I am irate. For the third consecutive home football game, the majority of students sitting in sections O and P began chanting for junior Jim Sorgi to replace senior Brooks Bollinger at quarterback. That is ridiculous. And my argument is not because Sorgi lacks talent.
The immediate problem is not Bollinger, as he completed 15 of 23 passes for 207 yards on Saturday, not to mention rushing for two touchdowns, including the game-winner. The stagnant offense is due to the offensive line's inability to consistently run and pass block, as it seems Bollinger and sophomore tailback Anthony Davis must routinely battle two or three defenders before they reach the line of scrimmage.
Through four games, Bollinger has a completion percentage of nearly 57 percent, which is up significantly from 51 percent a year ago.
Furthermore, Bollinger is only two wins away from becoming Wisconsin's all-time winningest quarterback, a mark that could be set soon if the offensive line provides sufficient pass protection and opens holes for the running game.
I agree that Bollinger needs to attempt to throw the ball away instead of standing in the pocket and waiting for Wisconsin's young and inexperienced receivers to get open. However, no Wisconsin quarterback would escape the constant defensive pressure that the nimble-footed Bollinger has faced, which was clearly evident on Saturday. He doesn't have time to get a pass off, much less scan the entire field for the next available option.
About the only factor keeping Wisconsin in games these days is special teams. Go figure.
Junior place kicker Scott Campbell has consistently knocked kick-offs into the end zone, while sophomore punter R.J. Morse has ascended to team MVP status.
At this point in 2001, analysts believed Wisconsin was the best 1-2 team in the country. Through four games this season the team is undefeated. Even if Wisconsin is the worst 4-0 team in the nation, it's a heck of a lot better than 1-2. Head Coach Barry Alvarez would tend to agree.
\I wouldn't say we're a good team,"" Alvarez said Saturday at the post-game press conference. ""I just know we have four wins right now.""
The most prevalent problem for Wisconsin is definitely not at quarterback. Instead of chanting and screaming for Jim Sorgi, students should chant ""Look out"" or ""Block someone!"" In order for Wisconsin to remain undefeated, the offensive line must create running lanes, pass protect and live up to its preseason hype.
