By Jake McCormick
I’ve seen so many horror/thriller movies that I’ve gotten into a mindset where the main character could be sitting in a living room writing a thesis paper on the Chi Square and I would fully expect a 2×4 to come flying through the window and make acquaintance with said character’s temple. Hell, I had that feeling the other night watching Milk for the first time. That’s how bad it’s gotten.
But we’ve all had a few moments where no matter what good you see, you are automatically assuming it is a mirage or outlier. If you’re a Wisconsin Badger fan, this is about as common as TNT playing a Tom Selleck movie or TBS running a 48-hour Tyler Perry marathon. But after a dominant win against Michigan State, where Scott Tolzien’s performance netted him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors and the defense held the normally high-powered Spartan offense to 17 points over 55 minutes, the Badgers look as ready as ever for the Big Ten season.
In the second quarter against Wofford, the Badgers scored 28 points, and committed zero penalties. Can the team find a way to harness that dominance over more than a quarter of play?
The Badgers scored in every quarter, ended each half with 14 points, and only committed one penalty for five yards each quarter. Statistically, the Badgers look like the most consistent offensive team in the Big Ten, ranking second in points, total yards, yards per game, rushing yards per game, and third down conversions. Minnesota’s defense has a fairly strong pass rush, but is in the middle of the pack in overall ability. The battle up front will be key to a Badger victory.
Coach Bielema laughed a little about students yelling “Tolzien for Heisman” heading down the locker room tunnel. Obviously that slogan is pretty farfetched, but what can Tolzien do in a high pressure game against a tough opponent?
Does Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week answer that question? Tolzien continues to improve each week and spread the wealth in a way that would make FOX News pundits foam at the mouth. He is arguably the best quarterback in the Big Ten right now, leading the league in QB rating (161.7) and yards per attempt (8.8), and is second in completion percentage (66.7). Let’s also give the offensive line some credit, as they have given up a league leading two sacks for -13 yards. Tolzien will face his first road test against Minnesota, who have only recorded two interceptions on the year and sit right in the middle of the Big Ten against the pass statistically.
Can the Badger running backs protect the ball and prevent turnovers?
John Clay has taken a first step into a larger world. He registered his first 30 carry game of his career, protected the ball all game, and pounded out 143 yards against a fairly good run defense. Greg Jones was barely a factor, and the Badger rushing attack will again face a good group of linebackers in Minnesota, all three of which rank in the top six for tackles in the conference.
I’ve altered the last question to focus on the defensive side of the ball: The defense leads the Big Ten in turnover margin and has at least three in each game this year. Is playmaking able to make up for giving up yardage?
Wisconsin’s defense is seventh in points against (23.8) and is similarly ranked in yards given up. But they are second in interceptions and tied for first in fumbles. Likewise, the Badgers are ranked third in tackles for loss and fifth in sacks. Michigan State tallied over 400 yards of offense, but yards don’t win games; points do.
Questions for this week’s matchup with another buck-toothed rodent:
How will the Badgers respond to their first big ten road game, especially in a new stadium that adds more hype to an already strong rivalry?
The Badgers held star Spartan receiver Blair White to one catch for nine yards. How will they deal with Minnesota stud Eric Decker, who is the focal point of the gopher offense?
Wisconsin has multiple weapons in its passing offense, and it seems like a different player leads the team in receiving each week. Can the Badgers utilize their offensive diversity to neutralize a good Gopher linebacking corps?
Was the 30 carries, 143 yards against the Spartans a breakout or fluke for John Clay? Can he continue that in a rivalry road game?