Good, Bad and Ugly From Wisconsin Football Win Over Rutgers

On Saturday afternoon, the Wisconsin Badgers football team took care of business and remained undefeated in Big Ten play by picking up a 24-13 win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Here’s a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly from the Badgers win over Rutgers at Camp Randall Stadium in Week 6.

The Good: Wisconsin Football Tackling

One significant issue that’s plagued the Wisconsin football team heading into the Rutgers matchup was inconsistent tackling. The Badgers averaged 11.25 missed tackles per game through the first four games. 

But Mike Tressel’s defense looked the best it has all season against Rutgers, holding the Scarlet Knights to a season-low 275 total yards, 2-of-12 on third down, and just 64 yards rushing on 2.9 YPC.

The biggest reason why? Tackling didn’t suck. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Wisconsin football had just ONE missed tackle in the entire game. Overall, I thought the defense was more gap/assignment sound and showed good physicality. 

This was a significant step in the right direction for a defense that’s now held opponents to 17 points or less in all four victories.

The Bad: Badgers Passing Attack Was Uninspiring 

When Wisconsin shifted to an air raid offensive scheme in the offseason, I think most of us knew the Badgers would still run the ball plenty; it’s been in their DNA for three decades. 

However, I expected the Wisconsin football offense to sling the ball around the yard much more effectively, given its influx of talent at wide receiver. 

But against Rutgers, the Badgers air raid never took flight.

Tanner Mordecai finished the day 17-of-31 passing for 145 yards (4.7 YPA) and a touchdown. He also chipped in 11 carries for 50 yards rushing — which has played a massive role in helping balance the offense. 

Will Pauling was the only real threat, getting targeted 11 times for eight catches and 68 yards. None of Wisocnsin’s other top-four wide receivers had more than three targets — although Bryson Green showed some signs of life, catching two passes for 35 yards. Drops were also an issue. 

I understand that Mordcai’s numbers don’t pop off the page at first glance, but he’s done a tremendous job of limiting mistakes, making plays when his WRs fail to separate, and keeping the offense moving. 

It’s possible that the passing game will start clicking for the Wisconsin Badgers football team in the upcoming weeks, but there’s no denying that this aspect of their offense requires improvement.

The Ugly: Tanor Bortolini’s Snaps 

I’ll try to make this one short and sweet because I don’t like being negative: Tanor Bortolini’s snaps on Saturday were a problem — and they’re throwing off the timing of the entire offense. 

I’ve been on record saying that Bortolini’s done an admirable job stepping in at center after Jake Renfro’s injury. Between the slow snaps to the erratic display we saw against Rutgers, Renfro’s return to form could mean a lot to the Wisconsin football offensive line. 

On Braelon Allen’s touchdown run in particular, if it hadn’t been for Tanner Mordecai making an excellent play on the ball and still getting it to the ball carrier — that could have been a turnover or, at the very least, a significant loss of field position. 

pic.twitter.com/9IlNUUzpR5

— Badgers Film Clips (@Badgers_Film) October 8, 2023

I’m not trying to dog Bortolini — because he has been terrific as a blocker and is easily one of the top five offensive linemen. But when Renfro is healthy, he should take over the starting center gig, allowing Bortolini to return to guard, where he’s best suited to play. 

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