The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Wazzu Edition
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Wazzu Edition
A tough outing for the Badgers and it was a case of too little too late as they fall 31-22 to a talented Washington State team. The tempo of the Cougars offense coupled with the speed of their defense had the Badgers shell shocked early. Two costly turnovers (including a fumble returned for a TD) had the Cougars up 24-9 at half time. The offense woke up in the 2nd half and a nice mixture of vertical shots and RPOs helped the Badger bring it back within two, but after a late Chez Mellusi fumble which lead to a Nakia Watson TD the deficit proved to be too much.
Despite what everyone on Twitter may think Jim Leonhard's presence let alone his defense doesn't change the outcome of the game. Running Braelon over and over again at an ineffective offensive line wouldn't have changed the outcome. The players didn't execute when they needed to, and they will admit it. The coaches made mistakes and they will admit that too.
The current coaches didn't inherit a Rose Bowl team. Those players aren't surrounded by coaches they've known for years. It takes time. This is not getting blown out by Illinois. There is a reason why Wazzu is getting coaches poached.
Did the Badgers do enough to win? No. Did the refs lose the game for us? No. Will I still be a fan? Yep.
A very critical point to mention: the coaches & players are still getting to know each other. What are each other's strengths/weaknesses and how do they react to adversity. Relationships are not built overnight & even over months when you really haven't been in real situations.
But enough pontificating. Let's getting into what went right, what went wrong, and what made us look away from the screen in discuss with this week's The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
The Good - Hello vertical passing game. Taking advantage of Wazzu's Cov 3/4 Mordecai took plenty of shots down field and look poised and accurate while doing so. Given the state of pass blocking that is a major step forward.
The Bad - Braelon Allen continues to be a liability in pass blocking. Instead of getting to the LOS and engaging blockers he is hanging back and trying to throw a shoulder at them. Thats probably why you see him in the pattern so much.
The Ugly - The overall lack of athleticism on the offensive line is making itself abundantly clear. From Bortolini wandering down field on an RPO to "NFL bound" LT Jack Nelson's sudden ability to pass block Jack Bicknell Jr. has his work cut for for him.
It's a couple steps forward for the offense and a step back. The potential is still very much there and my confidence it will show itself is still high but it will take time. Let's hope the stretch of Georgia Southern, Purdue, and Rutgers is enough to work out the kinks for Iowa.
PLAY OF THE DAY - Green 364 X Shallow
note: terminology is my own and not an accurate representation of how Phil Longo calls plays
16 yard TD pass to Skyler Bell
Situation- 00:35 left in the 3rd Quarter. 1st and 10 on Wazzu's 16 yard line
Personnel- 11 personnel (Z Green, H Bell, Y Ashcraft, X Williams, F Allen)
Concept- Y Cross off of play action
Progression - Peak Wheel, Dig to Cross to Shallow
Defense- Split field Palms w/WLB robbing
The Play
After a poke play action fact Mordecai takes a quick 3 drop and is scanning the field from left to right. Initial pressure from the right side causes Tanner to try and step up in the pocket only to be met by pressure given up by Jack Nelson on the left side. Mordecai flushes left and while he is falling away throws a strike to Skyler Bell just beyond the front pylon. Fantastic arm strength and touch while falling away to his off arm side.