Football

Wisconsin Football: Bold Predictions for the Badgers Defense in 2023

In the second installment of bold predictions for the Wisconsin Badgers football team in 2023, we look at the defensive side of the ball.

Published

2 months ago

July 30, 2023

Christian Borman

Oct 8, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers safety Kamo'i Latu (13) celebrates with linebacker Maema Njongmeta (55), left and cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) after incepting a pass in the first quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

In our first installment of bold predictions for the Wisconsin football team, we looked at the offensive side of the ball. Now, for part two, we’ll focus on the Badgers defense. The defense has been one of the best and most consistent units in the entire country since Dave Aranda took over as the defensive coordinator in 2013. Jim Leonhard took control of the defense in 2017 and made it one of the elite defenses in the country.

New defensive coordinator Mike Tressel will look to continue that dominance. He has a nice cast of players to work with and Wisconsin fans are still expecting a stout defense, even without Leonhard.

So here are my bold predictions for the 2023 Wisconsin defense.

1. Darryl Peterson Paces the Wisconsin Football Defense with Double-Digit Sacks

The Badgers have a big pass-rushing hole that needs to be filled this year. Nick Herbig and Keeanu Benton were first and second in sacks last year, respectively. They combined for 15.5 sacks. That’s a lot of production that needs to be replaced.

Darryl Peterson came to Wisconsin as a highly-coveted 4-star recruit. He chose Wisconsin over teams like Michigan and Alabama. After a couple of years of waiting his turn, it’s Peterson’s time to contribute. He can win off the line with his speed or his power. He has all of the physical tools needed to be an effective pass-rusher in the Big Ten.

Let’s call this season the Darryl Peterson coming-out party.

Wisconsin safety Hunter Wohler (24) is shown during the first quarter of their game Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin beat Illinois State 38-0.
Mjs Uwgrid03 45 Jpg Uwgrid03 113889106

2. Hunter Wohler has 5+ interceptions

A sneaky stat that a lot of Wisconsin football fans may not know is that the Badgers finished second in the Big Ten with 17 picks, only training Illinois (24). Safety John Torchio had five himself.

With the Jewelry Thief graduated, the Badgers are going to have to find themselves a new ball-hawking safety. Last year, Hunter Wohler had one interception while playing in just six games, but missed more than half the season with a leg injury.

With Kamo’i Latu being more of the box safety, I would expect Wohler to be playing center field in Tressel’s 3-3-5 defensive scheme that he is bringing to Madison. Wohler comes into his own this season and leads the Badgers in interceptions.

3. Maema Njongmeta leads the Big Ten with 120 tackles

Njongmeta led the Badgers in tackles a year ago with 95 total tackles, good for seventh in the Big Ten. He added 12.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. With that performance, he earned third-team all-Big Ten honors.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say he goes out with a bang in his senior season. Not only will his numbers go up, but I think he will lead the entire conference in total tackles with 120.

Last year, Iowa’s Jack Campbell led the conference with 127. Michigan State’s Cal Haladay was second to Campbell with 120 tackles last year. I think that is entirely within the reach for Njongmeta this season. Unless someone comes along and has a Jack Campbell-like season, I feel comfortable putting Njongmeta in the conversation as one of the top and most productive linebackers in the Big Ten in 2023.

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

4. Ricardo Hallman becomes a shutdown cornerback for Wisconsin Football

With Jay Shaw, Cedrick Dort, and Justin Clark all leaving the program, the Badgers have some spots to fill at cornerback this season. Alexander Smith, Ricardo Hallman, and Jason Maitre should all be in competition for the starting corner gigs.

Heading into his junior season, Ricardo Hallman has appeared in 11 games. He has 10 total tackles, one interception, and four passes defended. Not necessarily a tell-tale sign of a future lockdown cornerback. But he was a guy who was brought up frequently during spring practices, making play after play.

But he really broke out during the Badgers spring game. The game was televised on Big Ten Network, so fans got to see Hallman record three interceptions on his own during the game. All three picks came off of starting quarterback, Tanner Mordecai. Granted, the weather was miserable and wet and the offense is still a big work in progress. But he was still able to lock down the receivers and go up and make some impressive interceptions.

He showed last year that he can make some impressive catches. Does anyone remember this one?

Probably could have been called for pass interference, but a helluva interception by Ricardo Hallman. #Badgers pic.twitter.com/QQVAM3vLt0

— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) September 17, 2022

Now, I am definitely not saying he’ll be the next Sauce Gardner. But this is the staff that helped Gardner develop into one of the top cornerbacks in the country a couple of years ago. I think they are going to help Hallman be the next lockdown corner for the Wisconsin Badgers.

5. Wisconsin Football finishes higher than 7th in points allowed in the Big Ten

Last season, the Badgers were 7th in points allowed in the Big Ten, allowing 20.2 points per game. A new head coach, defensive coordinator, and a new defensive scheme could definitely result in a regression. Now add in the fact that the offense is going to be a lot faster, translating to less time of possession. Ultimately adding up to the defense being on the field.

When a defense is on the field more, teams are generally going to put up more points.

My final bold prediction for the defense is that not only will they not regress, but they will improve in the points allowed area. I think the Badgers will improve but also teams that finished ahead of them like Illinois (12.8), Iowa (13.3), and Minnesota (13.8), won’t be able to repeat what they did defensively last season. Especially if this Wisconsin offense is able to hang 30+ points on them during the regular season.

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Christian Borman on Twitter @ChristianBorman

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Football

Wisconsin Badgers Football: What Are We DOIN Here?!

Published

24 mins ago

September 23, 2023

Jason Long

Wisconsin Badgers Football head coach Luke Fickell vs. Purdue

Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell talks to an official during the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Wisconsin Badgers won 38-17.

The Wisconsin Badgers football team has been betting favorites in all four games this season, and after suffering a week two loss at Wazzou, the boys have bounced back nicely with back-to-back wins.

Last week on the BadgerNotes After Dark Pod with Coop and Dillon (shameless plug, like, follow, subscribe, comment), I told the fellas that I am just too angry while watching the games when it comes to the Badgers and how they’re playing. I wanted to go into this Purdue game level-headed, as a new man with a positive attitude toward the team.

I’ve found new targets to shift my annoyed, pent-up anger towards.

Wisconsin Football What Are We Doin Here Moment of the Week

As I sat watching the Wisconsin Badgers football team win both games by multiple scores while being incredibly unsettled every time the defense was on the field.

I couldn’t help but notice the announcers damn near cheering for the other team. I get that to some extent when a small dog like Georgia Southern hangs around with a Power Five team. But the entire second half of the Purdue game, we had to listen to Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman be overly excited at every chunk play Purdue had.

Brando was lobbying for a Touchdown at the end of the game for Purdue and was comfortable being completely wrong about it. You would have thought the Pennsylvania School of The Blind was beating up on IMG Academy the way these guys were giddy anytime Purdue moved the sticks.

I’m a sucker for a Cinderella Story, a junkie for a +500 bet, and an absolute slut for an upset.

But, fellas, Wisconsin football & Purdue are BIG Ten opponents in a week-four bout. The spread was less than a touchdown at kickoff. What are we DOIN here?!

The Badgers didn’t play as well in the second half because they played damn near perfect in the first half. So, I’m sure I am overreacting about this. But I’m playing into Wisconsin football vs. The World right now, and nobody is safe from these Twitter fingers.

Brando – Tillman, looking at you boys. Respectfully, What are we DOIN here!?

Wisconsin Football Team Suffers Devastating Blow on Injury Front

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Jason Long on Twitter @JasonC_Long

Follow this link and use promo code: BADGERNOTES for 25% off your next True Classic order.

Join the Badger Notes watch party and stream Wisconsin Badgers games by following this link.

*Subscribe to BadgerNotes After Dark on Youtube and wherever you find podcasts, the official Wisconsin Badgers podcast of the Big Banter Sports Network.

Football

Wisconsin Football Team Suffers Devastating Blow on Injury Front

Published

6 hours ago

September 23, 2023

Dillon Graff

Wisconsin football; Badgers running back Chez Mellusi suffers devastating injury

Sep 22, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi (1) is taken off the field in a cart after suffering an injury during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

The Wisconsin football program has been hit hard by a gut-wrenching twist of fate, with Badgers sixth-year running back Chez Mellusi suffering what appears to be a season-ending injury.

Our thoughts are with @chez_mellusi and @BadgerFootball. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NMo3QKaSUX

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 23, 2023

The news has left both the team and fans in shock and has raised questions about the team’s running back depth moving forward.

Mellusi, who returned for a sixth season to make a significant impact on the team, had been a crucial part of the Badgers’ offense. His experience and versatility provided a valuable dimension to the team’s running game, making him a key asset for Head Coach Luke Fickell.

In all likelihood, Mellusi will finish the season with 40 carries for 268 yards (6.7 YPC) and four touchdowns. The 5-foot-11, 212-pound tailback also caught two passes for 14 yards.

Wisconsin Football Faces Uncertain Future Without Chez Mellusi

The injury occurred during the fourth quarter of the game, leaving Chez Mellusi visibly shaken, and he was carted off the field, surrounded by his teammates. It was a stark reminder of the physical toll that football can take on even the most dedicated and talented athletes.

While the full extent of Mellusi’s injury hasn’t been disclosed, the ole eye test suggests it could be a season-ending setback. Wisconsin football now has a significant void to fill in their running back rotation.

One of the critical challenges facing Luke Fickell and his coaching staff is finding a suitable replacement for Mellusi. His unique skill set and experience will not be easily replicated, and the team will be forced to rely on converted fullback Jackson Acker and Cade Yacamelli to fill the No. 2 role behind Braelon Allen.

The loss of Mellusi is not just a blow to the team’s on-field performance but also a heartbreak for a player who had worked tirelessly to contribute to the Badgers’ success.

As the Wisconsin football team navigates this challenging period, the focus now shifts to rallying together and finding a way to continue their season on a positive note. The road ahead is undoubtedly more arduous without Mellusi, but adversity has a way of uniting a team and bringing out their best.

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Join the Badger Notes watch party and stream Wisconsin Badgers games by following this link.

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Football

Wisconsin Football Defeats Purdue: Here’s What Stood Out

Published

8 hours ago

September 22, 2023

Dillon Graff

Wisconsin football; Badgers QB Tanner Mordecai and Bryson Green

Sep 22, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) celebrates with Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Bryson Green (9) after running for a touchdown during the first half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

In their Big Ten opener at Ross-Ade Stadium, Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin football program (3-1, 1-0 B1G) secured a 38-17 victory over Purdue (1-3, 0-1 B1G), extending the Badgers winning streak against the Boilermakers to an unprecedented 17 consecutive games.

Here are a few things that stood out from the Wisconsin Badgers week four victory over Ryan Walters and the Purdue Boilermakers.

Wisconsin Football Utilized Tanner Mordecai as a Dual-Threat QB on Friday Night

Wisconsin football needed to get off to a fast start after three consecutive subpar first-half performances, and the Badgers offense answered by jumping out to a 14-0 start behind the legs of quarterback Tanner Mordecai.

He finished the game with 14 carries, amassing 58 yards and scoring twice on the ground while also completing 63% of his passes for 174 yards & one interception.

1st TD in the 📚

pic.twitter.com/x59Kfa253t

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) September 22, 2023

While Mordecai’s performance wasn’t flawless, his ability to create plays with his legs did help create running opportunities for Braelon Allen. As a result, Allen carried the ball 16 times, racking up 116 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

This new dynamic clearly caught Purdue off guard and played a crucial role in providing the much-needed quick start for the Wisconsin football offense.

Wisconsin Football Just Became Real Thin at Running Back

Chez Mellusi‘s return for a sixth season has had a significant impact on the Badger offense.

Thriving in Phil Longo’s system, Mellusi entered the game as Wisconsin’s leading rusher. Unfortunately, he sustained what appeared to be a significant injury in the fourth quarter, likely marking the end of his collegiate career.

Our thoughts are with @chez_mellusi and @BadgerFootball. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NMo3QKaSUX

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 23, 2023

With Mellusi out of the picture, Wisconsin football will now turn to converted fullback Jackson Acker and presumably Cade Yacamelli to fill the No. 2 role behind Braelon Allen.

Due to Allen’s injury history, the new coaching staff intended to restrict his number of carries to safeguard his health. Now, Luke Fickell must determine whether they are still willing to adhere to this plan without a 1B tailback at his disposal.

This is a difficult situation for Wisconsin football in general, but it’s especially tough for Mellusi personally. I hope he makes a full recovery because it’s always disheartening to witness a player’s college career conclude in such a manner.

Prayers up.

Other Wisconsin Badgers Musings

Jack Nelson had another brutal game with at least three penalties. I’m not sure what’s going on right now — but I’m shocked at how poor and undisciplined the Stoughton native has been through four games.

***

Wisconsin football found themselves a kicker. Nathaniel Vakos is now 7-for-7 on the season, and it looks like he’s the best placekicking option the Badgers have had since Rafael Gaglianone.

***

CJ Williams put together the best game of his Badgers career — which was great to see — finishing with five catches for 56 yards. It was an encouraging sign for the passing attack moving forward.

***

The University of Wisconsin football program might not have a terrific defensive line this year — but James Thompson Jr. is most definitely a dude for the Badgers. He finished with six tackles, 2.0 TFLs, a sack, plus a pass-breakup.