If there's one thing I've learned while attending this university, it's that balance often equals success. College life can get pretty overwhelming, and it's key to put a little variety in the choices you make - who you hang out with, what you eat, how much you sleep, how much you go out - balance in these areas often makes existing problems disappear. Why is this relevant? The Badgers' offense could benefit tremendously from a little variety - balance between its rushing and passing game.
Historically, Wisconsin has relied heavily on its rushing attack to lead itself to victory. There isn't just one reason for this - oa variety of factors have contributed. A history of run-oriented offensive coordinators, big offensive linemen who are able to open up holes, above average recruiting at the running back position, etc. The last decade of Wisconsin football has only reinforced this notion of run-first offense thanks to a series of backs that have excelled in the UW System - Anthony Davis, Ron Dayne, Brian Calhoun and most recently junior P.J. Hill.
Last Saturday against Akron, the Badgers showcased the full potential of their running game, and the impressive depth they possess behind Hill. Wisconsin finished the day with four touchdowns and 404 yards gained on the ground. Skepticism about Hill's questionable health was put to rest as he amassed 211 yards. Sophomore Zach Brown and freshman John Clay filled in nicely with a touchdown apiece. Even with the dismissal of junior Lance Smith from the team earlier this summer, the future of Wisconsin's running game still looks brighter than ever.
By contrast, in his first start as Wisconsin quarterback, senior Allan Evridge attempted just ten passes for 75 yards. He concluded a lengthy second quarter drive with an ugly interception to Akron in their own end zone. Evridge will have plenty more opportunities to show Badger fans what he can do through the air, but it certainly wasn't the most positive way for him to begin the season.
Maybe Wisconsin will be able to get away with run-dominated play calling against their lesser-established opponents, but the middle of the season matches up Wisconsin against the Big Ten's best. You can bet that those defenses will find adjustments to stop the run if UW offensive coordinator Paul Chryst relies too much on his running backs.
The Badgers spent an entire summer of training camp trying to improve their passing game, and Evridge has likely gotten a great deal of experience. Still, there are some qualities involving real-game play that don't translate on the practice field and Evridge will need to be given a legitimate chance to prove how he performs under pressure.
The return of senior tight end Travis Beckum to the field should take some of that pressure off Evridge. The Badgers should consider themselves more than fortunate that Beckum decided to stay for his senior season and not declare for the NFL draft. His climb from little-seen freshman linebacker to superstar tight end has been nothing short of remarkable. The Badgers took a big risk letting him play out of position - now he is already ranked third and seventh respectively on the school's career list in receptions and yards.
As much as Beckum does for the Badgers when the ball is in his hands, he accomplishes just as much with his mere presence on the field. Beckum's versatile skill set at tight end is well-respected around the country, and because of this teams will constantly be forced to make adjustments in order to limit his production. With increased attention on Beckum, this opens the door for Wisconsin's younger receivers. In particular, sophomore receivers David Gilreath and Kyle Jefferson have shown huge potential and the distraction of Beckum's presence on the field will give them even more chances to excel this season.
If Wisconsin is able to show an ability to make big plays in the passing game, they will catch their opponents off guard with multiple threats both through the air and on the ground. However, this cannot be accomplished without offensive coordinator Paul Chryst taking some risks with players outside the Badgers' running game.
Many students at UW have learned that just a little bit of variety can go a long way towards improvement. It only seems fitting that this concept could ultimately be the key for the Badgers' offensive success the rest of the way.
Convince Matt that the Badgers should never throw the ball again at mfox2@wisc.edu.
