The Wisconsin football team showcased its powerful offensive line and running game against Akron last weekend.
Expect more of the same against the Marshall University Thundering Herd of Huntington, W.V., at home Saturday.
I would say that we'll run the football until someone says we can't,"" head coach Bret Bielema said at a news conference Monday.
While rushing is the foundation of the UW offense, senior quarterback Allan Evridge will likely begin to throw more often as the competition gets tougher.
Against Akron, Evridge completed 7 of 10 passes for 75 yards, handing the ball off to the triple threat of junior P.J. Hill and sophomores Zach Brown and John Clay 63 times for a combined 404 yards. UW prevailed 38-17 against the Zips.
""It's a blessing having three running backs,"" Clay said. ""We don't miss a beat with any one of us in the game.""
But fans shouldn't expect that much rushing every game, according to offensive coordinator Paul Chryst.
""I'm looking more for 50-something carries per game,"" Chryst said.
Under the direction of head coach Mark Snyder, who attended clinics with Bielema when they were both Big Ten assistant coaches, Marshall displayed a capable offense in its season opener against Illinois State. The Herd came out on top 35-10 and will be looking to improve on last year's 3-9 record.
""Their running back [Darius Marshall] is extremely talented, a guy that, going into his second year now, is seasoned and really has a good feel for the game,"" Bielema said. ""He really got better as the game wore on.""
Against Illinois State, Marshall gained 115 yards on 20 carries, and freshman Herd quarterback Mark Cann completed 11 of 22 passes for 161 yards and two passing touchdowns.
One problem the Badgers will aim to correct is scoring in the red zone. UW gave up an interception and a fumble on 1st-and-goal downs against Akron.
""What are we doing wasting a first down?"" Chryst said. ""That drives you nuts. We did some good things, but those mistakes will kill you.""
Bielema said many of the mistakes made by younger, inexperienced players will be solved quickly as they get more experience on the field.
Wisconsin's success running the ball has been largely attributed to the offensive line. Bielema named all five starters last game's MVPs.
""They do a tremendous job every day at practice,"" Clay said. ""They give it 100 percent, and their hard work definitely showed Saturday.""
Sophomore left tackle Gabe Carimi said the offensive line is well appreciated by the team and is very proud of its physical reputation.
""The five of us work really well together as a unit,"" Carimi said. ""I know we're going to fire off the ball and hit hard, and we're going to be prepared.""
Senior tight end Travis Beckum, who sat out the game against Akron, due to a hamstring injury, will play this weekend, Bielema said on the Big Ten coaches' teleconference Tuesday. Also, senior linebacker Jonathan Casillas plans to go through pre-game warm ups Saturday, but it is uncertain whether he will play.
