Illinois Football: Breakdown of the 2020 Wisconsin Badgers defense

Defensive Back

The strongest part of Wisconsin’s defense heading into the first game on Friday is their secondary. This is where Illinois will struggle the most.

Wisconsin’s cornerbacks are experienced and put up solid numbers in 2019. Junior Rachad Wildgoose anchors the cornerback position as he has played in 23 games during his career and finished last season with 22 tackles, 1 interception and 7 pass deflections.

Alongside Wildgoose in the secondary should be Faion Hicks. The 5-foot-10 Florida native has played in 26 games and started 23 of those contests at cornerback. He finished last season with 32 tackles and 1 pass deflection. The combination of Wildgoose and Hicks should be strong.

Depth at cornerback is impressive as well. Caesar Williams is one of the backups for Wisconsin. He had a 2019 campaign that featured 35 tackles, 1 interception and 9 pass deflections. Donte Burton is back there for the Badgers too. He had 5 tackles and 1 pass deflection as a sophomore.

You can then look at what Wisconsin will put out on the field at safety. Eric Burrell is going to lead the way as the main ball-hawk for the Badgers. He had 55 tackles, 3 interceptions and 6 pass deflections in 2019.

I see Scott Nelson working alongside Burrell as a starting safety for Wisconsin. The 6-foot-2 Michigan native missed last season due to injury but started in eight games in 2018. He has the most starting experience.

Collin Wilder should be the primary backup to both of these talented safeties this year with Titus Toler being fed time as the season goes on. Toler is a redshirt freshman who doesn’t have experience yet.

Overall, the defensive backs are solid for Wisconsin. There is a lot of experience starting for this program. Look for Illinois’ offense to potentially struggle more through the air than on the ground.