The Good (no really), the Bad (yeah some of that), and the Ugly (let's get this over with) - Indiana Edition
First apologies to my 10's of readers who expected this piece earlier in the week. Obviously the result of the Indiana game was not very motivating for a writer, but the real world has had more of an effect on my productivity. But we're here, and even thought it's late here is the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from last Saturday's Wisconsin vs. Indiana game.
The Good- The Offensive Line Makes Baby Steps
I have ragged on the offensive line all season. Whether my critiques have all been warranted is up for debate for people way smarter than me (check out my chat with Colten Bartholomew) I think overall the Indiana game showed while they have a ways to go there is some growth potential. Riley Mahlman in particular I thought had a much better game in pass protection as he has had in the past. Many of the pass protection forced pressures could have been blamed on the RBs or Braedyn Locke's inexperience.
The Bad- We Miss You Braelon
I think it's pretty obvious that Jackson Acker + Cade Yacamelli ≠Braelon Allen. Since Chez Mellusi's season ending injury Acker has been a nice complimentary back in terms of running ball and we have been hearing since the spring about Yacamelli's impressive skill set, but the Indiana game shows you why they not ready for prime time players. Both struggled in pass protection, and the lack of vision and ball carrier savvy was evident. Braelon has his inconsistencies, but how do I put it, at least you can count on his inconsistencies. A new player in a new role you never know how he will react before he does it which can lead to unexpected negative results. I think there is a spot for both Acker and Yacamelli in the RB rotation, but in an RB by committee specialist role.
The Ugly - Braedyn Locke is a Redshirt Freshman
And boy did he show it against Indiana. I love his skill set and the poise he has shown after being thrown into the spotlight after Tanner Mordecai's injury, but he didn't show any of it against Indiana. He had absolutely no touch on his passes, and he seemed to rush reads and threw the ball one speed the entire game, 1000 mph. What he was asked to do didn't seem any more difficult than what he has done in the past, a couple new plays maybe, but his total reversion to a freshmen QB was disheartening to see to say the least.
PLAY OF THE DAY - Weak Orange HEX 68 Z Cross H Return
note: terminology is my own and not an accurate representation of how Phil Longo calls plays.
54 yard TD pass to Bryson Green
Situation- 2:35 left in the 2nd Quarter. 3rd and 8 from Wisconsin's 46
Personnel- 10 personnel (Z Green, Y Bell, H Pauling, X Williams, F Acker)
Concept- Z Shallow
Progression - Check coverage with the motion, man look to read Z to X to H
Defense- 2-4 Nickel, ILB cross blitz with OLB's dropping Hook to Curl Cover 1