After last week's win against Western Illinois, the Badgers vowed not to become complacent with the day's performance or satisfied with the game's result. The defense was particularly critical of its performance, allowing 80 rushing yards and eight third down conversions (out of 16 chances).
Saturday, however, the Wisconsin defense had almost no basis for being upset with its play.
""I think the [the defensive line] dominated today. Every play it seemed like we were getting penetration or a quarterback hurry,"" senior safety Joe Stellmacher said. ""We came with a lot of blitzes and we got [the quarterback] running around most of the game.""
Wisconsin applied constant pressure to the Aztecs' quarterback, sophomore Darren Mougey, who was indecisive and ineffective throughout the game due to the Wisconsin defense.
""The pressure that we put on the quarterback really affected what they wanted to do on offense,"" sophomore cornerback Jack Ikegwonu said. ""A lot of times the receivers were running deep, but as soon as we turned around, the quarterback was on his back. The job our defensive line did on the front end really disrupted the whole passing game.""
The biggest improvement between last week and this one was the defensive effort on third down. Bowling Green was six for 14 on third down and Western Illinois' conversion rate climbed to fifty percent.
Against San Diego State, the Badgers allowed only two third down conversions, the Aztecs' first two of the game, and stopped them on their final 14.
The length and success of a drive often depends on the outcome of third downs; 14 out of 16 times, SDSU could not continue the drive and ended up with only 124 total yards because of it.
""It was the way we prepared for this week, we just took a whole different approach and we were ready,"" sophomore defensive lineman Jason Chapman said of his unit's success on third down.
""The key was tackling, knowing our assignments, and really having an attitude where that's your payday on third down,"" Stellmacher said. ""Their motivation was simple: Get off the field.""
The new attitude on defense seemed to contribute to the intensity on third down, as did the inspiring excerpts from ""Crazy Train"" over the PA system. The defensive line set the tone for the game and opened gaps for the statistical star of the show, senior linebacker Mark Zalewski.
""Everything really comes down to preparation in practice and just focus,"" said Zalewski, who recorded a team-high eight tackles and two sacks. ""You know it's third down and you have to have the mentality that you are going to get off the field.""
The Badgers will have to keep up the good work if they hope to record their fourth win Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich., against the No. 6 Wolverines, who are riding high after pounding Notre Dame Saturday.
