What Is 2019 Wisconsin Badgers football team

Overview

The 2019 Wisconsin Badgers football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as members of the Big Ten Conference, representing the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Led by head coach Paul Chryst in his fifth season, the team played its home games at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Badgers posted a strong regular season, highlighted by a balanced offensive attack and a dominant defense. They finished the year with a 10–4 overall record and a 7–2 mark in Big Ten play, earning a spot in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

• Final record: The team finished 10–4 overall and 7–2 in Big Ten games, marking one of the more successful seasons in recent program history.
• Bowl victory: On December 31, 2019, the Badgers defeated the Miami Hurricanes 35–14 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.
• Ranking peak: Wisconsin reached as high as #9 in the AP Poll during the season before slipping after a late loss to Ohio State.
• Defensive strength: The defense allowed just 13.7 points per game, ranking second nationally and anchoring the team’s success.
• Quarterback performance: Jack Coan started all 14 games, throwing for 2,727 yards and 18 touchdowns with only 6 interceptions.

Season Performance

The 2019 campaign showcased Wisconsin’s trademark physical style of play, both on offense and defense. The team leaned heavily on its rushing attack and stifling defense to compete in a tough Big Ten conference.

• Rushing dominance: Jonathan Taylor, a Heisman Trophy finalist, rushed for 2,003 yards and 21 touchdowns, becoming the first Big Ten player to rush for 2,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.
• Offensive line: The Badgers’ offensive line allowed only 14 sacks all season, one of the best protections in the country.
• Defensive stats: The defense recorded 33 total sacks and forced 20 turnovers, including 11 fumble recoveries.
• Special teams: Punter Anthony Lotti averaged 43.7 yards per punt, helping Wisconsin dominate field position.
• Home dominance: The Badgers went 7–0 at Camp Randall Stadium, continuing a long tradition of home-field advantage.
• Key win: A 38–17 victory over No. 13 Michigan on November 2 was a highlight, showcasing their national contention.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a statistical comparison of the 2019 Wisconsin Badgers against select peer teams in the Big Ten Conference.

Wisconsin’s defense was the second-best in the nation in points allowed per game, trailing only LSU. While their offense wasn’t as explosive as Ohio State or Penn State, their consistency and ball control made them a tough opponent. The team’s ability to limit scoring and win close games defined their season identity.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season reinforced Wisconsin’s reputation as a powerhouse in college football, particularly in developing elite running backs and defensive units. Their success contributed to long-term recruiting momentum and national recognition.

• Jonathan Taylor’s legacy: Taylor’s back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons elevated him to all-time Big Ten status and boosted his NFL draft stock.
• Defensive reputation: The unit’s performance solidified Wisconsin as a destination for defensive recruits.
• Bowl revenue: The Guaranteed Rate Bowl appearance generated over $3.5 million in payouts for the athletic department.
• NFL pipeline: Multiple players, including Taylor and Joe Huber, were drafted or signed as free agents after the season.
• Program stability: Consistent winning under Chryst demonstrated program continuity despite national coaching changes.
• Recruiting boost: The team’s success helped secure a top-25 recruiting class for 2020, maintaining competitive depth.

The 2019 Wisconsin Badgers exemplified the program’s core values—physicality, discipline, and resilience. Their season remains a benchmark for sustained excellence in the modern Big Ten era.