For an offense that has been known for running the ball very effectively, the Wisconsin football team (0-0 Big Ten, 2-0 overall) showed this past weekend that the passing game can also be a formidable weapon.
The Beavers made it clear early on that they were going to do whatever they could to stop the Badgers' dangerous rushing attack, and while they were effective for much of the first half, that focus on the run allowed senior quarterback Russell Wilson to open things up through the air.
""Oregon State wasn't going to allow us run the ball, and we had to go to the air,"" head coach Bret Bielema said. ""It kind of loosened things up for the second half.""
The Badgers' bruising running game returned to form in the second half after wearing down the overmatched Beavers defense. However, it was encouraging to see that if running the ball isn't working UW can rely on the passing game to get things done on offense.
While the Badgers had a poor start on the ground against Oregon State, they should be able to bounce back against this week's opponent, Northern Illinois.
In their first two games this season the Huskies—who are coached by former UW defensive coordinator Dave Doeren—allowed a combined 556 rushing yards to Army and Kansas. But despite going up against a poor rushing defense, don't expect the Badgers to make any big changes to the offense.
""I think our offense is going to be the same no matter what defense we approach,"" Bielema said. ""We're going to find out what their strengths are, their weaknesses, and try to take advantage of what we do well and find the right balance.""
Wisconsin has a more potent offense than both of Northern Illinois' previous two opponents, so fans should expect junior running back Montee Ball and sohpomore running back James White to have big games on the ground this weekend.
However, Saturday's game presents interesting challenges for the Badgers. For one, it will be played at Chicago's Soldier Field, making it Wisconsin's first game this season played away from Camp Randall Stadium. The second challenge will be dealing with an opposing coach who is well-versed in the Badgers' system.
Doeren was the Badgers' defensive coordinator from 2006-'10, playing an instrumental role in UW's success over that period. Just prior to last year's Rose Bowl, Doeren left the team to take Northern Illinois' head coaching position.
""I have been very impressed with how well his team has played clean on offense and defense,"" Bielema said. ""His kids competed all the way to the end.""
In order to deal with Doeren's familiarity with the Wisconsin defense, Bielema plans on altering many of the team's basic tendencies.
""Here's a perfect time to kind of change up all the signals and communications, the things that Dave would know,"" Bielema said.
Co-defensive coordinators Chris Ash and Charlie Partridge will have to deal with this added task, but that shouldn't keep the defensive unit from being any less effective than they were last week.
On an injury note, starting senor cornerback Devin Smith will miss this weekend's game and possibly much more time with a foot injury.
""Devin's season is in jeopardy,"" Bielema said.
Junior defensive back Marcus Cromartie will fill in for Smith for the duration of his injury.
Taylor named Big Ten defensive player of the week
Wisconsin junior linebacker Mike Taylor was honored Monday by the Big Ten as the conference's defensive player of the week after his performance in the Badgers' 35-0 win over Oregon State on Saturday.
Taylor played a big role in the defense's first shutout since October 31, 2009 against Purdue. The Ashwaubenon native recorded a career-high nine tackles, a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss as well a forced fumble in helping the UW defense hold the Beavers to 23 yards rushing on 24 attempts.
Taylor is the Badgers' second Big Ten weekly player of the week award winner of the young season. Senior quarterback Russell Wilson was honored as the conference offensive player of the week last week.
—Ryan Evans
