Looking ahead on the schedule for the Wisconsin Badgers, a future opponent might be more vulnerable currently than many had thought.
The Alabama Crimson Tide dropped their season opening game against the Florida State Seminoles, who certainly have improved after a catastrophic season last year. The Crimson Tide allowed the Seminoles to score 31 points and record 236 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Florida State utilized quarterback Thomas Castellanos on the ground heavily which stumped the Crimson Tide defense.
Wisconsin Badgers Clash Versus Alabama Looming as Crimson Tide Suffer Loss
Alabama did not look great against Florida State and there were more issues than just a very weak run defense. The Crimson Tide notably could not get anything started on the ground themselves, with an average of three yards per rush and 87 yards total during the game. Alabama is currently without starting running back Jam Miller, who went down with an injury and may not be ready for the Wisconsin clash.
Without Miller, Alabama struggled on the ground but likely would have still lost the game with Miller due to the issues through the air. Starting quarterback Tyler Simpson is a pass-first quarterback and while Simpson is a capable runner, the quarterback held onto the football too long and suffered three sacks against the Seminoles.
On defense, the Crimson Tide played far too soft on defense and allowed easy check down completions to turn into much bigger plays. Alabama had seven missed tackles from the linebackers alone and 14 total during the game, which was a big reason why the Seminoles were able to drive down the field with ease.
Can the Wisconsin Badgers Defeat the Alabama Crimson Tide on the Ground?
While one game will certainly not define the Crimson Tide, the Wisconsin Badgers will need to attack Alabama on the ground in hopes of pulling off an upset of their own. Running back Dilin Jones looked capable and strong against Miami (OH) and had some productive runs cut short by desperation tackles. Luck was not on the side of Jones against the RedHawks defense, but with the tackling struggles the Crimson Tide displayed the running back might be able to take more runs into the secondary.
Crimson Tide defensive lineman Tim Keenan III has been a vital part of the defense but suffered an injury at the end of camp, and currently does not have a real timetable for his return established. Without Keenan III, the Crimson Tide did not look nearly as strong up front which is where Wisconsin Badgers struggled against the RedHawks.
Without a defensive line quite as strong as Wisconsin expected, the team could sneak by the line and create some explosive runs.
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