In football, like every sport, there are winners and losers. However, there is a time once per year when everyone is a winner. That time is college football’s spring ball, which the Wisconsin Badgers hosted Saturday at Camp Randall.
Unlike years past, coach Bielema had the Badgers’ first team offense (Cardinal) play against the first team defense (White), but it was the defense that got the best of the matchup on Saturday. The white beat the cardinal 29-27.
By: Justin Mertes-Mistretta
In spring ball, the defensive team (White in this case) is awarded seven points at the beginning of each half. While this certainly helped the White, it was a defensive battle on Saturday as no touchdowns were scored.
“We have a great defense,” running back Montee Ball said. “They practice against our play day in and day out.”
Defensive MVP: Defensive Lineman, David Gilbert (Junior)
Last season, Gilbert proved that he was not just a workout warrior after winning the Badger Power Award for weight room dedication in 2009. He played in 13 games and recorded a tackle against TCU in the Rose Bowl.
Saturday, Gilbert recorded six tackles, two of which went for a loss, and also recorded a sack. However, Gilbert has high personal expectations heading into next season.
“I always want more tackles, more sacks,” Gilbert said. “You’re not going to get me satisfied. We’re going to work on our pass rush as a unit on the defensive line, and personally, my own pass rush, as well.”
Offensive MVP: Running Back James White (Sophomore)
White only received eight carries in the game, but he made the most of them. He turned in 47 yards (5.9 avg) on the ground, including an explosive 22 yard burst.
Despite an impressive freshman year last season, White is hungry for even more success for next year.
“We’re very hungry,” White said. “We’re trying to do better than last year, maybe going to the Rose Bowl again, or the national championship. We’re just trying to get better each practice.”
All Eyes on… Quarterback Jon Budmayr (Sophomore)
With quarterback Curt Phillips suffering a torn ACL, it was probable starter Budmayr who was on everyone’s radar. The redshirt sophomore showed promise during his limited action last season, but was far from impressive Saturday.
“Well, I think, right away one that is going to jump out is to replace the starting quarterback,” Budmayr said. “The three guys that got the majority of the reps today aren’t anywhere where we need them to be for us to be a competitive team in the fall.”
Budmayr threw for 113 yards and one interception, completing less than half of his passes (10-for-23). Budmayr showcased his impressive arm strength on several pass attempts, but failed to connect on any of them. More concerning than his incompletions was his turnover, something that is a huge point of emphasis going forward.
“I think [taking advantage of opportunities and not turning the ball over in crucial situations] are the things I need to get better at, and crucial situation doesn’t just mean the end of the game,” Budmayr said. “It’s first down you can’t turn the ball over. Third down you need to keep the chains moving and keep our offense on the field.”
Spring games are hardly predictive of future success. However, it is a good measuring stick of where a team currently stands and what they need to improve.
“One thing I wanted to do was make it competitive, and I wanted to get a good work day today,” Bielema said. “I thought we worked. I thought we were playing pretty clean. There were a couple pass interference calls on some of the younger players, but from what we’ve felt has been able to make us have success, that happened today.”
Justin Mertes-Mistretta is a senior writer for TheSportsBank.net. Follow him on Twitter at MertesMist_tsb or read his blog here.