Wisconsin’s defense is in a lot better shape heading into bowl season thanks to the return of safety Michael Caputo, who is expected to play in the Capital One against South Carolina after missing the regular-season finale against Penn State due to a head injury.
Caputo was hurt near the end of the Badgers’ 51-3 win over Indiana on Nov. 16 and then he muddled his way through the Minnesota game the week after before sitting out the loss to the Nittany Lions due to post-concussion symptoms. His absence was felt against Penn State as freshman Christian Hackenberg threw for 339 yards against Wisconsin.
The sophomore is wearing a green non-contact jersey during bowl practices but he should be ready to go for the game. He is second on the team in tackles with 62. He also has three tackles for loss and three pass break ups.
The Badgers and the Gamecocks play on Jan. 1.