Through four games, the Wisconsin Badgers have begun to develop both good and bad trends, including one concerning trend on the defensive side of play.
On defense, Wisconsin has seen a mixed bag so far as some defensive line improvement is evident while regression in past strengths is worrisome. In particular, Wisconsin has gone from a strong tackling team to a program that speed or strength can fly through. The Badgers have allowed 29 missed tackles already this season, two more than the defense missed through four games last season.
The defense has clearly not improved in certain areas despite adding depth or relying upon different faces more this season. One such face has been linebacker Christian Alliegro, who carved out a role for himself with the Badgers last season and had been a bright spot on the defense. Alliegro had 54 tackles and 29 stops last season for the Badgers while only allowing a single touchdown in coverage.
Alliegro established himself as a top tackler on the team last season as a mike linebacker, which is par for the course for the position. However, the linebacker has taken a few steps backwards this season and in games against Alabama and Miami (OH) in particular some key flaws were exposed.
Wisconsin Badgers Need Defensive Leaders Christian Alliegro, Ricardo Hallman to Improve
Given how Alliegro plays with such high energy and plenty of enthusiasm, thinking of the linebacker as someone who is potentially part of the problem for Wisconsin is difficult to believe. However, Alliegro currently leads Wisconsin with seven missed tackles through four games, which is also four more than Omilio Agard, who is the closest player to the linebacker.
Alliegro currently has a missed tackle rate of 24.1% which is simply unsustainable moving forward considering the fact that the linebacker is the leading tackler for Wisconsin. The linebacker is swallowing up tackles at a great rate, but missing them at an equally high rate that would currently see Alliegro miss 21 tackles this season. Alliegro missed just seven tackles last season and almost certainly will surpass that number this season at the rate he has been going.
The talented linebacker is not the only top defender who has displayed some holes in his game as veteran defensive back Ricardo Hallman has had a tough start to the season. Hallman is responsible for three touchdowns through four games, tying transfer defensive back and fellow starter Geimere Latimer.
The Wisconsin Badgers entered the season with plenty of depth questions across the board, and in particular in the secondary. Wisconsin put a lot of faith into Hallman and Alliegro ahead of the season to perform in major ways. Having both leaders showcase clear flaws on the field, the Wisconsin defense may continue to enter a downward trend throughout the season.
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