Jonathan Taylor went back to basics after losing two fumbles in UW's first two games
MADISON – Jonathan Taylor went back to class after Wisconsin’s second game this season.
After losing two fumbles in his first 29 carries, the sophomore tailback was given a refresher in ball security from running backs coach John Settle.
The overarching message:
High and tight.
High and tight.
High and tight.
“One thing he says is that it starts in practice,” Taylor said. “If it happens in a game you’ve got to flush it and focus on the game.
“During practice he asks: ‘What are you going to do about it? How much pride are you going to have to make sure no one gets the ball from you?’ ”
As No. 16 UW (2-1) prepares to visit Iowa (3-0) in the teams’ Big Ten opener Saturday, Taylor has carried 48 consecutive times without fumbling.
After fumbling on his 11th carry against New Mexico in Week 2, he finished by rushing 22 times for 203 yards. He carried 26 times for 117 yards last week in the loss to BYU.
“It is having that mindset that every single rep you are conscious of it,” Taylor said. “Even though you’re trying to read the defense, see what is going on, you’ve still got to be conscious of what you’re doing with the ball.
“You have to remind yourself before every play.”
Taylor rushed 29 times for 157 yards, an average of 5.4 yards, in UW’s 38-14 victory over Iowa last season. He did lose one fumble.
“The safeties came down quick and their linebacker corps was fast,” Taylor said. “They were really good.”
RELATED: UW receiver Danny Davis expected to improve in his second game
The Hawkeyes have recovered three fumbles through three games, tied for the No. 1 mark in the Big Ten.
“We just played an outstanding running back two weeks ago,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said, referring to Iowa State’s David Montgomery. “I mentioned he might be the best in the country. If he's not, it might be the one we’re playing this week.”
Iowa limited Montgomery, who rushed for 1,146 yards last season, to 44 yards on 17 carries en route to a 13-3 victory.
“This guy is just a tremendous football player, too,” Ferentz said of Taylor. “They’re not the same exact runner, but I can’t imagine many guys in the country better than either of these guys.
“We witnessed this, how good Taylor was firsthand last year. He is really a great player.”
Fumbles have been the only blemish on Taylor’s college résumé.
“Just like everything you do, it happens in your preparation,” UW offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph said. “I know Settle will switch up some things and work some things and make some different points of emphasis to help him to continue to grow.
“But when he is out there, we want him to play. The last thing we want to do is press about something you did the last series or the last play. You’ve got to move forward.
“Obviously, we want to minimize the negatives in every way. But you’ve got to trust in how you prepare and then you’ve got to let it go and play.
“That is where it comes back to your prep.”
That lesson was revisited after the first two games this season.
“It is easy to lapse, especially when you’re in traffic and you’re making quick decisions,” Taylor said. “This game is about quick decisions.
“That’s why it is imperative right before the play that you remind yourself about ball security. Keep the ball high and tight and do it throughout the entire play.”