With one game in the 2024 season already in the books, Wisconsin football stays home this weekend to take on the South Dakota Coyotes. The Badgers are looking to build off their 28-14 win over Western Michigan last week in a game that was underwhelming to say the least. This is an important game for Wisconsin football to be clicking on all cylinders with Alabama coming to Camp Randall next week. Here are what the Badgers need to do to start the season 2-0.
Wisconsin Football Needs to Clean Up the Run Defense
The Wisconsin football run defense was not very good Friday night. Losing James Thompson Jr is a big loss, but there is enough depth now on this defensive line to stop a non-power five offense. The defense only allowed 120 yards on less than four yards a carry, but four of those carries were from the one yard line.
It was pretty discouraging to see the Wisconsin football defensive line get pushed around at times to Western Michigan. I realize it’s a two man defensive line most of the time, but that should not be happening in the season opener.
South Dakota ran for over 200 yards between two running backs last week. It is no secret they will try to do that again Saturday. It’s time for a veteran front seven to step up and take those doubts away.
Start Faster on Offense
I did not like the conservative game plan the Wisconsin football offense came out with. Credit Western Michigan as it looked like they prevented the big play and kept everything in front of them. However, you have to take some shots down the field early unless you don’t believe in your quarterback. The offense had no plays over 20 yards Friday night. That can’t happen.
Even if the ball isn’t close, you have to make opposing secondaries respect your quarterback and your offense. Tyler Van Dyke was brought in to take shots down the field. If you can’t do that, then you look at starting Brayden Locke. I think this is the game Phil Longo takes multiple shots down the field. He almost has to at this point.
Don’t Look Ahead, But Prepare Ahead
Wisconsin football can’t entertain the idea of looking past South Dakota with a massive game against Alabama next week. They have to take care of business this week after not doing it last week until the final 10 minutes.
At the same time, everything Wisconsin football does this weekend will determine how much momentum they have next week and the weeks following. They have to do the little things right on both sides of the ball and on special teams. The good news? I expect South Dakota to give them a game and make them execute throughout.
We won’t know if this is a sense of urgency, but I have a feeling there has to be some sort of it. The Badgers did not look good for 50 minutes last week. They have to take ownership of this game from the opening kick.
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