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Wisconsin Football: Badgers Achillies Heel Shows In Big Ten Title
Badgers Secondary Proved to Be Wisconsin’s Biggest Hole Again
Coming into the season when looking at the roster for Wisconsin Football, you did not see a ton of holes. On the offensive side, there were familiar, experienced, names, and on the defense a large portion of the starters had gotten some action last season. The one area that I really had concern for was the Badgers secondary. While they were experienced in certain areas, there were a lot of guys stepping into roles as full time starters that it seemed as though if there was a weakness somewhere, it would be in our pass defense.
But as the season got going, it appeared as though the unit, while unproven, was talent and capable of making big plays. D’Cota Dixon had a big interception against LSU, while Leo Musso awed us with the scoop and score against Michigan State. The unit as a whole proved they were talented and capable of making plays, but after the Ohio State game it started to become apparent that if you were going to beat Wisconsin, it was going to be through the air.
Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Last night, that same Achilles heel made its appearance in the worst possible time. Penn State knew they were capable of it, and they drew up a game plan that exposed Wisconsin’s biggest weakness. The read option offense that Penn State runs makes linebackers freeze in anticipation, giving more time for plays to develop in the passing game. It’s similar to what Ohio State ran, and the defensive backs of Wisconsin just could not handle it.
Penn State set a Big Ten Championship record for passing yards in a game, as young quarterback Trace McSorely repeatedly burnt the Badgers secondary with deep plays. Specifically, guys like Lubern Figaro, D’Cota Dixon and Natrell Jamerson really struggled in the contest. Figaro was repeatedly picked on in the first half and was burned for two deep touchdowns, while the other two repeatedly got beat deep and could not keep pace with Penn State’s receivers.
Its safe to say it was a disappointing end to the season, and significantly hurt Wisconsin’s bowl status. It appears as though Wisconsin will take on Western Michigan in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, or possibly Florida State in the Orange Bowl depending on how things play out in the College Football playoff. Whoever is slated against Wisconsin will certainly know their game plan to beat them, but the good thing for the Badgers is that they will have almost an entire month to prepare for the contest. Full bowl coverage to come when announced.
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