defense as he looks to get over the top for a deep ball, along with the strength to gain extra yards after the catch. Davis proved to be among the top receivers in the Big Ten last year, and a nationally televised matchup against a division rival gives him a chance to shine as he gets back into his rhythm.
