Wisconsin Football: Passing Game Has Been an Unpleasant Surprise

Following a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Indiana Hoosiers last weekend, Wisconsin Badgers football fans have had to accept the harsh reality of the steep decline in the team’s passing game compared to the previous season. 

Imagine someone telling you that this offseason — you would have never believed it. But it’s the reality, at least right now. 

The anticipation for an explosive passing game took center stage with the arrival of offensive coordinator Phil Longo. However, as Wisconsin, with a current record of 5-4 (3-3 Big Ten), prepares for the Northwestern matchup, the promised growth in the passing game has not materialized.

The Wisconsin Football Passing Numbers Tell the Story

While a team running an air raid-style offense should, in theory, produce gaudy counting stats, the Wisconsin football team’s statistical decline has been evident. 

If you don’t believe me — let the numbers speak for themselves. 

• Yards per attempt: 7.3 in 2022 vs. 5.8 this season.
• Yards per completion: 12.7 in 2022 vs. 10.1 this season.
• TD passes per game: 1.6 in 2022 vs. 0.9 this season.

The numbers are extra telling when you consider how much the Badgers struggled at times with Graham Mertz under center in 2022. But how did Wisconsin get here? 

Impact of Tanner Mordecai’s Injury

Despite starting quarterback Tanner Mordecai’s absence in the last three games, there hasn’t been a significant drop-off in the numbers. 

Mordecai’s averages (6.3 yards per attempt, 9.9 yards per completion, and 0.5 touchdown passes per game) are comparable to Braedyn Locke’s current averages (5.1, 10.2, and 1.0, respectively).

But the real issue lies within the inability to push the ball downfield. 

Wisconsin football has struggled to connect on deep passes, and it’s the primary reason behind this season’s lower numbers. With only one touchdown reception longer than 29 yards this season (Bryson Green), the Badgers are finding it challenging to attack opponents over the top. 

It’s not as simple as just starting to do this thing, and then all will be well. It’s simply an observation that can explain why an offense that was pitched as a numbers-friendly ecosystem — has fallen so flat thus far. 

If the Wisconsin Badgers cannot make the teams defend the entire field, it is increasingly difficult to balance spreading teams out and playing complimentary football that allows you to take what they give you.  

In the final three-game stretch, Wisconsin football faces the urgent task of improving their deep-ball efficiency to reshape the narrative of their struggling passing game. The ability to connect on vertical shots could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the Badgers offensive attack — injuries aside.

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