Wisconsin moved to 2-0 on the young season with a 27-13 win over South Dakota on Saturday.
While the win looked decisive in the final score, the Badgers again failed to show overall dominance against an inferior opponent. That reality was mostly due to the team struggling out of the halftime break. Phil Longo’s offense suddenly went cold, while the defense started giving up chunk yardage on the ground.
Related: Updated game-by-game predictions for Wisconsin football after Week 2 win over South Dakota
The latter part was by far the most concerning. South Dakota had a four-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to start the second half that did not include a pass attempt. It went 5-yard run, 13-yard run, 17-yard run, 35-yard touchdown run.
Wisconsin’s defense will be tested even further when No. 4 Alabama visits Madison on Saturday. It will be specifically tested on the ground by Heisman Trophy candidate QB Jalen Milroe — and will somehow need to set the tone without top linebacker Jake Chaney, who will miss the first half after being ejected last weekend for targeting.
Luke Fickell and Mike Tressel’s unit needs to refind its dominant form, and fast.
For a sense of where the defense must improve, here is its national ranking in every key statistic after the 2-0 start:
To see where Wisconsin’s offense ranks nationally in key statistics, click here.
Scoring Defense: No. 40
Sep 7, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) celebrates with linebacker Darryl Peterson (17) during the fourth quarter against the South Dakota Coyotes at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Points Allowed Per Game: 13.5
Wisconsin has done an adequate job of keeping opponents off the scoreboard. While the level of competition must be considered, 13.5 points per game would be a fine mark moving into conference play.
Passing Defense: No. 22
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 127.5
South Dakota did not try to move the ball through the air much. The secondary is a clear strength of this Wisconsin defense. I’d expect Alabama to focus on the ground game on Saturday.
Rushing Defense: No. 66
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Anthony Sambucci (5) rushes with the football between Wisconsin Badgers defensive lineman Cade McDonald (96) and linebacker Leon Lowery Jr. (8) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 121.5
This is the area of concern moving forward. Wisconsin allowed 123 rushing yards and 4.4 yards per carry to South Dakota. The unit may have been fine down-to-down, but allowing a 75-yard touchdown drive with only running plays is unacceptable, especially against an FCS team. Alabama will test this area of the defense on Saturday.
Total Defense: No. 34
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Total Yards Allowed Per Game: 249.0
These marks are mostly average after two weeks. While the overall defensive performances were enough to start 2-0, Wisconsin needs to return to dominance on this side of the football.
Third Down Defense: No. 20
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell talks with linebacker Leon Lowery Jr. (8) during the second quarter against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Third Down Conversion Percentage: 23.8% (5/21)
Third down has been a strength thus far. It feels as if the Badgers have either forced a three-and-out or allowed a long scoring drive. There haven’t been many results in between. Either way, this rate will need to continue on Saturday.
Red Zone Defense: No. 86
Sep 7, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; South Dakota Coyotes quarterback Aidan Bouman (2) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Red Zone Conversion Percentage: 100.0% (4/4 with two touchdowns)
Wisconsin improved in this category against South Dakota. It allowed two field goals in two red zone trips, compared to Western Michigan’s two touchdowns. That is a piece of good news moving forward.
Team Sacks: No. 57
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Western Michigan Broncos quarterback Hayden Wolff (11) steps up to evade pressure during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Total Sacks: 4.0
Wisconsin’s pass rush needs to find its groove moving forward. DL Elijah Hills has somehow been the most productive rusher with three tackles for loss and two sacks thus far.
OLBs Darryl Peterson, John Pius and Leon Lowery need to add to that total on Saturday.
Tackles For Loss: No. 115
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Darryl Peterson (17) during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Total Tackles For Loss: 7.0
Again, Wisconsin’s defense has not created enough havoc through two weeks. Week 2 was an improvement after the unit only had one tackle for loss against Western Michigan in Week 1. But this total must skyrocket moving forward.
Turnovers Forced: No. 62
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Xavier Lucas (6) celebrates with cornerback Max Lofy (12) following an interception during the fourth quarter against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Total Turnovers Gained: 2
Wisconsin did not force a turnover against South Dakota in Week 2. File this statistic under the large umbrella of ‘stats that must improve moving forward.’
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Publish date : 2024-09-10 03:20:00
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