1: Tolzien's tribulations
In Wisconsin's 27-14 win over San Jose State last saturday, senior quarterback Scott Tolzien threw one interception in the red zone and fumbled the ball three times. The turnovers allowed San Jose State to remain in the game and gave the Badgers unnecessary need to worry. All three fumbles were recovered but stalled promising drives, and the interception directly resulted in seven points for the pesky Spartans. No turnovers are ideal, but a quarterback trying to make a play downfield and failing is a mistake that every quarterback around the country is susceptible to making. The fumbles, however, are inexcusable. A senior tandem of Tolzien and center Peter Konz should not have trouble exchanging the ball after three and a half years of practice, especially during a crucial 4th and 1 in the red zone. In addition, Tolzien needs to be aware when the pass rush is coming and get rid of the ball quickly. Recognizing a blitz and weaknesses in pass protection should be routine for someone with Tolzien's level of experience. Teams like Iowa and Ohio State are not going to hold back on passing downs, and its important that Tolzien is able to react.
2: Injured receiving corps
A frightening moment occurred in the third quarter last week as senior wide receiver David Gilreath was carted off the field after being on the receiving end of a helmet-to-helmet hit. Gilreath suffered a concussion and was released from the hospital later that day, which is fantastic news. Gilreath is unlikely to be back in action this week and his abilities as a return man, as well as a receiver, will be missed. Look for the bulk of the return duties to be taken by freshman running back James White, who is quickly pushing sophomore running back Montee Ball and junior running back John Clay for carries in a crowded Wisconsin backfield. Another player to watch is freshman quarterback-turned-wide receiver Jared Abbrederis, who stepped in for Gilreath as a receiver in the second half. He hauled in five catches for 58 yards. Abbrederis may also have to pick up some of the slack for Nick Toon, who may also miss the game with a nagging turf toe injury.
3: The white clay ball
The Badgers backfield is suddenly looking more and more loaded. With the emergence of James White, a from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. head coach Bret Bielema now has three talented running backs to share the load. Last week, Clay received the lion's share with 23 carries, while Ball had nine and White was given a lowly six. Had White not fumbled into the endzone after a tremendous run to the outside the numbers would not have been so lopsided. In the opener against UNLV, all three running backs had double-digit carries and combined to average nearly six yards per carry. Finding carries for all the backfield weapons will not be as easy as competition increases, but it surely won't be anything Bielema will lose sleep over.
4: Extra special Teams
Special teams are often the most overlooked aspect of football, but it is worth noting the successes to date of junior kicker Philip Welch and junior punter Brad Nortman. Welch has converted on all four field goal attempts thus far this season, including a 45 yarder and a 37 yarder. Meanwhile Nortman has averaged over 40 yards per punt and has shown ability to kick directionally, limiting the return abilities of opposing return men. Winning the special teams battle can pin offenses deep in their own end and start offensive drives in an opponent's territory. In addition, having a reliable kicker can be an offense's best friend. Welch and Nortman might combine to be the Badgers' most overlooked players this year, but their contributions should not be ignored.
5: Second-tier secondary
One serious spot of concern for the Badgers is the same area that often cost them last year: the defensive secondary. Captain Chris Maragos is now last year's news and has been replaced by junior defensive back Aaron Henry, but the secondary remains mostly unchanged. Junior defensive back Antonio Fenelus came up with a tremendous interception against San Jose State, but the secondary gave up eight catches, 113 yards and a touchdown to a walk-on from the WAC. Yes, walk-on freshman wide receiver Chandler Jones. That is inexcusable, and not a good sign of things to come as the Badgers will soon enough be facing teams with much more talent at the receiver position.
