The Wisconsin Badgers were not a strong rushing defense team last season. Alabama Football rolled into Madison and gained 181 yards on the ground. For the season, the Badgers averaged 4.63 yards against opponent runs. That stat placed Wisconsin at No. 94 among FBS teams.
This season, Wisconsin is No. 5 in average yards allowed per rush, at 1.34 yards. The stat is misleading. According to ESPN's FPI calculations, in two games the Badgers have played the FBS No. 115 Strength of Schedule.,
Even the most sunshine-pumping Wisconsin fans must know the lofty No. 5 stat is almost meaningless. Balanced against that reality is Luke Fickell's offseason plan to strengthen the Badgers physically, especially in the trenches. Adding new players, Fickell may have made Wisconsin's defensive front the strength of the team.
The Wisconsin defense consists of third, fourth, and fifth-year players. The two most important transfers are defensive tackle Jay'viar Suggs from LSU and edge rusher Corey Walker from Western Michigan. Last season's second-leading tackler, linebacker Christian Alliegro, returned as a team leader.
The Wisconsin site Badger of Honor states, "Wisconsin's run defense this season has gotten dramatically better." The defensive game plan for the Badgers is to neutralize the Alabama Crimson Tide's rushing attack and force Ty Simpson to beat them through the air. The Wisconsin secondary is considered competent enough that if a pressured Simpson makes poor reads or throws, the Badgers can create turnovers. For Wisconsin to win, Badger of Honor projects three or four Alabama turnovers will be necessary,
Alabama Football and Disrupting Wisconsin's Plan
If Wisconsin's defensive plan is sound, it does not mean it will work. Ty Simpson may not be frequently under pressure, allowing him to pierce the Badgers' secondary. With a backup center and probable starter having snap problems this season and without their starting quarterback, the Badgers could struggle to put up points. Too many explosive plays by the Alabama offense would destroy any chance Wisconsin has to force a close game.
Based on opinions from multiple Wisconsin sites, to win, the Badgers must dominate a turnover battle, stuff the Alabama rushing attack, and chew up clock with a strong rushing attack. The Alabama football staff knows all this and much more. The Crimson Tide needs a decisive win to build momentum and should be primed for all the challenges the Badgers can provide.
Note: Stats provided by cfbstats.com