Wisconsin football head coach Bret Bielema expressed both concern and optimism about the tendency of the defense to give up big plays in his weekly news conference Monday.
Bielema pointed out that of the 75 defensive snaps Saturday against Michigan State, 70 of those plays went for just below 320 yards, about a 4.5 yard average. However, the other five plays accounted for 250 yards of offense for the Spartans.
It's a positive from the standpoint that for 70 plays we played good defense,"" Bielema said. ""But the five plays we didn't, it's easy to see how quickly a game can change.""
One play that Bielema noted was a screen pass to Spartan junior wide receiver Devin Thomas that ended up as an 80-yard touchdown. The play tied the score and quickly swung the momentum after Badger freshman wide receiver Kyle Jefferson caught a 64-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Tyler Donovan.
""The first thing that jumps out is the bubble pass that went for 60-plus yards,"" Bielema said. ""Obviously we want to hold that to a minimal gain, if anything. We had four missed tackles on that play right there that resulted in giving up a touchdown. There aren't many balls going over our head, that's not the issue. It's the perimeter and tackling.""
Hill receives weekly honor
Sophomore running back P.J. Hill was named Co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts in Saturday's 37-34 victory over Michigan State, sharing the honor with Indiana sophomore quarterback Kellen Lewis.
Hill finished the game with 34 carries for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
""P.J. now has quietly creeped up to No. 6 in the nation in rushing,"" Bielema said. ""He's done a lot of great things for us here in these recent ball games.""
Junior tight end Travis Beckum was also instrumental in the win, collecting a career-high 10 receptions for 132 yards and a score. Beckum has found the end zone once in each of the past three games.
""The biggest thing, we were trying to get Travis involved in the game, he was making catches, but they weren't making as many production numbers as we've had,"" Bielema said. ""Where we put Travis is kind of dependent upon what we see available for us on film. I think [offensive coordinator] Paul Chryst has a tremendous understanding of what our players' strengths are.""
Landingham, Brown will see time
Due to sophomore running back Lance Smith's suspension from all 2007 road games, Bielema said true freshmen Zach Brown and Quincy Landingham may see time at Illinois this Saturday.
Brown, listed as the Badgers' second-string option at running back next to Smith, has carried the ball eight times for 35 yards thus far.
Landingham, who was originally recruited as both a safety and running back out of Lahser High School in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., made his first career appearance last Saturday against Michigan State on special teams. He returned to practice from a knee injury in the third week of the season. Bielema was very impressed with the freshman's intensity and execution in all phases of the kicking game.
""The way he carries himself on the field, he's a very confident young man,"" Bielema said. ""Mom and dad did a good job with him, he really understands the bigger picture.""
Ikegwuonu update
According to Bielema, junior cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu was taken out of Saturday's game due to ""dehydration issues and a migraine headache."" He lost seven pounds between Saturday and Sunday, Bielema said.
Ikegwuonu tried to play, but left after the first quarter. He was held out of practice Sunday and is expected to return Tuesday.
