Football

Wisconsin Football Outside Linebacker Room Season Outlook & Player Expectations

A quick look at the Wisconsin football outside linebacker room heading into fall camp and analyzing their individual expectations for the season.

Published

2 months ago

July 26, 2023

Dillon Graff

Wisconsin football outside linebackers Darryl Peterson and Kaden Johnson

Nov 12, 2022; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Darryl Peterson (right) reacts with linebacker Kaden Johnson (52) after a defensive stop during the first quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

With fall camp just around the corner for new head coach Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin football program — BadgerNotes continues our rollout of position previews. We’ve already done QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, and DL thus far.

But I want our position previews and season outlook write-ups to be different than a regurgitated version of what every outlet is putting out.

I want to approach this breakdown by establishing individual player expectations heading into the season so we can more effectively evaluate each player at the end of the season—that way, we can avoid being a prisoner of the moment.

So, let’s review the breakdown of how we define player expectations:

No expectations (walk-ons, true freshmen, practice bodies).
Low expectations (roster fillers, third team players, next man up situation).

Moderate expectations (key backups & role players *how well are you playing the role asked of you).
High expectations (core players of the team you expect to make a big impact in their role or statistically).

Let’s continue our series with the Wisconsin football outside linebackers.

High Expectations

Darryl Peterson (RS SO)
C.J. Goetz (RS SR)

I’m placing Darryl Peterson and C.J. Goetz in the high-expectations group for the Badgers this season. This high-expectations declaration concerns their current status as preferred starters — and their opportunity to make an impact — more than projected statistical output.

Without Nick Herbig, UW has a gaping hole to fill in terms of production. This is the first time in years that there hasn’t been an heir to the throne you felt good about leading the position group.

Let’s start with Peterson because he has the best chance to give the Badgers a pass-rusher that teams might have to gameplan for. Last season, he was the No. 3 outside linebacker and played 331 snaps.

Peterson played in all 13 games, starting three, and totaled 29 tackles, 11 pressures, 2.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, and a fumble recovery. He finished with an uninspiring 6.7% pass-rush win percentage, which was 13th on the Wisconsin football team. Per PFF, Peterson ended with a 64.1 grade (slightly above average) as a pass-rusher.

There’s no denying that 6-foot-1, 245-pound OLB has the highest upside in the outside linebacker room, but that needs to translate onto the field next season because the Badgers need someone who can apply pressure and get after the QB. His worth ethic suggests it’s within the realm of possibility, but he’s someone who needs to step up as a redshirt sophomore.

Then on the opposite side, you’ve got Goetz, who’s returning for a sixth and final season in Madison.

Last year he finished with 62 tackles, 16 pressures, two sacks, and two pass deflections. His 16 pressures were good for fifth on the Badgers’ defense, and it’s also worth noting that he played the best ball of his career in the second half of the season.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound OLB has the second-highest PFF grade on the Wisconsin football defense among returning players (74.5) and is the most experienced pass-rusher on the team, having logged 883 career snaps.

Goetz is one of the Badgers’ top run defenders and tacklers in the front seven, and although he’s not known for his pass-rushing ability, his presence will help provide stability to an otherwise unproven room of OLBs. He’s a steady option that a defense in transition can depend on.

To meet expectations, someone needs to elevate their play from a season ago, and I’m betting on Peterson. If they can continue being positive influences in defending the run game and provide a halfway decent pass rush, that’s a win in my eyes.

Wisconsin Football OLBs With Moderate Expectations

T.J. Bollers (RS SO)
Kaden Johnson (RS JR)
Jeff Pietrowski (RS JR)

I’m lumping T.J. Bollers, Kaden Johnson, and Michigan State transfer Jeff Pietrowski in the moderate expectations group because they will all likely play a role and see meaningful snaps this season.

Johnson and Bollers were both high-pedigree prospects coming out of high school. However, they have yet to turn that into production.

Johnson also gained some valuable experience, playing 177 snaps last season behind Nick Herbig. He finished with 21 tackles and six pressures and flashed the athleticism necessary to make an impact if the Minnesota native puts it all together. He’s still a work in progress who is in danger of getting surpassed if it doesn’t click soon.

Bollers has been asked to play a tweener position and might finally be coming into his own after some encouraging reports from spring practice. Last season he appeared in five games and saw just 28 snaps. However, he’s almost assuredly going to play a role in the two-deep and offers a unique blend of size and strength on the outside that Mike Tressel can get creative with. He’s one of the players I’m most excited to see this fall.

Finally, we’ve got Pietrowski, a former defensive end that transferred into the Wisconsin football program during the offseason.

The 6-foot-1, 250-pound defensive lineman has 23 games of experience under his belt but appeared in only three games this past season because of a lower-leg injury he suffered in September.

In 2021, Pietrowski registered 33 tackles, 24 pressures, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. Per PFF, he earned a 78.7 defensive grade as a run-stopper, which for reference, would have been the highest among Badgers DL in 2022. He should be a solid but unspectacular depth piece this fall that will become even more valuable if the higher upside options fail to make a jump in their development.

To meet expectations, these need to be useful in their assigned roles and take a noticeable step forward — hopefully pushing for starting roles. The outside linebacker room is thinner than it’s been in years, so it would be encouraging to hear some positive reports about these toolsy linebackers putting it together. Otherwise, this might be a position of need next offseason.

Wisconsin Football OLBs With Low Expectations

Marty Strey (RS SR)

In this low-expectations group, I will put redshirt senior Marty Strey from Sun Prarie, Wisconsin.

I won’t go into any deep analysis of Strey, but he could be the third-team outside linebacker — so by the definitions I’ve set — this is where he belongs. There were some nice reports about his play during spring practice, but it’s unlikely he’ll see the field in any meaningful capacity.

To meet expectations, he needs to stay healthy and be a player that provides depth behind the top five linebackers expected to see the field in 2023.

No Expectations

Aaron Witt (RS JR)
Ross Gengler (RS JR)
Jordan Mayer (FR)

Finally, I’ve got Aaron Witt, Ross Gengler, and true freshman Jordan Mayer in the no-expectations group.

Wisconsin football fans are obsessed with what Witt did in the legendary Dukes Mayo Bowl in 2020, but injuries have kept him off the field ever since. If he can get healthy, perhaps something is left in the tank. At one point, I felt he had NFL upside, but we can’t expect anything of him until he can get back to health.

Gengler should continue to see time on special teams, and Mayer is a really nice pass-rushing outside linebacker prospect to develop for the future. He caught my eye on a sack where he beat Barrett Nelson during The Launch. Mayer is one to watch for the future.

To meet expectations, this group needs to focus on the weight room, learning the playbook, and continued development.

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 Dillon Graff on Twitter @DillonGraff.

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Football

The Implications of Chez Mellusi’s Injury for Wisconsin Football

Published

3 hours ago

September 25, 2023

Jake Maier

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 Badgers football program is heading into the bye week on a high note with a 38-17 win over Purdue. The Badgers showed some flashes of potential in their Big Ten opener, but the biggest storyline coming out of the game was the injury to Chez Mellusi.

The injury looked bad on replay, but the cart coming out for the former Clemson transfer, along with an air cast being placed on his leg, heightened fears for the worst. Ultimately, it was confirmed that Mellusi would miss the rest of the 2023 season with a fractured fibula.

Mellusi’s fracture marked his third significant injury during his tenure with the Badgers. He was named the starter in 2021 after transferring in from Clemson but ultimately suffered a season-ending ACL tear. He would return for his 2022 campaign but miss four games in the middle of the season due to a broken arm. Now, just four games into the season, Mellusi will miss the final eight games of the regular season.

Where Does Wisconsin Football Go From Here?

Without Mellusi, Wisconsin football will look to its young talent to replicate his production, which could be challenging. The fifth-year senior logged 51 carries for 307 yards and four touchdowns through four games. He also tacked on three receptions for 12 yards.

Mellusi did earn a bulk of the carries through four games, with Braleon Allen dinged up. Luckily, Allen looks to be back to his usual self, so they won’t need to rely on a younger back to take the majority of the carries. Still, the depth is a big question mark for Wisconsin’s running back room now.

Behind Allen, the Badgers have Jackson Acker, Cade Yacamelli, Grover Bortolotti, and Nate White to fill out the rotation.

Acker, a redshirt sophomore, has sparingly seen some time on the field as the RB3. The Madison native has appeared in three games thus far, logging eight carries for 31 yards as well as one reception for three yards. As the RB3, he’ll be expected to step up in the wake of Mellusi’s injury when Allen needs a breather.

Converted safety Cade Yacamelli will be the likely candidate to fill Acker’s shoes in the RB3 role. He hasn’t appeared in any offensive snaps thus far, but he has seen some time on the field with special teams. Reports out of spring and fall camp indicated that Yacamelli had something in the tank as a running back, but it remains to be seen in live game reps.

It’s not the best situation for Wisconsin to be in, but UW does have plenty of contributors at tailback who could take some snaps if need be. Although this situation is a tough one all around, there could be a bright spot.

Chez Mellusi Could Return to the Wisconsin Football Program in 2024

Since Mellusi sustained his injury during the fourth game of the season, Badgers fans shouldn’t rule out a sixth-year return from the standout tailback.

Although Mellusi didn’t see starter-level snaps during his time with Clemson, he never used a redshirt year. Plus, his sophomore season was impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, giving him another year of eligibility.

So, the choice for Mellusi comes down to focusing on his health and looking to sign with an NFL team as a UDFA or moving on to the next phase of his life outside of football. On the other hand, he could return for a sixth year to boost his draft stock. It certainly wouldn’t hurt the Wisconsin Badgers, who is looking at Allen potentially heading to the NFL draft after the season and having an influx of young running backs coming into the fold, such as Darrion Dupree, Dilin Jones, and Gideon Ituka.

Although Mellusi’s injury is devastating for a number of reasons, there is a small bright spot in that we could see him don the cardinal and white one more time.

Wisconsin football is now headed into the bye week starting 3-1 on the season. They’ll take on Rutgers on October 7th in Madison as both teams look to improve to 4-1.

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here. Also, like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin football news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Jake Maier on Twitter @JakeJMaier.

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Football

Wisconsin Football Defensive Snap Counts & PFF Grades vs. Purdue

Published

6 hours ago

September 25, 2023

Dillon Graff

Wisconsin football; Badgers defensive end James Thompson Jr.

Sep 22, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive end James Thompson Jr. (90) celebrates after sacking Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) during the first half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers football team (3-1, 1-0 B1G) kicked off Big Ten play with a 38-17 victory over Ryan Walters and the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on Friday night.

In this post-game recap, we dissect the performance of the Wisconsin Badgers by analyzing their snap counts and Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades for each position group — and include a few stats that help add context to the ole eye test.

By analyzing these metrics, we can gain a clearer insight into the individual contributions of each unit to the team’s overall performance. While you can’t take these figures as gospel, this allows us to identify strengths, key contributors, and areas where Wisconsin football excelled.

Let’s dive in.

Wisconsin Football Defensive Snap Counts & PFF Grades

Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver TJ Sheffield (8) is tackled by a group of Wisconsin Badgers players during the NCAA football game, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Wisconsin Badgers won 38-17.

Defensive Line:

Rodas Johnson – Snap Count: [36] – PFF Grade: [47.4]

James Thomspon – Snap Count: [35] – PFF Grade: [64.6]

Darian Varner – Snap Count: [15] – PFF Grade: [62.1]

***

Gio Paez – Snap Count: [23] – PFF Grade: [44.1]

Curt Neal – Snap Count: [19] – PFF Grade: [49.0]

Ben Barten – Snap Count: [16] – PFF Grade: [59.4]

Inside Linebackers:

Jake Chaney – Snap Count: [71] – PFF Grade: [61.2]

Jordan Turner – Snap Count: [70] – PFF Grade: [48.8]

*Maema Njongmeta – Snap Count: [1?] – PFF Grade: [N/A]

Outside Linebackers:

C.J. Goetz – Snap Count: [53] – PFF Grade: [55.0]

Darryl Peterson – Snap Count: [45] – PFF Grade: [56.6]

Jeff Pietrowski – Snap Count: [14] – PFF Grade: [55.6]

Kaden Johnson – Snap Count: [5] – PFF Grade: [79.1]

Cornerbacks:

Ricardo Hallman – Snap Count: [71] – PFF Grade: [69.2]

Jason Maitre – Snap Count: [69] – PFF Grade: [58.2]

Alexander Smith – Snap Count: [50] – PFF Grade: [74.9]

Nyzier Fourqurean – Snap Count: [21] – PFF Grade: [56.0]

Safeties:

Hunter Wohler – Snap Count: [71] – PFF Grade: [71.6]

Kamo’i Latu – Snap Count: [36] – PFF Grade: [59.7]

Preston Zachman – Snap Count: [61] – PFF Grade: [53.6]

Defensive Analysis:

The most peculiar thing about Wisconsin football beating Purdue on Friday night was senior inside linebacker Maema Njongmeta essentially not playing at all. Full disclosure: I didn’t notice it until somebody pointed it out — but he appeared to see the field for one snap on fourth down late in the game. Luke Fickell said he was available — and I have a hard time believing something more isn’t going on here — but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

The safety rotation was also somewhat bizarre to me for several reasons: Travian Blaylock sat in favor of a heavy dosage of Preston Zachman. I was also disappointed that Austin Brown couldn’t build off a strong performance against Georgia Southern.

I don’t need to get super in-depth on this one, but the defensive front seven was BAD. James Thompson Jr. is quickly becoming a stud on the defensive line — but other than him — there weren’t any individual performances to write home about. Nobody on the Wisconsin football defense registered more than two pressures on the night, and the Badgers finished with 16 total.

Lastly, a Wisconsin Badgers defense that’s struggled with giving up chunk plays all season (bottom third in the NCAA) also has a huge tackling issue — and was credited with 16 missed tackles as a team. This Wisconsin football defense isn’t talented enough to overcome these sloppy mistakes and is a clear point of emphasis to clean up during the bye week.

Wisconsin Football Offensive Snap Counts & PFF Grades vs. Purdue

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 football news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Dillon Graff on Twitter @DillonGraff.

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 Falls Outside the Top 25 in Week 4 SP+ Rankings

Published

9 hours ago

September 25, 2023

Dillon Graff

Wisconsin football; Badgers head coach Luke Fickell

Sep 22, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell look on prior to the start of the game at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday night, Wisconsin Football laid down a 21-point victory in their Big Ten Conference opener against Purdue; now, the Badgers sit outside the top 25 in the AP polls with a 3-1 record (1-0 Big Ten) heading into a Week 5 bye before taking on Rutgers.

The ESPN SP+ rankings were updated following the Week 4 slate, and the Cardinal and White slipped in the latest polls despite their 38-17 triumph over the Boilermakers.

Wisconsin Football Falls Outside the Top 25 in Updated SP+ Rankings

For anyone unfamiliar with the ESPN SP+ model, it’s not your father’s associated press top 25 poll. It’s a forward-facing, Predictive model that serves as a tempo and opponent-adjusted measure of efficiency.

With that out of the way, the Week 4 SP+ rankings currently have Wisconsin football as the No. 27 team in the country — down two spots from last week. According to the metric, the Badgers have an overall grade of 13.2, with the No. 39 offense, No. 18 defense, and No. 4 special teams unit.

Other notable Big Ten programs in the SP+ top 10 include Michigan (1), Ohio State (3), and Penn State (10).

When the Badgers come out of the bye week, Wisconsin football begins a tough stretch of games against Rutgers, Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio State. Let’s hope the coaching staff can make necessary defensive adjustments, clean up the penalties on offense, and work in the younger running backs who must fill the No. 2 role after losing Chez Mellusi for the season.