McEvoy’s Development
Tanner McEvoy’s performance in the team’s first game against LSU was disappointing to both coaches and fans. He completed only eight passes, only one of which went for more than 10 yards. The 40 rushing yards he contributed helped, but he did not give the Wisconsin offense the passing attack they needed.
In his defense, he played against a quick LSU defense that had the speed to keep up with a mobile quarterback. This week, he faces a Western Illinois defense that allowed Valparaiso’s backup quarterback to complete two-thirds of his passes for 151 yards in a losing effort.
McEvoy needs to shake off last week’s struggles and build his confidence as a passer. Part of the issue fell upon his receivers, who frequently failed to get separation. They should have an easier time doing so against Western Illinois, and in turn, McEvoy should be able to get them the ball a bit more often.
The Secondary’s Bounce Back
Another of the Badgers’ many issues last week came in the secondary, the one area of the defense that the team thought could be counted on for consistency. They allowed one big play after another against Louisiana State, and they struggled to stay in front of receivers. Seven of the nine passes completed by the Tigers’ quarterback went for 10 or more yards, four of which went for 25 or more yards.
The Wisconsin secondary needs to regroup against the Leathernecks. Their quarterback, sophomore Trenton Norvell, went 20 for 28 for 320 yards and four touchdowns last week, and he’ll be looking to build upon that in this game. He spread the ball around to nine different receivers in that game, so the Badgers’ secondary has to be ready for a range of receivers.
This kind of opponent provides a great opportunity for this group to rebound. It won’t be an easy matchup, but it’s manageable, and a strong performance should build confidence for a unit that coach Gary Andersen needs to be able to rely on down the stretch.
Building Up Front
Injuries decimated Wisconsin’s defensive line against LSU. Between a scary upper body injury to redshirt senior defensive end Konrad Zagzebski and a knee injury to fellow redshirt senior nose guard Warren Herring, the defense was left with little experience along the line.
As a result, LSU was able to establish their running game late in the game and balance out their offensive attack. With the two injured Badgers’ statuses up in the air for Saturday’s game, Wisconsin may be forced to rely on their inexperienced reserves to step up. Those substitutes struggled, but they have an opportunity to redeem themselves this week.
Gary Andersen and company will need their young linemen to grow together while learning on the fly if they are going to be called upon to play a significant stretch of the season.
Gaining Confidence
An early-season loss in a big game can be devastating. But it is important for the Badgers to understand that it was only one game, and they have the rest of the season to determine their post-season fate.
After a defeat like that one, Wisconsin needs to build confidence this week against Western Illinois. They are going to face more opponents like LSU, and they need to be confident and prepared to get the outcome they desire.
Getting there starts with a decisive win against the Leathernecks. Don’t be surprised to see the Badgers come out and make a statement, putting their season back on track. That could mean another breakout performance by Melvin Gordon, or a shutout defensive performance that reminds the Big Ten that they mean business.
Making Special Teams ‘Special’ Again
Whenever a team is looking to gain momentum and jump-start their offense, they typically turn to their special teams to set up a big return and get the team going. There’s nothing like great starting field position to give a team a jolt of energy.
Against LSU, the Badgers were not able to do anything with their third phase. Junior kick returner Kenzel Doe only returned one kickoff and one punt in the entire game, gaining six yards on one and losing three yards on the other.
After averaging over 25 yards per kickoff return and almost 10 yards per punt return last season, Doe’s season opener was certainly a disappointment. He should have an opportunity to get things going this week against Western Illinois. Getting Doe going should do wonders for the team down the stretch.
