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Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor Looks to Bounce Back vs. Ohio State

Ohio State defense prepares for its toughest challenge

Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor is one of the best running backs in the country, and he’s looking to prove it against his biggest test yet: the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Badgers' junior running back has over 950 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season, but Taylor has had two subpar games the last two weeks. 

After scoring five times in the Badgers’ win over Kent State, Taylor was held in check for 80 yards against Michigan State, although he scored twice in the shutout win over the Spartans, 38-0. 

Saturday against Illinois, Taylor carried the ball just once on a possession that began first-and-goal at the 3-yard line in the fourth quarter. The Badgers settled for a field goal, but ended up with their first loss of the season.

Taylor is looking to get back on track, but will face a Buckeyes defense that ranks second in scoring and ninth against the run. 

OSU knows that Taylor and the Badgers will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat.

“We know how good they are on both sides of the ball, all three phases,” Buckeye coach Ryan Day said. “Last week is what it is. This is college football. You have to bring it every week.”

With a good game against a stout Buckeye defense, Taylor could re-emerge as a Heisman Trophy contender. 

He entered this season as the most talked-about back in college football, and is projected as a first-round draft pick in next year’s NFL draft. 

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