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Wisconsin Badgers Football Learning From Spring Mistakes

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Nov 26, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader carries the Wisconsin flag following a score during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Badgers football spring game may not have gone completely as planned, but that does not mean the team cannot learn from it.

The majority of the fan base expected fireworks on both sides of the ball as the Badgers played their first real football since their Bowl Game. In particular, the quarterback play had been hyped up astronomically for this game. However, Wisconsin certainly never reached the lofty expectations fans set for them.

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While the Badgers may not have played the best football, that does not mean good football will not appear. Wisconsin still has plenty of time to fix their mistakes from the short Spring season.

Wisconsin Badgers Football: ‘Liftoff’ is a Group Effort 

For the fans that got to witness “The Launch” in real time, liftoff was certainly delayed. The struggles for Wisconsin started with the offense, particularly the quarterback play. New starting quarterback and Southern Methodist University transfer Tanner Mordecai had a day to forget. Madison did not provide the best passing conditions for the game, which impacted some plays and passes.

However, the Wisconsin Badgers football team could not use the conditions as an excuse. Mordecai sailed four interceptions during his first technical showing as a Badger. The struggles for Mordecai began in the pocket and led to multiple inaccurate throws over the middle. The experienced quarterback seemed to have a difficult time getting comfortable behind his new offensive line.

Wisconsin Football

Wisconsin quarterback Tanner Mordecai avoids the rush of outside linebacker T.J. Bollers during The Launch, the team’s intra-squad scrimmage at Camp Randall Stadium Saturday April 22, 2023.
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While the offense of Phil Longo is not what Mordecai and the Badgers are used to, they still have plenty of time to continue to learn. The talented quarterback threw over 70 touchdowns during his two seasons with SMU. Mordecai also threw for nearly 7300 yards while only allowing 22 interceptions in 897 passing attempts. While it certainly was not his best showing for the Wisconsin Badgers football team, Mordecai has the support around him to fix his mistakes.

One important thing to note as well is the speed of the game. Mordecai and the quarterback room received their first full-speed experience during the Spring game. As the team continues to work together and ramp up their physicality, Mordecai and the quarterback room will be perfectly fine.

Offensive Struggles or Defensive Heroics?

Wisconsin football cornerbacks Ricardo Hallman and Max Lofy

Sep 10, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) celebrates with cornerback Max Lofy (12) following an interception during the first quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

While Mordecai and others may have struggled during the game, it may not have entirely been their fault. While the quarterback did not look the same during the game, he also had a talented defense to go up against. Corner back Ricardo Hallman snagged three interceptions off of his starting quarterback during the Spring game. Hallman played excellent coverage and stayed glued to his man during every play in his best showing to date.

Another aspect of the defense that went under the radar is the pressure the team applied on the quarterbacks. The Wisconsin Badgers football team has built a strong, fearsome defense they put on display once again. The entire Badgers quarterback room struggled to conduct all of their reads before a defender was in their face.

On paper, the offense was swallowed by the defense in dominant fashion. However, in the game, the offense struggled to adjust against the talented defense. With more time and work, the Wisconsin Badgers will surely produce a high-level team in 2023.


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Jarrett Guerrera is a graduate of Western New England University with a Bachelor's in English. Jarrett played rugby at the collegiate level, and has been a sports fanatic all his life. Jarrett is also a contributor for Wisconsin Sports Heroics.

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