Throughout the spring season, UW coaches have stressed playing with consistency. For the past month, the play of the Wisconsin offense has been consistently inconsistent. The trend continued during the Badgers' intra-squad scrimmage at Camp Randall Stadium Saturday.
Defensive backs Kim Royston, Anthony Pleasant and Jay Valai all recorded interceptions, and the defensive line pressured Badger quarterbacks throughout the scrimmage.
Despite its struggles, the offense fared better than it had in the team's previous scrimmage on March 24.
Sophomore quarterback Dustin Sherer led the second-team offense on an impressive eight-play scoring drive, capped by a touchdown pass to sophomore tight end Mickey Turner. A hard hit from Royston could not jar the ball from Turner's hands.
Quarterbacks Tyler Donovan and Allan Evridge both had difficulty finding their receivers against the first-team defense.
""I think there's some stuff all the guys did that [was] OK and then there's going to be some things they've got to improve on or don't want to repeat,"" offensive coordinator Paul Chryst said, critiquing his quarterbacks. ""You've got to go out and when you get your opportunities you've got to maximize them.""
Much of the quarterbacks' problems resulted from a strong pass rush by the defensive line. Nevertheless, defensive line coach Randall McCray remained cautious about praising his unit.
""I think they did alright,"" McCray said. ""I would have liked to have a couple more sacks than we had.""
McCray added that he thought the defensive line's effort could have been better.
""We've got guys who can control their gaps and make plays, [but] my biggest concern is their effort,"" McCray said. ""That's why we're running after practice.""
Just as the defense frustrated the Badger passing game, it also limited the success of sophomore running backs Lance Smith and Tyler Holland.
""We hit some [holes] and missed some cuts that we should make,"" Chryst said. ""Like a lot of young guys they need a ton of work.""
After practices Tuesday and Thursday morning, Wisconsin will wrap up its spring season with the annual Spring Game Saturday at Camp Randall. Admission is free.
Injury report
Junior defensive lineman Mike Newkirk injured his foot during Saturday's practice. The two-time letter winner walked with crutches and had his foot in a medical support boot after the scrimmage. McCray did not know Newkirk's status.
""I saw him in the boot afterwards and I think he's in [it] now,"" McCray said. ""That means Jeff Stehle's got to step up a little bit and either Brandon Hoey or Terrance Jamison—they've got to step up in that second group.""
Plays of the Day
Junior linebacker and preseason Lott Trophy candidate Jonathan Casillas soared into the air to intercept a Tyler Donovan pass over the middle.
Sophomore safety Shane Carter broke up a sure touchdown catch with a crushing hit on junior tight end Travis Beckum.
