The Wisconsin Badgers (4-0 overall) hope to continue their unbeaten streak Saturday as they host the Arizona Wildcats (2-0 overall). Arizona is attempting to bounce back from a 5-6 season, their first under Head Coach John Mackovic.
After a much criticized performance against Northern Illinois, the Badger secondary will be put to the test against a very effective passing team. Wildcat senior quarterback Jason Johnson ranks second nationally in total offense and is aided by formidable senior wide receiver Bobby Wade. Wade leads the nation in receptions per game and is second in all-purpose yardage.
\We're just gonna play the coverages the coaches have planned for us,"" sophomore cornerback Scott Starks said. ""We're not too worried about what they do, who will see much of Wade on Saturday. It's what we do on the field that's gonna matter.""
Wisconsin's defensive backfield aims to be the first major challenge to the touted Wildcat passing attack.
""We just want to clean up the mistakes we made last week,"" Starks said. ""We really don't care about the criticism. We just want to go out there and do our jobs to the best of our ability.""
The Wildcat running game, thought to be a strength, has been disappointing. Junior running back Clarence Farmer, who many considered elite, has been relatively quiet. Arizona ranks 109th in Division I rushing. The status of the offensive line likely plays some role in this, as three starters have missed time due to injuries. Mackovic has, however, stated a desire to rejuvenate the rushing attack. This will provide a test for a Badger defense that has been troubled by running backs all season.
""I think we're right where we need to be,"" Starks said. ""We're a 4-0 team and no one can deny that. But we have a lot more improvement to make and we will make that improvement.""
The Badger offense, which has been inconsistent, will be closely watched. Sophomore Darrin Charles will rejoin the Badgers' wide receiving corps after sitting out two weeks with a sprained ankle, though senior Lee Evans is doubtful. The replacements, freshmen Jonathan Orr and Brandon Williams, will benefit from the return of veterans. The same goes for senior quarterback Brooks Bollinger, who has had to adjust to a new starting pair almost weekly.
Charles is impressed with what he's seen from the young receivers thus far.
""They all have a lot of ability and have done real well so far,"" Charles said.
Wisconsin's running backs, notably sophomore Anthony Davis, hope to rebound from a string of lackluster performances. It will not be easy as they face an Arizona defense that has been exceptional against the run. The unit ranks third nationally in total defense and is led by two-time All Pac-10 linebacker senior Lance Briggs. The All-American hopeful led the defense in limiting Utah's productive running game last week in Arizona's 23-17 win against the Utes.
The Badgers' offensive line is under heavy scrutiny after allowing 10 sacks against NIU. They will show if it was a fluke against the Wildcats, who were among the 2001 season leaders in putting quarterbacks on the ground.
""We've been very inconsistent throughout the season, and it's just a matter of us getting it all together,"" Charles said. ""We just have to keep working.""
One battle to watch out for will be on special teams. Junior cornerback Michael Jolivette won Pac-10 Special Teams Player of the Week honors for blocking two punts against Northern Arizona. Wisconsin, however, also has a threat on special teams in sophomore punt returner Jim Leonhard, who has made strides in his newfound role.
This game is important for the Badgers as fans around the nation are starting to take notice and question whether Wisconsin is legitimate.
""I wanna win the game and put four full quarters together,"" Starks said. ""We haven't really done that offensively or defensively and I think we're gonna do that this week.""
