Pure frustration. It's third down and four with 1:30 remaining in the game last Saturday. After giving up more than 420 yards and 30 points for the second straight game, the UW defense failed miserably, yet again.
An eight-foot gap appeared in the heart of the defensive line as Indiana secured the victory on a basic draw play right up the middle. No defensive line penetration and not a linebacker in sight.
Not only did UW fail to stop Indiana on the last meaningful play from scrimmage Saturday afternoon but it has failed to stop anyone in the last two years. The last time UW completely shut down an opponent was during its 1999 Rose Bowl run.
Since the 2000 season Wisconsin's defense has allowed more than 400 yards of total offense in 10 of 18 Big Ten Conference games, including four 500-yard blunders. Not surprisingly, UW is 2-8 in these games. Regardless of how the offense plays, the importance of a reliable defense is clearly evident by comparing the last two and a half seasons with the 1998 and 1999 Rose Bowl years.
In 1998, UW surrendered an average of 10 points per game and 270 yards of total offense. The following year's performance wasn't much different as Fletcher, Doering, Echols, Ghidorzi and Bryant led the UW defense to another dominating year. But here's the kicker:
Since the 2000 season Wisconsin has allowed 25 points per game and 380 yards of total offense. UW's 1998-'99 record: 21-3. 2000-'02: 19-13. You get the point.
The offensive has managed to score plenty of points this season even though they have struggled at times. However, it is nearly impossible to win in the Big Ten by giving up 30 points a game. And lately, it seems a score against the Badgers defense is inevitable unless a turnover is forced.
If the Badgers expect to come out of Saturday's Big Ten game on top, the defense will have to step up, especially against Ohio State's phenomenal rushing attack led by freshman Maurice Clarett and sophomore Lydell Ross. Without its success, the Badgers will be abused by the fourth ranked Buckeyes and the Camp Randall faithful will once again go home hanging their heads.
