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Edwards Receives McKnight Trophy
Wisconsin inside linebacker T.J. Edwards earned the McKnight Trophy as the defensive MVP for the 81st Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic following the Badgers’ 24-16 victory over the Western Michigan Broncos.
With the momentum shifting toward Western Michigan in the fourth quarter, Edwards pulled in a game changing interception. The third pick of the sophomore’s career set up a touchdown drive by the Badgers to put the team ahead 24-10. Edwards recorded 10 total tackles including four solo along with the interception.
The Wisconsin defense held Western Michigan to below season averages in total yards, passing yards, rushing yards and per rush. Wisconsin handed Western Michigan its first loss of the season by restricting the Broncos to a season-low 16 points.
Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst talked about how Edwards’ interception kept the Badgers on track in the game.
“They came up with a number of big plays,” Chryst said. “We got the ball out, but we didn't get any take-aways other than T.J.'s [Edwards] pick and Western [Michigan] has done a nice job. But the guys competed.”
Edwards led the Badger defense with 79 total tackles, brought down three sacks and forced two pass break ups this season.
“Just like you said, I think it kind of left a bad taste in our mouth after the Big Ten championship game,” Edwards said. “It's not that we were sad or anything like that. We just wanted to get back out there and prove ourselves again. And I think our prep throughout the whole week was good, and it was just time to prove ourselves. And I'm glad we could do that.”
