Wisconsin will host its third team ranked in the top 5 of the AP Poll this season when No. 1 Oregon comes to town Saturday night. As game time draws closer, here are a handful of key matchups to keep an eye on when the Badgers do battle with the Ducks.

When you play cornerback, not seeing that many targets tends to be a sign of respect. But for a player like Ricardo Hallman, who intercepted seven passes last season, the desire to make plays doesn't dissipate. Hallman has been targeted 18 times this season, which comprises the lowest percentage of targets-per-coverage snaps (8%) of Wisconsin corners who have seen double digit snaps in coverage this fall. Long story shot, teams aren't throwing Hallman's way.

That figures to change against the Ducks. Oregon likes to spread defenses out and stress secondaries with its bevy of talented receivers. Hallman — who hasn't seen more than four targets in a game this season — seems like a lock to top that number Saturday night.

"They're really good. They're as talented of a group as we'll see all season," Hallman said this week. "I really think we can go out there and stick with these guys...I'm very excited. You live for these matchups as a cornerback."

The preseason All-American cornerback should finally get a chance to prove he deserves that accolade against Oregon.

Pressure will be of the utmost importance for Wisconsin against the Ducks. One of the biggest reasons Oregon has rolled over opponent after opponent in recent weeks? The fact that in his past 264 drop-backs, quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been sacked twice, per Pro Football Focus. In turn, when the Ducks struggled early this season against Idaho and Boise State, their offensive line struggled as well, allowing seven sacks in three games.

"They've got a quarterback who can sling it, who's really good, good ball player. We've gotta get pressure on him, make him uncomfortable," Peterson told BadgerBlitz.com this week. "We gotta send pressure at him. He doesn't like people in his face, he doesn't like people in his personal space when he wants to throw the ball...We have to make sure he doesn't have space and time to throw to (his) playmakers."

Now, Oregon's right tackle Ajani Cornelius is singled out here for a reason. He's allowed the most pressures amongst the Ducks' offensive linemen with 15, and looks like their biggest liability in pass-protection. If the Badgers can generate pressure off the strong side, it should make Gabriel uncomfortable. That's a huge key to slowing down this prolific offense.

Oregon's lead tailback Jordan James has been stellar, tallying 946 yards and 10 touchdowns on a hearty 5.7 yards-per-carry. He's s decisive runner who shoots through holes and runs behind his pads. You could describe Wisconsin's sophomore inside linebacker Christian Alliegro the same way.

Alliegro plays middle linebacker like a running back. He shoots through gaps in the offensive line and then looks to lay the boom on a hapless ball-carrier. Though he's still not listed as a starter, he should be expected to play starter-level snaps after his 16-tackle performance against Iowa.

Given the aforementioned similar styles of both players here, James figures to quickly get a personal introduction to Alliegro, and the two should meet in the hole plenty Saturday night. Like two weeks ago in Iowa City proved, it'll take more than an excellent performance from Alliegro to slow James and Oregon's rushing attack down. Still, how well the linebacker plays the run will be critical.

Braedyn Locke has hit on a few deep shots this season, but that hasn't happened in the past three games. Where he's been his most consistent is on RPO timing routes over the middle, most of which go to slot receiver Will Pauling.

I'd expect the Badgers to work to get Trech Kekahuna more involved against the Ducks too, but whoever lines up in the slot, they'll have to face Oregon nickel corner Brandon Johnson.

Johnson, who transferred to Eugene from Duke this past offseason, has been a great addition to Oregon's secondary. He's physical; the corner is fourth on the team with 37 tackles, and not counting the Ohio State game where he got torched for 11 receptions, Johnson has been highly respectable in coverage as well.

If Wisconsin insists on rolling with Locke — not that it necessarily has a better option — it needs to lean into his strengths. Pauling had just two catches against Iowa; the Badgers need to get the ball into their play-makers' hands.

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