Notre Dame football: Wisconsin matchup in 2021 could be a dogfight
![MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 28: Jack Coan #17 of the Wisconsin Badgers drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Camp Randall Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 28: Jack Coan #17 of the Wisconsin Badgers drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Camp Randall Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/04aff1415a7b11568381acb8722f3f555485547597422b3956d1b90b95a28c05.jpg)
Notre Dame football: Wisconsin matchup in 2021 could be a dogfight
Wisconsin’s Defense
As usual, Wisconsin’s strength on defense is going to be at the linebacker position. Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal make up a team that harasses the opposing run game and spends a lot of time in opposing backfields. This can be an issue for teams trying to figure out what to do on the offensive line going into the season.
They’re not alone, though, as Noah Burks and Nick Herbig provide potential on the edge.
A great linebacking corps is always made better by a defensive line that takes up double teams and energy. That’s the role that Keeanu Benton will fill on the inside, where the 314lb nose tackle should swallow up any attempts to run the ball down the middle.
Meanwhile, the secondary won’t be great, but it should be more than respectable. Scott Nelson is the type of player that you’re looking for in a safety, as he plays like a centerfielder who can be trusted not to miss tackles. There is also experience in the secondary, as Caesar Williams and Faion Hicks are solid pieces that can shut down most average receiving threats.