Western Michigan will test their undefeated record against Wisconsin in the 2016 Cotton Bowl.
Western Michigan Broncos
The Broncos are one of the two undefeated teams left in the FBS, along with Alabama. They have beaten five bowl eligible teams: Northwestern, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Toledo and Ohio.
Zach Terrell has been one of the best quarterbacks in college football this season. He has completed 71% of his passes for 3,376 yards. Terrell has 32 touchdown passes and only three interceptions. If Terrell can protect the football like he has been all season, the Broncos have a shot.
Wide receiver Corey Davis is one of the best in the country and has the stats to prove it. He has accumulated 1,427 receiving yards and 18 receiving touchdowns. Any corner in the country will have a tough time covering him, so Wisconsin will have their hands full.
Jarvion Franklin has been the workhorse running back for Western Michigan. With 1,300 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, he helps keep the offense balanced.
The rush defense has been solid, allowing just 151 yards per game. The Bronco pass defense has been good too, allowing just 201 passing yards per contest.
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin finished the season at 10-3 after a loss in the Big Ten Championship Game to Penn State. Their other two losses were to Ohio State and Michigan. They too have wins over five bowl eligible teams: Minnesota, Northwestern, Nebraska, Iowa and LSU.
Alex Hornibrook and Bart Houston have both played quarterback for the Badgers. Hornibrook is the starter and future for the Badgers. He has 1,243 passing yards and eight touchdowns on the season, but completes a low number of passes at 58%. Houston has completed 66% of passes, mostly in relief. He has 1,086 passing yards and five touchdowns. Both will likely play in this game.
Jazz Peavy has been the most productive target for the quarterbacks. He has 635 yards and five touchdowns. His yards per catch average is only 14.8, but he is a deep threat for the Badgers.
Running back Corey Clement was injured last season, but has come back with a vengeance this season. He has rushed for 1,304 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season.
The Badgers have the second best rush defense in the country allowing 97 yards per game. The pass defense is also solid allowing 206 yards per game.
T.J. Watt has been playing a lot like his older brother J.J., with 8.5 sacks this season. Leo Musso and D’Cota Dixon both help force turnovers with five and four interceptions, respectively.
Prediction
Wisconsin’s defense will shut down Western Michigan’s offense. Clement will be the player of the game when it is all said and done.
Wisconsin Badgers 31 Western Michigan Broncos 17
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