Bucky's 5th Quarter - Week 7: Wisconsin 35, Northwestern 6Welcome to the unofficial online tavern of the Wisconsin Badgers. Please seat yourself.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47803/buckys-fave.png2013-10-19T09:31:33-05:00http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/rss/stream/45763032013-10-19T09:31:33-05:002013-10-19T09:31:33-05:00A Face in the Crowd: Wisconsin Football
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<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Gary Andersen-led Badgers were a blast to watch in person this past Saturday. I only wish I had the chance to see them more often.</p> <p>Last Saturday's <a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2013/10/12/4832360/homecoming-kings-wisconsin-holds-court-on-no-18-northwestern-35-6" target="_blank">Homecoming throttling</a> of Northwestern was my first game in Camp Randall Stadium as an official Badger alumnus, and I must say, it was truly a surreal experience.</p>
<p>The word "surreal" is overused in my estimation -- we use it to describe too wide an array of human emotion and often use it out of our own laziness and unwillingness to tap into the recesses of our brain and find a word more appropriate.</p>
<p>But Saturday was surreal; surreal to the point of unexplainable, really.</p>
<p>I had known that my first trip back to Madison post-college would be filled with a mixture of emotions. I was beyond excited to reconnect with friends I hadn't seen for a few months, but also sentimental in wanting to take in many of the sites, sounds and smells I'd grown to love during my four years in a place I called home.</p>
<p>Finding that balance was difficult, but I did my best to enjoy the adrenaline high of a Badgers win and also temper that high with a recognition that I won't be back for awhile. Knowing that in the years ahead I'll likely only get to one Wisconsin home game per season brings with it a ton of perspective, the main one being: we're lucky.</p>
<div class="pullquote">I know that alumni at most universities will tell you how incredible their experiences were at their schools and all that jazz, but I promise they don't have what we do.</div>
<p>I know that alumni at most universities will tell you how incredible their experiences were at their schools and all that jazz, but I promise they don't have what we do.</p>
<p>Madison was bustling Saturday with beer flowing and brats grilling. Each beer tasted a little better than I remembered, as did each brat. Maybe it's because I had the agenda to enjoy and not the sophomoric agenda to ratchet up my buzz, as was too often the case during my college days in hindsight.</p>
<p>Everything about my gameday experience felt a little different than it used to. I couldn't help but notice how picturesque the trees were that lined the streets as I ventured from State Street Brats to the stadium. Have they always been that alluring?</p>
<p>Even my actual walk to the stadium was more enjoyable than before. Seeing everyone clad in their Badger red, be they ridiculous outfits or not, is something you can easily fail to cherish when you see it so often.</p>
<p>Walking through the Camp Randall Memorial Arch carried with it an aura I had failed to ever recognize. It's like crossing a threshold into a world of greater intensity once you near the entrance gates.</p>
<p>But enough with the sentimental imagery, let's get inside the stadium.</p>
<p>I decided it would be most fitting to buy myself a student section ticket, so I ventured to my seat in the lower half of section K, and the next three hours was simply as good as it gets.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135206/melvin-gordon" class="sbn-auto-link">Melvin Gordon</a> lived up to his superstar billing every bit as much in person as we've all been witnessing through the tube. I've said it a few times now, but he needs even more touches. Offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig has gotten into the habit of giving James White his token handful of carries each game, and they just feel like wasted plays. White is a good player and he can break big runs with great O-Line blocking, but Gordon can hit a homerun at any time. From a fan's perspective, that dimension of Gordon's game makes watching him a compelling spectacle -- if you turn your head for a second, you'll miss an 80-yard touchdown dash.</p>
<p>The front seven on the defensive side was special, and Dave Aranda's creativity was a marvel to watch from the stands. He put together a fantastic game plan, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77781/chris-borland" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Borland</a> and company executed their blitzes and pressures to perfection. When seven different players record sacks, you know you're in a groove. Holding a talented Northwestern team to just six points -- one coming off an emotionally draining loss or not -- is a feat you can hang your hat on. I have a feeling more performances like last Saturday's are on the horizon.</p>
<p>While being within the confines of Camp Randall, a few other things caught my eye away from the action between the white lines.</p>
<p>The new scoreboard is spectacular, and something you can't fully appreciate until it's right in front of your face. With three Rose Bowl appearances and a program on the serious rise comes a whole bunch of new opportunities that we should all appreciate while they last. I sure will.</p>
<p>The Jump Around was as fun as it always is, though it certainly seemed more difficult than I remembered. My quads failed the raucous test, and that was the only real disappointment of my day. That and I lost the student section race, something I have yet to win and probably never will.</p>
<p>After the Badgers finished off their 35-6 thrashing of the Wildcats, I stayed around for our blog's namesake, the great Fifth Quarter. Hooting and hollering in rhythm with thousands of other Badger fans is another thing you fail to savor as much as you should when you take part in it each week.</p>
<p>Long-winded prose has got me to this point, and game days will always carry with them a different feel for me from this point forward. However, the greatness of the experience will always remain the same.</p>
<p>There are many thousands of Wisconsin alumni out there that I think would voice a similar sentiment, and I consider myself truly lucky to merely be a face in the crowd.</p>
<h4>More from Bucky's 5th Quarter:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/2013/10/20/4855298/wisconsin-illinois-recap-melvin-gordon-james-white?utm_source=buckys5thquarter&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wisconsin offensive review: Melvin Gordon, James White run wild on Illinois</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/2013/10/19/4857194/week-8-wisconsin-badgers-illinois-fighting-illini-chris-borland-james-white-melvin-gordon?utm_source=buckys5thquarter&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wisconsin 56, Illinois 32: Dominant offensive performance carries Badgers</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-mens-hockey/2013/10/20/4857550/wisconsin-boston-university-recap-big-ten-hockey-east-challenge?utm_source=buckys5thquarter&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Boston Blues: Badgers routed by Boston University, 7-3, in Big Ten/Hockey East Challenge</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-mens-hockey/2013/10/18/4854390/wisconsin-goaltender-joel-rumpel-expected-to-miss-time-with-ankle?utm_source=buckys5thquarter&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Wisconsin goaltender Joel Rumpel expected to miss time with ankle injury</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-mens-hockey/2013/10/18/4854232/big-ten-hockey-east-challenge-boston-college-wisconsin-recap?utm_source=buckys5thquarter&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Beatdown in Beantown: No. 7 Boston College blows out No. 2 Wisconsin, 9-2 </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2013/10/18/4851332/askb5q-chris-borland-joe-mixon-wisconsin-badgers-bcs?utm_source=buckys5thquarter&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">#AskB5Q: On Chris Borland, Joe Mixon and Trendy</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/2013/10/19/4844334/wisconsin-homecoming-2013-camp-randall-stadium-experienceJackson Dahlquist2013-10-16T11:00:08-05:002013-10-16T11:00:08-05:00Juggling safeties pays off for Wisconsin
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<figcaption>Mike McGinnis</figcaption>
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<p>First-year defensive coordinator Dave Aranda has done a terrific job implementing the Badgers' 3-4 defensive scheme, particularly with the latest personnel moves involving Tanner McEvoy and Michael Caputo.</p> <p>Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda deserves a ton of credit for his work through UW's first six games. That includes not only the smooth transition in implementing the new 3-4 scheme, but his play calling and personnel decisions, as well.</p>
<p>One of the best moves I've noticed from Aranda thus far has been the decision to move Tanner McEvoy into the starting safety role opposite <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77768/dezmen-southward">Dezmen Southward</a>, bumping <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135214/michael-caputo">Michael Caputo</a> from safety to an outside linebacker/nickel back role.</p>
<p>We've seen the Badgers mainly run this package their past two games, facing the spread offenses of Ohio State and Northwestern. It'll be interesting to see if Aranda and the coaching staff continue to ride this out as their main package the rest of the season, or if they opt to switch back to their more traditional version of the 3-4 with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/48832/brendan-kelly">Brendan Kelly</a> returning to starting outside linebacker.</p>
<p>I'd prefer the former, given how seamlessly McEvoy has filled in at Caputo's spot, which is rare but awesome to have a safety that stands 6-foot-6, 223 pounds. We haven't quite seen McEvoy's ballhawking potential yet, but he has accounted for four tackles in each of the last two games he's played safety.</p>
<div class="pullquote">"He could have easily gone into a shell, and said, ‘Woe is me,’ and, ‘Why has this happened to me?’ and everything else that could come with it that you see a lot in sports, period. He had none of it." <span>-Gary Andersen on Tanner McEvoy</span>
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<p>"It is a tremendous story," Andersen said Monday in reference to McEvoy switching to safety from quarterback. "It's another story on this football team of unselfishness and care factor and want-to for the kids on the team and University of Wisconsin, because that's what Tanner has. He could have easily gone into a shell, and said, ‘Woe is me,’ and, ‘Why has this happened to me?’ and everything else that could come with it that you see a lot in sports, period. He had none of it."</p>
<p>Not to mention, Caputo has played extremely well this season and fits nicely in his new position. He has the skills to adequately cover receivers in the slot but is rock solid in the run game, too. Captuo -- and really, most of UW's defensive players -- has also been great at timing his jumps at the snap of the ball when he's coming on blitzes.</p>
<p>Too many times last season we witnessed Wisconsin linebackers get burned in coverage. I mean, how often did we have to hear about former UW linebacker Mike Taylor getting beat on a wheel route? The combination of the new 3-4 scheme and personnel decisions has corrected many of those mismatches. Caputo is the perfect hybrid to play both pass-rushing and run-stopper roles, as well as a skillful cover man.</p>
<p>Andersen mentioned at his <a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/2013/10/14/4837928/wisconsin-kickers-kyle-french-jack-russell-gary-andersen" target="_blank">Monday press conference</a> that the team has moved Caputo to the F linebacker position, which he said is "just an attempt to get more skill on the field and be able to run better as a defense, which we need and we're going to need it again this week.</p>
<p>"Michael coming down against the spread team puts another better athlete into the field as a whatever you want to call him, a down safety or an outside linebacker."</p>
<p>Regardless of what prompted the move, it was an ingenious one that has paid off. After holding a Northwestern team that had scored 21 points or more in 19 straight games to a mere six points, it's fair to say Aranda and co. are really beginning to hit their stride with this defense.</p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/2013/10/16/4840680/tanner-mcevoy-michael-caputo-wisconsin-safeties-dave-arandaNathan Palm2013-10-16T09:00:09-05:002013-10-16T09:00:09-05:00Wisconsin defense review: Borland tames Wildcats
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<figcaption>Mike McGinnis</figcaption>
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<p>After several mistakes cost the Badgers a chance at victory in Columbus two weeks ago, an aggressive defense led by the Chris Borland took charge against a potent Wildcats offense.</p> <p>Two offenses were supposed to show up Saturday afternoon in a knockout, drag-out fight between the spread-heavy threats seen in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114071/venric-mark" class="sbn-auto-link">Venric Mark</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114053/kain-colter" class="sbn-auto-link">Kain Colter</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114052/trevor-siemian" class="sbn-auto-link">Trevor Siemian</a> of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/northwestern-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Northwestern Wildcats</a> and the dual running attack of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135206/melvin-gordon" class="sbn-auto-link">Melvin Gordon</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114170/james-white" class="sbn-auto-link">James White</a>, paired with a sprinkling of the man that catches everything, wide receiver <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77770/jared-abbrederis" class="sbn-auto-link">Jared Abbrederis</a> for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/wisconsin-badgers" class="sbn-auto-link">Wisconsin Badgers</a>.</p>
<p>Apparently, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77781/chris-borland" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Borland</a> and the Wisconsin defense didn't get the memo.</p>
<p>Two weeks after suffering a tough loss at Ohio State, the Badgers' defense stood its ground and then some while also taking advantage of injuries to Mark and Colter, limiting an offense that gained 474 yards per game to only half that while en route to a 35-6 victory at Camp Randall Stadium.</p>
<h3>Numbers to notice</h3>
<p><b>5th:</b> National ranking for Wisconsin in total defense, giving up 267.3 yards per game (second in the Big Ten behind Michigan State)</p>
<p><b>5th:</b> National ranking for Wisconsin in scoring defense, giving up 13.2 points per game (first in the Big Ten)</p>
<p><b>10th:</b> National ranking for Wisconsin in rush defense, giving up 90.2 yards per game (fifth in Big Ten - yes, you're reading that right. Michigan State, Ohio State, Iowa and Michigan all are in the top 10 nationally in rushing defense)</p>
<p><b>13th:</b> National ranking for Wisconsin in pass defense, allowing 177.2 yards per game (second in Big Ten, behind, you guessed it, Michigan State)</p>
<p><b>0:</b> Turnover margin for Wisconsin on the season (three fumble recoveries + five interceptions - eight turnovers), tied for 64th in the nation</p>
<p><b>2-of-14:</b> Northwestern's' third-down efficiency Saturday</p>
<p><b>7: </b>Number of sacks by Wisconsin's defense entering Saturday, tied for ninth in the Big Ten</p>
<p><b>7:</b> Number of sacks by Wisconsin's defense against Northwestern Saturday</p>
<p><b>7:</b> Three-and-outs by Northwestern's offense</p>
<p><b>9:</b> Tackles for loss by Wisconsin's defense</p>
<p><b>3: </b>Interceptions by freshman cornerback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/214793/sojourn-shelton" class="sbn-auto-link">Sojourn Shelton</a>, which leads the team</p>
<p>Looking at the typical spread formations the Wildcats employed vs. the Badgers, defensive coordinator Dave Aranda threw some interesting and varied personnel at Siemian and Colter:</p>
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<li><span>A base 3-4 personnel look with an odd front, with a twist of safety <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37056/mike-caputo" class="sbn-auto-link">Mike Caputo</a> starting at F-side linebacker and converted quarterback Tanner McEvoy getting his first collegiate start on defense at safety.</span></li>
<li><span>A 3-4 personnel with an even front, with an outside linebacker (like seniors <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/48832/brendan-kelly" class="sbn-auto-link">Brendan Kelly</a> or <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77779/ethan-armstrong" class="sbn-auto-link">Ethan Armstrong</a>) posing as a psuedo-fourth linemen.</span></li>
<li><span>A 2-4-5 or 2-3-6 look, with two defensive linemen, either three or four linebackers (depending if <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160199/nate-hammon" class="sbn-auto-link">Nate Hammon</a> was on the field) and either five or six defensive backs.</span></li>
<li><span>That crazy 1-4-6 alignment, creating havoc for Northwestern's pass protections.</span></li>
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<h3>What went right</h3>
<p><span><b>1. Pressure on the quarterbacks and containment of a dual-threat Colter.</b> When healthy, Colter presents trouble as a quarterback and also a wide receiver. Saturday afternoon, he gained just 10 yards on the ground on six carries, only 34 yards through the air and was sacked twice. One key moment came when linebacker Ethan Armstrong contained Colter and ran him down on a 3rd-and-7 early in the second quarter for a sack, not allowing him to scramble for the first down. In addition to sacking Siemian five times -- he was just 13-of-34 for 163 yards -- and Colter twice, Caputo, Borland and Kelly each notched a quarterback hit, as well. More on this below.</span></p>
<p><span><b>2. Tanner McEvoy.</b> What a difference two months can make. After initially coming to Wisconsin to compete for the Badgers' starting quarterback job, the sophomore transfer started his first game at safety with Caputo moving to F-side linebacker. He finished the game with four tackles.</span></p>
<p><span>Head coach Gary Andersen realizes the difficult journey McEvoy has had to endure, amongst three different positions and a wrist injury.</span></p>
<p><span>"It's another story on this football team of unselfishness and care factor and want-to for the kids on the team and University of Wisconsin, because that's what Tanner has," Andersen said Monday. "He could have easily gone into a shell, and said ‘Woe is me,' and, ‘Why has this happened to me?' and everything else that could come with it that you see a lot in sports, period. He had none of it."</span></p>
<p><span><b>3. Caputo.</b> Try to play a game called "Where's Caputo?" during each Badgers game. It's impressive where he is and what he does on the field, whether it's covering receivers or tight ends, coming off the safety position to blitz off the edge, or now, switching to F-side linebacker against teams featuring a spread look.</span></p>
<p><span>Andersen mentioned how the move allows another athlete to be on the field and be more efficient to run the defensive looks in his new hybrid safety/linebacker role.</span></p>
<p><span>"It gives the ability for B.K. [Kelly], Ethan Armstrong, those kids to go in and be move involved in the box in the pass rushing and then be protected by the boundary in their pass drops, which takes a third of the field that they're covering now instead of having to cover two-thirds of the field if they're matched up into the field all the time," Andersen said.</span></p>
<p><span><b>4. Third-down conversions and three-and-outs.</b> Seven of Northwestern's drives had just three plays before ending in a punt. All of the Wildcats' drives in the third quarter were 3-and-outs, as NU gained just</span><span> 17 yards that quarter. Overall, Northwestern converted only two of 14 third-down opportunities.</span></p>
<h3>What went wrong</h3>
<p><span><b>1. One big pass play.</b> Late in the first half, after a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132124/joel-stave">Joel Stave</a> interception allowed the Wildcats to start a drive on their own 16, the Wisconsin secondary was caught in what looked like a zone, or defensive backs were staring at Siemian, as wide receiver </span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114055/rashad-lawrence" class="sbn-auto-link">Rashad Lawrence</a><span> caught a 46-yard pass along the left sideline. Also to note, only three rushers blitzed on that play, leaving Simian with plenty of time to unload that ball.</span></p>
<p><span><b>2. Turnovers.</b> Wisconsin didn't necessarily need to worry about takeaways Saturday, and it had one early with the Shelton interception, but that was the only one on the day. With the pressure and confusion of Aranda's defense overwhelming the Wildcats minus two of their playmakers, it didn't matter in this game.</span></p>
<h3>Many sacks, different looks</h3>
<p>Here are seven quick pictures showing how the Badgers racked up seven sacks from seven different players, in different defensive personnel.</p>
<p>The first sack by Borland came out of the 3-4 with an even look. Kelly lined up close to the line of scrimmage. Note how Borland is 4 yards off the line of scrimmage. As Colter rolled out left, Borland stayed his distance before sprinting in there for the third-down stop.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3390527/Screen_Shot_2013-10-14_at_9.23.22_PM.png"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3390527/Screen_Shot_2013-10-14_at_9.23.22_PM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-10-14_at_9"></a> <br id="1381805262619"></p>
<p>The second sack: Out of the 1-4-6 personnel grouping, notice how eight or nine players could be blitzing from within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage. Eventually, Armstrong contains Colter and chases him down for the sack.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3390695/Screen_Shot_2013-10-14_at_9.53.44_PM.png"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3390695/Screen_Shot_2013-10-14_at_9.53.44_PM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-10-14_at_9"></a></p>
<p><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160207/vince-biegel" class="sbn-auto-link">Vince Biegel's</a> sack (UW's fourth of the day, by the second quarter) came out of a two-linemen look with Kelly and Biegel rushing on the ends. Borland faked the rush, and although Hillary is focused on his receiver, even he's close enough to look like a potential rusher. Biegel stunts with a bull rush inside while <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77785/tyler-dippel" class="sbn-auto-link">Tyler Dippel</a> goes outside, getting the sack.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3390943/Screen_Shot_2013-10-14_at_10.06.55_PM.png"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3390943/Screen_Shot_2013-10-14_at_10.06.55_PM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-10-14_at_10"></a></p>
<p>Okay, last one. This is Hammon's first career sack. I'll show two pics on this one, just to show what confusion the defense can bring. This looks like an odd front with two down linemen and Kelly standing up.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3390981/Screen_Shot_2013-10-14_at_10.17.16_PM.png"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3390981/Screen_Shot_2013-10-14_at_10.17.16_PM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-10-14_at_10"></a></p>
<p>Watch Borland and Hammon time their blitz up the middle perfectly through the "A" gaps.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3391125/Screen_Shot_2013-10-14_at_10.16.15_PM.png"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3391125/Screen_Shot_2013-10-14_at_10.16.15_PM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-10-14_at_10"></a></p>
<p>Linemen pick up the more dangerous Borland, leaving Hammon one-on-one with the running back, whom he eludes to drop Siemian.</p>
<h3>Final thoughts</h3>
<p>Wisconsin gave Northwestern all it could handle this past week. Another Saturday night game awaits the Badgers on the road vs. Illinois, who boasts an offense ranked 39th in the nation with 457.2 yards per game (fifth in the Big Ten). Andersen knows this defense will face some challenges against a passing attack ranked third in the Big Ten with just over 280 yards per game through the air.</p>
<p>"Lots of personnel groups," Andersen said.</p>
<p>"My guess is there's probably five to seven personnel groups as you go through each game and look at it to see different kids on the field, and they have a lot of different offense, very talented quarterback (<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75932/nathan-scheelhaase" class="sbn-auto-link">Nathan Scheelhaase</a>), who, by the way, is a tremendous young man."</p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/2013/10/16/4839052/wisconsin-northwestern-recap-defense-chris-borlandJake Kocorowski2013-10-15T13:59:32-05:002013-10-15T13:59:32-05:00Week 7 offense review: Balanced offense keys UW
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<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Badgers handled the Wildcats with ease, implementing a balanced attack to produce 35 points and more than 500 total yards.</p> <p>If Wisconsin wants to earn serious consideration for a BCS bowl, it'll likely need to make it through the final six games without a loss.</p>
<p>In Saturday's convincing 35-6 victory over Northwestern, the Badgers found the perfect prescription for doing just that, blending the running and passing just so. Wisconsin's power-run game will always be cast as primitive and "old school." But a heavy dose of inside-outside running and the requisite playaction pass showed precisely why Gary Andersen and co. didn't mount an offensive revolution when they assumed the throne.</p>
<p>Though the final rushing and passing numbers were similar (286 rushing, 241 passing), <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135206/melvin-gordon" class="sbn-auto-link">Melvin Gordon</a> and James White remain the crux of this offense. At risk of sounding like a broken record, watching Melvin Gordon run borders on euphoric.</p>
<p>His 71-yard touchdown scamper on the fly sweep in the second quarter captured his ridiculous speed. Even though he may have been half-a-yard shy of the goal line when his left knee hit the turf, he still smoked Northwestern safety <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114056/ibraheim-campbell" class="sbn-auto-link">Ibraheim Campbell</a>, who had a major distance edge on MGIII.</p>
<p><script src="http://player.espn.com/player.js?pcode=1kNG061cgaoolOncv54OAO1ceO-I&width=576&height=324&externalId=espn:9814355&thruParam_espn-ui[autoPlay]=false&thruParam_espn-ui[playRelatedExternally]=true"></script></p>
<p>Gordon ran for 172 yards and 7.8 per carry, a number that almost felt underwhelming due to his absurd averages this year. His 870 yards through six games rank third nationally, and he could lock up his first career thousand-yard season Saturday in Champaign.</p>
<p>White steadily produced alongside him, and as the ESPN announcers noted, the senior found space between the tackles because Gordon did such damage around the edge. They've become a nearly unstoppable one-two punch.</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<span><h2>Week 7 Grades</h2>
<b>Quarterbacks:</b> B<br><b>Running backs:</b> A-<br><b>Wide receivers:</b> B+<br><b>Offensive line:</b> B+<br><b>Tight ends:</b> B<br><b>Playcalling:</b> A</span>
</div>
<p>Two weeks after he threw for a career-high 295 yards, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132124/joel-stave" class="sbn-auto-link">Joel Stave</a> looked like the imperfect yet promising player he is. Almost all the success through the air came, of course, off the playaction.</p>
<p>His 63-yard throw to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77770/jared-abbrederis" class="sbn-auto-link">Jared Abbrederis</a> was right on the money, not letting the defensive backs catch up to the receiver by underthrowing the ball, as he is so prone to do. Stave also did a nice job of finding new targets -- notably White and tight end <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77783/jacob-pedersen" class="sbn-auto-link">Jacob Pedersen</a> -- when Abbrederis exited after the first quarter with a head injury. One of my favorite passes was a relatively forgettable one: the 13-yard screen pass to White that set up UW's second score.</p>
<p>It was an intelligent call, and White has become one of the quarterback's favorite receivers not named Jared. The running back has 18 receptions for 160 yards, well ahead of his eight catches for 132 yards last year.</p>
<p>The first interception wasn't Stave's fault, but his second one near the end of the first half was a poor decision. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132127/kenzel-doe" class="sbn-auto-link">Kenzel Doe</a> was not really open, and Stave threw the ball to the side he absolutely shouldn't have thrown to, creating a very avoidable turnover.</p>
<p><script src="http://player.espn.com/player.js?pcode=1kNG061cgaoolOncv54OAO1ceO-I&width=576&height=324&externalId=espn:9814433&thruParam_espn-ui[autoPlay]=false&thruParam_espn-ui[playRelatedExternally]=true"></script></p>
<p>Stave also got some help from his receivers on balls so underthrown they had to dive into the dirt, helping him finish 17-of-28, a serviceable 60.7 completion percentage.</p>
<p>His three touchdown passes tied a career-high, and all three showed his growth as a quarterback. On the fourth-quarter throw to Watt, Stave recognized that the defender had his back to the ball and sailed it right over his head, the best option in a crowded end zone.</p>
<p><script src="http://player.espn.com/player.js?pcode=1kNG061cgaoolOncv54OAO1ceO-I&width=576&height=324&externalId=espn:9815246&thruParam_espn-ui[autoPlay]=false&thruParam_espn-ui[playRelatedExternally]=true"></script></p>
<p>Despite giving up an early sack that ended Wisconsin's second drive, the offensive line recovered nicely. There was no shortage of great downfield blocking from receivers, tight ends and running backs against the ‘Cats, but you simply don't rush for 286 yards against a respectable Big Ten defense without some tremendous help up front.</p>
<p>The silver lining to Abbrederis' early departure was it <i>forced</i> other receivers to step up. Badgers fans unanimously worried about the lack of depth at receiver, and the injury prompted a mid-game pop quiz for the offense. With Stave forced to look elsewhere, three other players - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77771/jeff-duckworth" class="sbn-auto-link">Jeff Duckworth</a>, Jordan Fredrick and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160203/alex-erickson" class="sbn-auto-link">Alex Erickson</a> - answered the bell.</p>
<p>Erickson's 35-yard haul was the longest catch by that trio, and it was a great catch of a ball Stave underthrew badly. But Stave also hit Gordon, Clement and Watt for that touchdown, offering some defense to the mounting concern over the lack of a true No. 2 receiver.</p>
<p><script src="http://player.espn.com/player.js?pcode=1kNG061cgaoolOncv54OAO1ceO-I&width=576&height=324&externalId=espn:9814807&thruParam_espn-ui[autoPlay]=false&thruParam_espn-ui[playRelatedExternally]=true"></script></p>
<p>The absence of Abbrederis also got the tight ends more involved, and Pedersen had a season-high four catches. It's disappointing four catches is a season-high, but Pedersen didn't have a single drop, which is more important than his final numbers. The senior tight end didn't have a single catch in the last two games, so it was refreshing just to see him involved in the offense again.</p>
<p>Offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig followed a beautifully simple gameplan, and it worked perfectly. He stayed true to the pound-it-down-their-throats rushing attack but also sprinkled in screen passes and intermediate throws. The downfield shots weren't as frequent as we've seen this year, but that can largely be attributed to Abbrederis not being on the field.</p>
<p>Ludwig found a way to guide the offense to 35 points without one of his biggest playmakers, and for that he deserves significant praise.</p>
<p>There was talk of a "hangover" for Northwestern after its near-upset of Ohio State last week, many pointing out Pat Fitzgerald's team was never in sync at Camp Randall Stadium. But that somewhat underwrites an efficient, well-executed game from the offense.</p>
<p>With a light schedule ahead, the Badgers would be smart to adhere to a concept as simple as a bruising run up the middle: rinse and repeat.</p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/2013/10/15/4841800/wisconsin-northwestern-recap-offense-joel-stave-melvin-gordonIan McCue2013-10-15T13:01:36-05:002013-10-15T13:01:36-05:00Podcast: Wisconsin-Northwestern recap
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9LebyttzlqsxgwKe_QR_vUou5bM=/7x50:2667x1823/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21180159/184231000.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike McGinnis</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Another weekend of football -- we have you covered. How did the Badgers tame the WIldcats? Fox Sports Wisconsin's Jesse Temple helps us review the thrashing at Camp Randall Stadium.</p> <p>Hello all!</p>
<p>Before we break down the show's events, if you like the Kielbasa Kings Sports Extravaganza, why not go to <a href="http://podcastawards.com/" target="_blank">podcastawards.com</a> and nominate us among the top sports podcasts? We've brought you the voice of Wisconsin football in Matt Lepay, local, ESPN and Big Ten Network analysts, as well as a slew of former <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/wisconsin-badgers" class="sbn-auto-link" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Wisconsin Badgers</a>. We'd be humbled and honored if you nominated us. Voting ends Tuesday evening at 11:59 p.m.</p>
<p>On to the episode...</p>
<h3>Listen here:</h3>
<p><iframe width="400" height="370" src="http://player.cinchcast.com/?show_id=5554565&platformId=1&assetType=single" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<div style="font-size: 10px;text-align: center; width:400px;">
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/kielbasakingsse">Kielbasa Kings Sports Extravaganza</a> on BlogTalkRadio</div>
<p>The first 20 minutes are dedicated to some NFL reviews. How many more injuries can the Green Bay Packers withstand? How did they pull out the win over former Badgers tackle <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/48828/ricky-wagner" class="sbn-auto-link">Ricky Wagner</a> and the Baltimore Ravens?</p>
<p>At the 20-minute mark, we proudly welcome on Fox Sports Wisconsin's <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/jessetemple">Jesse Temple</a> to breakdown the Badgers' dominant victory over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/northwestern-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Northwestern Wildcats</a>. How did the defense, led by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77781/chris-borland" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Borland</a>, hold the Wildcats' offense to half of its normal output? How much did <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77771/jeff-duckworth" class="sbn-auto-link">Jeff Duckworth</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160203/alex-erickson" class="sbn-auto-link">Alex Erickson</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135202/jordan-frederick" class="sbn-auto-link">Jordan Frederick</a> step up in place for the injured <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77770/jared-abbrederis" class="sbn-auto-link">Jared Abbrederis</a>? We also look ahead to Illinois before our Wednesday football preview show.</p>
<p>We also talk more football and how other former Badgers, from Russell Wilson's Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos' Montee Ball to the Houston Texans' <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/48829/j-j-watt" class="sbn-auto-link">J.J. Watt</a>, are looking. How far have the Texans fallen without tight end Owen Daniels? Plus, is former Badgers linebacker DeAndre Levy having a career season in Detroit?</p>
<p>Check back 8 p.m. CT Wednesday, as we preview <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132124/joel-stave" class="sbn-auto-link">Joel Stave</a> and Wisconsin's trip down to Illinois to face the Fighting Illini.</p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/kielbasa-kings-sports-extravaganza-podcast/2013/10/15/4839762/kielbasa-kings-podcast-wisconsin-northwestern-recapJake Kocorowski2013-10-15T12:48:50-05:002013-10-15T12:48:50-05:00VIDEO: Bo Ryan Jumps Around at Camp Randall
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aZ-NImv3eoZ8oUso2aa4ut2IokE=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21208661/164288834.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ed Zurga</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bo Ryan's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1yXXhAkkaE">hamboned</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TajSyEm-Qg">cranked it like Soulja Boy</a>. It was only a matter of time before he actually got to Wisconsin's namesake.</p> <p>There are a number of things to like about Bo Ryan jumping around in the student section during Wisconsin's <a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2013/10/12/4832360/homecoming-kings-wisconsin-holds-court-on-no-18-northwestern-35-6">homecoming game vs. Northwestern</a>.</p>
<p>First, it's Bo Ryan Jumping Around. That'd be more than enough, but then we got Ben Brust's goofy thumbs-up, Frank Kaminsky's sunglasses and his selfie-taking and affirmation that Josh Gasser's knee must indeed be strong enough to jump on.</p>
<p>Oh, and I think Bo says, "Don't let me fall!" at the 22-second mark. The whole thing then ends with one of the players asking, "Oh, you got a video?"</p>
<p>Yeah, we got it all right.</p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-mens-basketball/2013/10/15/4841528/bo-ryan-jump-around-videoMike Fiammetta2013-10-14T15:00:27-05:002013-10-14T15:00:27-05:00Offense survives despite Abbrederis injury
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yTQSNoHJNbj5jDWjQp1W-Gpu3Jk=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21163149/184237452.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike McGinnis</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A hint of panic swept Badgers fans after the Wildcats knocked Jared Abbrederis out of Saturday's game with a head injury. 423 yards and four touchdowns later, Wisconsin's offense had nevertheless stepped up to help dominate Northwestern.</p> <p>In a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2013/10/12/4832360/homecoming-kings-wisconsin-holds-court-on-no-18-northwestern-35-6">blowout of unexpected proportions</a>, Wisconsin's offense demonstrated it could remain on track despite the loss of a key playmaker for a good portion of the game. With running backs <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135206/melvin-gordon">Melvin Gordon</a>, James White and the offensive line reverting back to what's been seen earlier this season before the loss at Ohio State, along with a receiver corp that stepped up when needed, Wisconsin racked up 527 yards of offense, most of it after the head injury to wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77770/jared-abbrederis">Jared Abbrederis</a>.</p>
<h3>Personnel breakdown</h3>
<h3></h3>
<table><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="6"><b><i>FIRST HALF</i></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Personnel (RB/TE)</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Run</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Pass</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Total</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>TD</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Notes</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">31</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">_01</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">_02</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">_03</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">_04</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">11<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Stave: 4-of-6, 42 yards, INT, sack</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">12</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">6<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">13</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">14</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">20</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">21</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">22</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="center">Gordon fly sweep TD; Abby playaction TD off fly sweep; Stave: 3-of-3, 73 yards, 1 TD</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right; ">23</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right; "><b>Total 1st half:</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; ">18<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">20<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">38<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3<br>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<table><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="6"><b><i>SECOND HALF</i></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Personnel (RB/TE)</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center; "><b>Run</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Pass</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Total</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>TD</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Notes</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">Other</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">_01</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">_02</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">_03</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">_04</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
<td style="text-align: right;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">11</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">12</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">6<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">13</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">14</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">20</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">21</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">9<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">22</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">8<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Watt TD catch from Stave; 38 yards rushing on eight carries<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;">23</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b>Total 2nd half:</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">30<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">11<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">41<br>
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2<br>
</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>Run/pass breakdown:</h3>
<p>Runs: 51</p>
<p>Passes: 28</p>
<p>Total plays: 79</p>
<p>Touchdowns: 5</p>
<h3>Fun with numbers</h3>
<p><b>527:</b> Total yards gained by Wisconsin against Northwestern</p>
<p><b>399: </b>Total yards gained by Wisconsin against Ohio State</p>
<p><b>6.7:</b> Yards per play against Northwestern</p>
<p><b>6.5:</b> Yards per play against Ohio State</p>
<p><b>104:</b> Yards gained by Wisconsin pre-Abbrederis injury (all first quarter)</p>
<p><b>423:</b> Yards gained by Wisconsin post-Abbrederis injury (second quarter on)</p>
<p><b>2:</b> Catches by Abbrederis</p>
<p><b>5:</b> Catches by the rest of the Badgers' receivers</p>
<p><b>10:</b> Catches altogether by Badgers excluding Abbrederis and receivers</p>
<p><b>104:</b> Total rushing yards by Wisconsin against Ohio State</p>
<p><b>286:</b> Total rushing yards by Wisconsin against Northwestern</p>
<p><b>3:</b> Number of turnovers by Wisconsin</p>
<p><b>3:</b> Number of sacks given up by Wisconsin</p>
<p><b>3:</b> Number of 15-plus-yard receptions by wide receivers not named Abbrederis (two for Duckworth, one for Erickson)</p>
<h3>What went right</h3>
<p><b>1. Ground game starts up again.</b> After being held to just over 100 yards against the Buckeyes two weeks ago, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77794/ryan-groy">Ryan Groy</a> and a returning <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114193/dallas-lewallen">Dallas Lewallen</a> opened holes that led to the Badgers' gaining 286 yards on the ground, with both Gordon and White going above the century mark (172 and 101, respectively).</p>
<p><b>2. Receivers and others stepping up in place of Abbrederis.</b> With his 63-yard touchdown catch, the Wautoma native did lead the team in receiving yards in only one quarter. However, the combination of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77771/jeff-duckworth">Jeff Duckworth</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135202/jordan-frederick">Jordan Frederick</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160203/alex-erickson">Alex Erickson</a> jumped in and made the necessary plays to help balance an offense that gained 241 through the air. There were three passing plays beyond 15 yards, as Duckworth had two 18-yard receptions, while Erickson adjusted nicely on a 35-yard reception over the middle to set up a touchdown in the third quarter.</p>
<p>Although head coach Gary Andersen noted he <a target="_blank" href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/2013/10/14/4837928/wisconsin-kickers-kyle-french-jack-russell-gary-andersen">expects Abbrederis to play</a> vs. Illinois, the receivers and also tight ends showed they can contribute. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77783/jacob-pedersen">Jacob Pedersen</a> and White also got in the action, as Pedersen led the team in receptions for the afternoon. Essentially, it might be a moneyball-type effort for the Badgers' passing game without No. 4 on the field, as many will contribute to make up for the loss of one big player.</p>
<p><b>3. Interesting looks.</b> Before being a false start was called in the second quarter, offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig called a play where White was the quarterback, with fullback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135213/derek-watt">Derek Watt</a> also in the backfield and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/214791/corey-clement">Corey Clement</a> sprinting in a fly sweep look. Makes you wonder what other plays/personnel they can use, even if they can fit all three running backs into the game and not use a wishbone offense. You also saw linemen <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135222/ray-ball">Ray Ball</a> and Zach Matthias in the backfield on a goal line play, as well as a Clement screen pass come out of a shotgun 11-personnel, with tight end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135218/sam-arneson">Sam Arneson</a> split out wide right.</p>
<p><b>4. The fly sweep and its variants.</b> We'll get more into this below on the playaction off of this seemingly bread-and-butter play for this offense, but besides the large 71-yard scamper by Gordon, you saw it used out of many formations, including one where Watt was the single back instead of White. The fly sweep does have the zone running play associated with it when faked, which has been used with success this year as well, but below we're going to look at how it helped the passing game in playaction mode that lead to the Badgers' first score of the contest.</p>
<h3>What went wrong</h3>
<p><b>1. Turnovers.</b> All six of Northwestern's points came after Wisconsin miscues with the Abbrederis fumble on the Badgers' first series and quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132124/joel-stave">Joel Stave's</a> interception intended for wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132127/kenzel-doe">Kenzel Doe</a> right before the end of the first half. The Wildcats' defense is known for being opportunistic, and indeed it came up with three takeaways. Abbrederis' fumble was an aberration, as was his drop of a back-shoulder throw that lead to Stave's first interception late in the first quarter (quite possibly the first back-shoulder throw I've seen all year from the Badgers' signal-caller). Stave's second pick to Doe was underthrown and might have been a result of miscommunication or the quarterback not seeing the defensive back. Surprisingly, though, even with being -2 in the turnover margin, Wisconsin still thoroughly dominated.</p>
<h3>Effects of the fly sweep in the passing game<br>
</h3>
<h3><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3382197/FlySweepPAGordonPreSnap.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3382197/FlySweepPAGordonPreSnap_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Flysweeppagordonpresnap_medium"></a></h3>
<p>From the Wiscosnin 37, it looks like a typical set-up for the Badgers' offense in the fly sweep. It's usually a two-tight end set, either right or left, and the majority of the time, the side wherever the tight ends are lined up at, the ball will be run toward. Gordon, split out wide left, does his normal sprint to the right. Right now, there are only seven Wildcats in the box. Stave takes the snap, and here comes the first fake to Gordon:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3382205/FlySweepPAAtSnapFakeGordon.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3382205/FlySweepPAAtSnapFakeGordon_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Flysweeppaatsnapfakegordon_medium"></a></p>
<p>The cornerback on the bottom of the screen comes as Gordon sprints forward. Stave fakes the hand-off to Gordon, but there's always that zone run from Wisconsin. Stave, however, now fakes it to White. Note how many purple helmets are within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage, staring at this second, and I would say most crucial, fake.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3382215/FlySweepPAPostSnapWhiteFake.png"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3382215/FlySweepPAPostSnapWhiteFake_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Flysweeppapostsnapwhitefake_medium"></a></p>
<p>Notice how many defenders are within 5 yards of the line scrimmage below to guard against the fly sweep and the zone run: nine. Although there is a receiver underneath in White for the Wildcats to cover out of the backfield, look to the right of your screen to see how open Abbrederis is with the safety biting on two of the possible fake running plays.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3382237/Stave22ViewPAUSETHISONE.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3382237/Stave22ViewPAUSETHISONE_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Stave22viewpausethisone_medium"></a></p>
<p>The result: a nicely thrown, 63-yard touchdown to Abbrederis.</p>
<h3>Final thoughts</h3>
<p>Wisconsin got back on its feet offensively in a lopsided affair. Northwestern never really recovered after the long bomb from Stave to Abbrederis, and even with the star receiver out, the running game and receiver support did its share in a 35-6 win.</p>
<p>Next game is at Champaign, Ill., as the Badgers go on the road to take on an Illinois defense ranked 102nd in the nation in total defense and 97th against the run.</p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/2013/10/14/4835184/jared-abbrederis-injury-wisconsin-offenseJake Kocorowski2013-10-12T19:43:37-05:002013-10-12T19:43:37-05:00Homecoming Kings: Badgers hold court vs. Wildcats
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/84AVegj-yluUJXdpLC2psGNZ00E=/0x125:4000x2792/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21075869/20131012_ajw_sh5_018.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Joel Stave threw for three touchdowns as a balanced offensive attack and airtight defense delighted alumni at a packed Camp Randall Stadium.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">MADISON -- Coming off a gut-wrenching loss to Ohio State a week ago in perhaps its most hyped game in program history, Northwestern hoped to avoid a hangover in its second conference matchup of the season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately for the Wildcats, few have ever avoided a hangover when it comes to a date at Camp Randall, especially during a Wisconsin Homecoming weekend.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Riding a sold-out crowd of 81,411 and an aggressive pass rush, the Badgers (4-2, 1-1) overwhelmed the Wildcats’ offense (4-2, 0-2), tallying seven sacks and holding the No. 19/18 team in the nation to just 241 offensive yards in a decisive 35-6 win.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"This was a big game," Wisconsin head coach Gary Andersen said. "To win at home against a really good football team… this is a big win and the kids need to enjoy it."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Facing a stout run defense for the second straight week and losing starting running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114071/venric-mark">Venric Mark</a> in the first quarter to a lower body injury, Northwestern leaned on the arm of quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114052/trevor-siemian">Trevor Siemian</a> to no avail, as the junior completed just 13 of his 34 attempts through the air for 197 yards.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Siemian struggled to find his comfort zone the entire game, as seven different Wisconsin players recorded a sack. With defensive coordinator Dave Aranda using a variety of blitzes, shifts and stunts, NU’s offensive line failed to provide any real consistent pocket or push for the Wildcats’ to utilize, neutralizing the potent offense dead in its tracks.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Wisconsin defense, which had struggled in games against spread teams so far this season, snapped Northwestern’s seven game streak of scoring 30 or more points in a game. It was also the first time the Wildcats’ had failed to score 10 points for the first time in 78 straight games.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"For us to come out as a whole and be able to compete like that and come out with the ‘W’ is a good feeling," Wisconsin freshman cornerback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/214793/sojourn-shelton">Sojourn Shelton</a> said, who intercepted his third pass of the season Saturday. "Coach said something like [Northwestern] put up 30 points a game… for us to keep them out of the end zone that’s huge and a big confidence boost for the defense."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Getting some help from a timely bye week, Wisconsin running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135206/melvin-gordon">Melvin Gordon</a> looked back to his old ways after suffering an injury in the team’s last game against Ohio State two weeks ago. Gordon highlighted the Badgers’ ground game with 172 yards on 22 carries, including a 71-yard touchdown scamper on a jet-sweep to the left side in the second quarter.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Complimenting Gordon was also the efforts of fellow tailback James White, who added 101 yards on the ground of his own and three catches in the flat for 29 yards.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"That was a tough loss against Ohio State," Gordon said. "We just wanted to come out here against Northwestern and play well. I needed to play well. We all needed to."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But even before Gordon and White broke loose, it was the efforts of the pass game that helped loosen up an otherwise sluggish offensive opening for the Badgers in the first half.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After two consecutive three and outs on offensive possessions to open the game, the Badgers got the Wildcats to bite on a double play-action, as quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132124/joel-stave">Joel Stave</a> connected on a 63-yard bomb to star wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77770/jared-abbrederis">Jared Abbrederis</a> for a touchdown, awakening a slumbering Camp Randall crowd and giving Wisconsin a 7-3 lead late in the first quarter.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Set up by the reputation of two of the Big Ten’s leading rushers, the respect Northwestern showed on the first fake to Melvin Gordon on a jet-sweep and the second to James White up the middle was enough to allow Abbrederis to slip behind the Wildcats’ safeties Traevon Henry and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114056/ibraheim-campbell">Ibraheim Campbell</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"That’s one we’ve practiced a lot and not had a chance to dial up in the game," Wisconsin quarterback Joel Stave said. "Getting the opportunity to do that is exciting for a quarterback."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"When you’re faking a fly sweep to Melvin Gordon and then a run to James White, as a defense you have to respect those two fakes right there. It’s tough to cover all three of them."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That would be the only meaningful impact Abbrederis made in the game, as a head injury sidelined the wide out on the Badgers’ next drive.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even without Abbrederis, Stave still was effective, although erratic, through the air. Finishing the game 17-of-28 passing for 241 yards and three touchdowns, Stave made use of his check offs as well as the short and middle passing routes, completing passes to nine different players on the day.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I thought Joel continued to progress," Andersen said. "He dropped that deep ball right on Abby for a tremendous play. We’re going to continue to progress. The throw game, I believe we’re improving."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And if the performance of the football team wasn’t enough to make the Wisconsin’s Homecoming an enjoyable one, Wisconsin basketball head coach Bo Ryan joined the "Jump Around" in the student section at the beginning of the 4th quarter.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I’m sure he’s probably a better athlete than me," Andersen laughed. "I didn’t see it…maybe we’ll have to have a ‘Jump Around’ competition someday."</p>
https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2013/10/12/4832360/homecoming-kings-wisconsin-holds-court-on-no-18-northwestern-35-6BadgerState608