Wisconsin vs. Fresno State
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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Wisconsin offense vs. Fresno State defense Even though the Badgers got off to a slow start against Marshall last week they still managed to rack up 158 yards on the ground. In addition, RBs P.J. Hill and John Clay each ran for two touchdowns and Zach Brown chipped in with one. All three backs can attribute a good chunk of their success to one of the country's tougher offensive lines, which is led RG Kraig Urbik. However, don't expect Wisconsin to run all over Fresno State like it did against Marshall. The Bulldogs posted 11 tackles for loss and surrendered just 106 rushing yards against Rutgers in their only game thus far. Fresno State's physical front seven is anchored by DT Joe Monga. Behind him are OLB Chris Carter (eight tackles in Week 1) and OLB Kyle Knox (seven tackles, three for losses). In addition, look for Fresno State to move SS Moses Harris into the box in an effort to shut down the run and force the Badgers to move the ball through the air. Coming into the season there were plenty of questions surrounding Wisconsin's passing game, stemming in large part from QB Allan Evridge's lack of experience. Evridge has put those questions to rest for now, as he completed 17 of 26 passes for 308 yards and a touchdown last week. He will have to continue stepping up because defenses, including Fresno State's, will continue to employ eight- and nine-man fronts until Evridge can consistently make them pay for loading up against the run. That should prove difficult this week. Fresno State DSs Harris and Marvin Haynes are returning starters and their experience makes them less vulnerable to play-action. This is important to note because Wisconsin TEs Garrett Graham and Lance Kendricks combined for seven catches for 166 yards in last week's win. And All-American TE Travis Beckum, who sat out the first two games with a tweaked hamstring, is set to return to the lineup, so the Bulldogs must be able to defend the middle of the field. Finally, watch the battle up front. The Badgers did a solid job in pass protection and did not allow a sack last week, and while the Bulldogs recorded just one sack against Rutgers, they were able to pressure Rutgers QB Mike Teel on multiple occasions. |
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