Wisconsin Football: The Real Issue in Badger's Running Game

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Whats Plaguing the Badgers Run Game? Its a Series of Events

Alright, its time we discuss it. We all know it, but nobody wants to say anything. Its the elephant in the room, and its time we address it. The Wisconsin Badgers are not what they once were running the football, and its causing some serious head scratching. Its making a lot people ask, whats the issue, and to be honest, there are a few factors that have led to a poor running game.

The Wisconsin Football program has always taken pride in their ability to run the football. It’s been a staple in the game plan for decades and for the most part has worked flawlessly. You always knew what Wisconsin was going to do, but you wouldn’t be able to stop it. But dating back to last season, the running game struggles have continued to creep up on the Badgers.

Over the course of the season the Wisconsin Badgers have rushed for 808 yards, average 161 yards a game. This ranks them at 92 of 128. Yikes. A team that is normally always in the Top Ten in rushing now in the lower tier of all of college football makes many people throw up the red flag. So whats the big issue? Well, its a chain of things. Would you believe me if I said it starts with Gary Andersen?

. Wisconsin won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, the reason why Wisconsin Football is struggling with the run game is because of Gary Andersen, or more so his scheme. During his tenure at Wisconsin, Andersen and Athletic Director Barry Alvarez seemed to bash heads on the schemes to run. While traditionally Wisconsin was a power, run heavy offense, Andersen began to switch Wisconsin to more option and spread, and went away from previous tactics.

Andersen’s changes led to a change in recruiting, looking for slimmer, faster, more athletic offensive linemen. The team went smaller, and in turn when Andersen left, many of those same recruits stayed. Years later, as Prodigal Son Chryst returns, the offense is stuck in limbo. With Chryst not having the size he once did, the power running game has taken a tumble and Chryst is left putting together the pieces.

Instability can cause problems in a program, and this theory is one that explains the struggle of Wisconsin’s running game. Sure, the injures have plagued the Badgers, and the opponents have been tough. But that does not account for the struggle the Badgers are having running the football. Paul Chryst is the perfect coach for Wisconsin, but despite that, it is still going to take time to return to the exact form it once did. As the seasons continue, its likely that the Badgers return to form with the stability and tradition that Chryst is able to bring back to Wisconsin Football.