Conference: Big Ten
Coach Stats
Why should this nominee be considered for the Broyles Award?
Coach Leonhard has consistently produced one of the nation’s elite defenses in five seasons as defensive coordinator at his alma mater, and this year’s unit might be his best yet. The Badgers rank in the top two in the FBS in every major defensive category: No. 1 in total defense (211.4 ypg), No. 2 in scoring defense (14.6 ppg), No. 1 in rushing defense (55.7 ypg) and No. 2 in passing defense (155.7 ypg). That performance has powered a six-game win streak and driven the Badgers to the top of the Big Ten West Division standings.
Coach's Past Performance
“Coach Leonhard joined the Wisconsin coaching staff in 2016 and, over those six seasons, the Badgers rank No. 1 in the FBS in total defense (286.7 ypg) and No. 3 in the FBS in scoring defense (16.8 ppg), rushing defense (103.5 ypg) and passing defense (183.2 ypg). During Leonhard’s time on staff — one season as defensive backs coach and five seasons as defensive coordinator in addition to coaching the DBs — the Badgers have secured 136 takeaways, tied for fourth-most in the FBS during that span. He has helped lead Wisconsin to five consecutive bowl games — including three New Year’s Six bowls — with a 4-1 record in those games, as well as three Big Ten West Division titles. UW’s defense has produced three first-team All-Americans and 11 NFL draft picks under Leonhard’s watch.”
Team Record and Standings
7-3 overall, 5-2 Big Ten (1st, West Division) Current 6-game win streak (defense allowing 7.3 points and 194.5 total yards per game during the streak)
Team/Unit Stats
Total
Defense: 211.4 yards per game (#1 FBS)Scoring Defense:
14.6 points per game (#2 FBS)Rushing
Defense: 55.7 ypg (#1 FBS)Passing
Defense: 155.7 ypg (#2 FBS)Pass Efficiency
Defense: 100.7 (#2 FBS)Opponent 3rd
Down Pct.: 23.9% (#1 FBS)Opponent
First Downs: 11.7/game (#1 FBS)Opponent
Plays of 10+ Yards: 66 (#1 FBS)Turnovers
Forced: 20 (T-#11 FBS) In 10 games
this season: Held 4
opponents without an offensive TD• Held 2
opponents under 100 total yards• Held 7
opponents under 100 rushing yards• 4 games with 10-plus TFLs
Individual Player Stats
ILB Leo Chenal: 81 tackles, 14.0 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 QB hurriesILB Jack Sanborn: 74 tackles, 13.0 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, 2 QB hurriesOLB Nick Herbig: 42 tackles, 11.0 TFLs, 7.0 sacks, 4 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, OLB Noah Burks: 32 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 4 QB hurries, 1 INTDE Matt Henningsen: 23 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 3.0 sacksCB Caesar Williams: 22 tackles, 3 INT (1 for TD), 5 pass breakupsCB Faion Hicks: 22 tackles, 9 pass breakupsS Scott Nelson: 47 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 5 pass breakupsS Collin Wilder: 29 tackles, 1.0 TFL, 1 INT, 3 pass breakupsS John Torchio: 21 tackles, 2.0 TFLs, 0.5 sack, 2 INT
