With one game already under their belt for the 2024 season, the Wisconsin football team is home this weekend to face the South Dakota Coyotes. The Badgers are looking to build on last week’s 28-14 win over Western Michigan in a game that was disappointing to say the least. This is an vital game for the Wisconsin football team to be firing on all cylinders as Alabama comes to Camp Randall next week. Here’s what the Badgers need to do to start the season 2-0.
Wisconsin football needs to neat up run defense
The Wisconsin football run defense wasn’t great Friday night. Losing James Thompson Jr. was a massive loss, but now this defensive line has enough depth to stop a non-Power Five offense. The defense allowed just 120 yards on less than four yards per rush, but four of those runs came from the one-yard line.
It was pretty discouraging to see Wisconsin football’s defensive line get pushed toward Western Michigan at times. I understand that most of the time it’s a two-man defensive line, but that shouldn’t happen in the season opener.
South Dakota ran for over 200 yards between its two running backs last week. It’s no secret they’ll try to do it again Saturday. It’s time for the experienced front seven to step up and dispel those doubts.
Start attacking faster
I didn’t like the conservative game plan that the Wisconsin football offense came out with. Kudos to Western Michigan because it looked like they prevented the massive play and kept everything in front of them. But you have to throw downfield a few times early unless you don’t trust your quarterback. The offense didn’t have a single play over 20 yards Friday night. That can’t happen.
Even if the ball isn’t close, you have to make opponents respect your quarterback and your offense. Tyler Van Dyke was brought in to make throws down the field. If you can’t do that, consider starting Brayden Locke. I think this is a game where Phil Longo makes a lot of throws down the field. He almost has to at this point.
Don’t look to the future, but prepare for the future
Wisconsin football can’t afford to ignore South Dakota against Alabama next week. They need to take care of business this week after failing to do so until the final 10 minutes last week.
At the same time, everything the Wisconsin football team does this weekend will determine how much momentum it has next week and beyond. They have to do the little things right on both ends of the field and on special teams. The good news? I expect South Dakota to give them the game and make them execute it all the time.
We won’t know if it’s a sense of urgency, but I have a feeling there has to be some. The Badgers didn’t look good for 50 minutes last week. They need to take responsibility for this game from the first kick.
Follow me on Twitter @DylanBuboltz and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date with the latest Wisconsin sports news, click here! Also, check out our Merchandise Store for some awesome WSH merchandise!
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate presentation or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your chosen sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation as the go-to person to book top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about the costs and fees for booking Packers players or alumni, call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
