Some hint of redemption or abject failure. Those are the Badgers' options.
Sure, they played a strong Ohio State close, but that wasn't the story among the Badger faithful. Nope. It was how the Badgers let another one get away. And let's be clear: we did. Just like the week before at Michigan.
So here comes Penn State. Always a stout defense. This year's spread offense is going gangbusters and has the Nits at 6-0 and #6 in the country. And this is the team that embarrassed the Badgers last year in Happy Valley, 38-7. UW is looking at an 0-3 start in league play. Ouch.
On the other hand, Wisconsin played Ohio State very close last week under the lights at Camp Randall. This team doesn't suck. So what's it going to be?
When Penn State's offense takes the field, the Badgers will see another first-year starter dual threat quarterback running the spread. Darryl Clark isn't the freak of nature that Pryor is, but nor is he a true freshman. In addition to being a good decision maker, he's got nine TD passes to only 1 INT; he's efficient. Joining him in the backfield, Evan Royster is having a solid year, averaging an astonishing 7.8 yards per carry. It's not rocket science: the Penn State offensive line is seasoned and solid. They make their presence felt. The Badger front 7, though solid and quick, will have their hands full, and better get their calls in on time. Newkirk, Shaughnessy, Chapman, Levy and Casillas will all have to have career days to contain the Penn State running game.
In addition, Deon Butler and Derrick Williams are both dangerous receivers who stretch the field and can make a big play anytime they touch the ball. Unlike last week's servicable receivers, these receivers are very dangerous. Although Allen Langford has been playing better than ever at corner, likely the Badgers best chance in the backfield is to get very physical with Williams and Butler, with Jay Valai leading the hit parade. As two sidelined Buckeyes will tell you, Valai packs a punch for a little guy. But is it enough?
When the Badgers have the ball, the battle royale will be in the trenches. Penn State doesn't like to use its linebackers on blitzes -- because they don't have to. Their front four are beastly. Of course, they are going against the best part of the Badger offense, the line, who are athletic, experienced; probably the best Badger line in at least four years. John Clay is working his way into more carries, which bodes well for the Badgers running attack, as he's proven to be the biggest threat carrying the ball. The Penn State linebackers are always good, but lack the star power they usually have. The Badgers should be able to establish the run, but won't get more than 150-175 yards on the ground.
Fundamentally, the Badgers have to pass better to have a chance. It will help to have our best "traditional" tight-end, Garrett Graham, back in the lineup for the first time since breaking his foot against Fresno State. He's a real asset in Chryst's offense which relies heavily on tight ends (and H-backs, a la Travis Beckum). But Beckum and Graham can't carry the passing game by themselves. Gilreath, Moore, Jefferson, and Toon need to catch the balls that find them, and Evridge needs to get them there. These are recurring problems, and it's hard to believe they will be cured this week against a talented Nit defense, with Scirrotto roaming back there to defend passes and land big hits.
Special teams are more or less a draw. Gilreath is a dangerous returner who could spell trouble for the Penn State kick0ff coverage, which has been subpar. On the other hand, Williams has gone the distance on two kickoffs for Penn State. Both teams have good punters, but Penn State's Kevin Kelly has been excellent kicking, whereas Welch has been good, but not great, on field goals for Wisconsin.
Although Penn State is unbeaten and #6 in the polls, I'm not entirely convinced they are the juggernaut they are made out to be. They had an excellent win over Illinois, but it wasn't a blowout and Illinois's defense isn't much to write home about. They only scored 20 against Purdue, and folks, Purdue's defense has nothing on the Badgers. In truth, this is the first solid defense Penn State will face. The Badgers are a little better under the lights at Camp Randall, and these teams are both Jekyll and Hyde at home versus on the road. The Badgers are much better at home, and the Nits are much worse on the road. So, the Badgers have a chance.
In a hard fought game, the Badger D will keep Penn State in better check than anyone has so far, and a couple of turnovers will keep Wisconsin in it. It won't be enough. Miscues on offense will continue to haunt what could have been a great Wisconsin team, and Penn State's playmaking wide receivers will be the difference. 27-17, Penn State.
Badger Opponents, Week 6
Keeping up with everyone:
Akron (3-3) with a nail biter over Kent State.
Marshall (3-3) got crushed by Cincinnati (who beat Akron by 3).
Fresno State (3-2) same old Bulldogs, lost to a bad Hawaii team the weak after beating UCLA.
Michigan (2-3) smoked by Illinois's play makers.
Penn State (6-0) beat Purdue easily, but didn't score much (20).
Iowa (3-3) turnovers cost them the upset over Michigan State.
Illinois (3-2) smoked Michigan.
Michigan State (5-1) escaped Iowa's upset bid.
Indiana (2-3) offense was ugly, save for one big play, in loss to Goofs.
Minnesota (5-1) the turnaround is working, but now comes the hard part.
Cal Poly (3-1) smoked South Dakota; these guys are decent.
Akron (3-3) with a nail biter over Kent State.
Marshall (3-3) got crushed by Cincinnati (who beat Akron by 3).
Fresno State (3-2) same old Bulldogs, lost to a bad Hawaii team the weak after beating UCLA.
Michigan (2-3) smoked by Illinois's play makers.
Penn State (6-0) beat Purdue easily, but didn't score much (20).
Iowa (3-3) turnovers cost them the upset over Michigan State.
Illinois (3-2) smoked Michigan.
Michigan State (5-1) escaped Iowa's upset bid.
Indiana (2-3) offense was ugly, save for one big play, in loss to Goofs.
Minnesota (5-1) the turnaround is working, but now comes the hard part.
Cal Poly (3-1) smoked South Dakota; these guys are decent.
AAR: Don't Panic
Ok, so a BCS berth is out. Relax, exhale, and get used to it. There's just no way Ohio State is losing three Big Ten games this year, and there's no way they are in the MNC title game, either. Either the Buckeyes or Penn State are going to the Rose Bowl. That's just how it is.
Now, back to the season, with seven games remaining. Where do we go from here. First step, panic!
Well, no, not really. The loss to Michigan was distressing, especially after seeing how Illinois scorched them, but it is what it is. Take that game away, and no one is going to be too upset about losing a nail biter, by three, to Ohio State. That's not to say all is well, but dwelling on two losses isn't going to help. What will help?
(1) Quarterback play needs to improve. Bielema implicitly threatened Evridge's job this week. He'll start against Penn State, but the leash is sounding short. And it should be. His receivers aren't helping him, but look, a 5th year senior should be able to throw a screen pass accurately, and Chryst's offense depends on that.
(2) Who's the guy at running back? Clay looks like a beast-in-training, but he isn't there yet. There's more to playing running back than carrying the mail, and Clay just isn't the guy. But Brown could be. Hill doesn't seem patient enough to find the right holes, Brown is. And it's not like he's a midget out there. I'd start him, but hey, I'm not on the practice field every day.
(3) Receivers: you guys are Division 1 scholarship winners at a big-time college football program, you should be able to catch the ball. Use extra stickum.
(4) Defense. Well, to be honest, they really aren't bad. There's no shame in giving up 20 to Ohio State, and as ugly as it looked at times, they only gave up 21 to Michigan while the offense was leaving them out there to dry. And 10 against a Fresno State team that is averaging 37 in its other four games. So? Missed tackles remain a problem that needs addressing, especially with another dangerous spread team coming this week, and Illinois not too far ahead in the future.
(5) Coaching. Especially on defense, the calls are coming in late. Against Ohio State on the final drive wasn't the first time. There shouldn't be anything too difficult to figure out by the time the 4th quarter of a game rolls around. On offense, Chryst needs to keep the pedal down when playing with a lead.
What does it all mean? Ok, so expectations have been lowered for this season (again). But the season isn't over. There isn't a game on the schedule that the Badgers can't win, though Penn State will be very tough. Regardless of what happens this weekend (and the beating the Nits put on the Badgers last year should be ample motivation to fire the Badgers back up after two devastating losses), the Badgers still have a lot to play for.
So, bring on the fightin' JoPas and lets see what the Badgers can do.
(While an optimist by nature, I'm not an idiot; I'm seeing 8-4, with losses to Penn State and Illinois or MSU, probably Illinois.)
Now, back to the season, with seven games remaining. Where do we go from here. First step, panic!
Well, no, not really. The loss to Michigan was distressing, especially after seeing how Illinois scorched them, but it is what it is. Take that game away, and no one is going to be too upset about losing a nail biter, by three, to Ohio State. That's not to say all is well, but dwelling on two losses isn't going to help. What will help?
(1) Quarterback play needs to improve. Bielema implicitly threatened Evridge's job this week. He'll start against Penn State, but the leash is sounding short. And it should be. His receivers aren't helping him, but look, a 5th year senior should be able to throw a screen pass accurately, and Chryst's offense depends on that.
(2) Who's the guy at running back? Clay looks like a beast-in-training, but he isn't there yet. There's more to playing running back than carrying the mail, and Clay just isn't the guy. But Brown could be. Hill doesn't seem patient enough to find the right holes, Brown is. And it's not like he's a midget out there. I'd start him, but hey, I'm not on the practice field every day.
(3) Receivers: you guys are Division 1 scholarship winners at a big-time college football program, you should be able to catch the ball. Use extra stickum.
(4) Defense. Well, to be honest, they really aren't bad. There's no shame in giving up 20 to Ohio State, and as ugly as it looked at times, they only gave up 21 to Michigan while the offense was leaving them out there to dry. And 10 against a Fresno State team that is averaging 37 in its other four games. So? Missed tackles remain a problem that needs addressing, especially with another dangerous spread team coming this week, and Illinois not too far ahead in the future.
(5) Coaching. Especially on defense, the calls are coming in late. Against Ohio State on the final drive wasn't the first time. There shouldn't be anything too difficult to figure out by the time the 4th quarter of a game rolls around. On offense, Chryst needs to keep the pedal down when playing with a lead.
What does it all mean? Ok, so expectations have been lowered for this season (again). But the season isn't over. There isn't a game on the schedule that the Badgers can't win, though Penn State will be very tough. Regardless of what happens this weekend (and the beating the Nits put on the Badgers last year should be ample motivation to fire the Badgers back up after two devastating losses), the Badgers still have a lot to play for.
So, bring on the fightin' JoPas and lets see what the Badgers can do.
(While an optimist by nature, I'm not an idiot; I'm seeing 8-4, with losses to Penn State and Illinois or MSU, probably Illinois.)
The Cynic, Week 6
Pittsburgh over South Florida? North Carolina over Connecticut (big)? Folks, the Big East just isn't a very good league.
Vandy over Auburn: at least Wisconsin lost to Ohio State . . .
Speaking of which: first place in the SEC East? Vanderbilt.
Northwestern is 5-0. And they still haven't played anyone.
Missouri is 5-0. And they have no competition in the Big XII North . . . but the South? Yikes.
The Mountain West: Utah, BYU and TCU can play, but don't tell me Wyoming, UNLV, San Diego State, New Mexico, Air Force, and Colorado State make up a BCS level conference.
USC over Oregon: seriously, was there any good reason for not cutting away from that game to show the last 5 minutes of Ohio State at Wisconsin? I didn't think so.
Vandy over Auburn: at least Wisconsin lost to Ohio State . . .
Speaking of which: first place in the SEC East? Vanderbilt.
Northwestern is 5-0. And they still haven't played anyone.
Missouri is 5-0. And they have no competition in the Big XII North . . . but the South? Yikes.
The Mountain West: Utah, BYU and TCU can play, but don't tell me Wyoming, UNLV, San Diego State, New Mexico, Air Force, and Colorado State make up a BCS level conference.
USC over Oregon: seriously, was there any good reason for not cutting away from that game to show the last 5 minutes of Ohio State at Wisconsin? I didn't think so.
Seriously!?! Time for Penn State
What's done is done. The Badgers need to prepare for Penn State. That is all.
No Band!?!
Are you freakin' kidding me!?! A night game against Ohio State and the band won't be there?
Apparently not. After more trouble at Michigan, the Band is suspended until further notice.
This is the first time in 40 years the Badgers will take the field at Camp Randall without the band. 40 years.
Apparently not. After more trouble at Michigan, the Band is suspended until further notice.
This is the first time in 40 years the Badgers will take the field at Camp Randall without the band. 40 years.
Preview: Ohio State
It's not complicated: hold your position and make the tackle. That's how you beat Pryor and Wells. It's not complicated, but nor is it easy. If the Badgers defensive line can hold up, we have the right linebackers and safeties to contain (not stop) the Buckeye running game. And we'll have to turn Robiskie and Hartline over to Goins and Langford and hope for the best. Let's face it, Pryor's arm isn't that great (yet), and neither Robiskie nor Hartline are game breakers. So, contain and tackle. DeAndre, Jonathan, Jaevery, that is your mission.
When the Badgers have the ball, oh, will it be nice to have Graham and Beckum back in there. Beckum fundamentally changes how the defense defends, and Graham just has the knack to find the open space. I'd like to believe in Jefferson, et al., to come down with a few more catches, but I'll believe it when I see it. The offensive line should get a little better push against the Buckeye front than they did at Michigan, and the running won't be easy, but it will be there. And no more option, please. I don't care if, "it was there." Just run the damn ball.
In a field position game, Nortman will help, as will Gilreath, but Trapasso and Small are equal to the task. Special teams are a draw.
Coming home to the Camp is a huge boost (contrast that with following up the loss to Illinois with a road trip to Penn State last season) and the Badgers should be amped. The crowd will be "juiced," and that should be good for a little lift. Pryor is a tough kid, though; don't expect too many mistakes from him just because we've got a loud stadium.
A win brings the series even to .500 since I was a freshman so many moons ago (5-6-1 today), although Wisconsin hasn't been favored a single time over that stretch. Not once.
20-17 . . .
Wisconsin.
I have faith.
When the Badgers have the ball, oh, will it be nice to have Graham and Beckum back in there. Beckum fundamentally changes how the defense defends, and Graham just has the knack to find the open space. I'd like to believe in Jefferson, et al., to come down with a few more catches, but I'll believe it when I see it. The offensive line should get a little better push against the Buckeye front than they did at Michigan, and the running won't be easy, but it will be there. And no more option, please. I don't care if, "it was there." Just run the damn ball.
In a field position game, Nortman will help, as will Gilreath, but Trapasso and Small are equal to the task. Special teams are a draw.
Coming home to the Camp is a huge boost (contrast that with following up the loss to Illinois with a road trip to Penn State last season) and the Badgers should be amped. The crowd will be "juiced," and that should be good for a little lift. Pryor is a tough kid, though; don't expect too many mistakes from him just because we've got a loud stadium.
A win brings the series even to .500 since I was a freshman so many moons ago (5-6-1 today), although Wisconsin hasn't been favored a single time over that stretch. Not once.
20-17 . . .
Wisconsin.
I have faith.
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