Wisconsin Football Defense Building Some Momentum

For the Wisconsin football team, nasty defensive units have been a hallmark of the program for the last decade. However, the Badgers were at a crossroads this season, bridging the gap between their old identity and the 3-3-5 system Luke Fickell & defensive coordinator Mike Tressel brought with them from Cincinnati.

Things got off to a rocky start. Missed tackles, allowing chunk plays through the air and on the ground, became commonplace. Fans were understandably frustrated.

But Coach Tressel and the Wisconsin Badgers defense have quietly shifted from the center of criticism among fans to the back burner after showing noticeable signs of improvement following a slow start to the season.

Wisconsin Football Defensive Unit Starting to Gel

Early in the season, the Badgers defense faced its fair share of criticism, especially after allowing Purdue to gain nearly 400 yards of total offense in the Big Ten opener. That performance, of course, was on the heels of the Georgia Southern contest, where Wisconsin gave up 455 yards and myriad chunk plays in the secondary.

However, in recent matchups, the Wisconsin football defense has started to find its footing. Against Rutgers, they held the Scarlet Knights to just 275 total yards of offense (64 rushing).

Then, in the game against the Hawkeyes, despite an 82-yard touchdown run by Leshon Williams that inflated the numbers, the Badgers defense limited Iowa to 237 total yards and held starting quarterback Deacon Hill to an anemic 37 yards passing.

Mike Tressel and the Wisconsin football team are currently No. 36 in the country in total defense, allowing 336 yards per game, which is 8th in the Big Ten. Yet, it’s important to note that UW ranks 20th in the nation in the most crucial statistic, scoring defense.

The Badgers’ defense isn’t without its flaws and cannot single-handedly compensate for the lackluster offense. Still, their gradual improvement has been undeniable since the bye week.

Looking Ahead at the Badgers’ Next Defense Assignment

As we look ahead to the Illinois game, their offense poses an intriguing challenge. Statistically, the Illini offense doesn’t strike fear into its opponents, averaging just 20.3 points per game.

For context, only Nebraska and Indiana score fewer points among Big Ten teams than the Illini do on average.

However, Illinois possesses a few offensive weapons, including their slot receiver, Isaiah Williams, and boundary wideout, Pat Bryant, who can stretch the field. Even though Chase Brown is no longer in the backfield, the Illini also have a decent one-two punch at tailback in Reggie Love and Kaden Feagin, who average more than 5.0 YPC.

Wisconsin football has a poor run defense but can capitalize this weekend by getting to Illinois starting quarterback Luke Altmyer. The Illini have a horrible offensive line, and Altmeyer has proven to be turnover-prone, already throwing nine INTs on the season.

As Braedyn Locke acclimates to his newfound starting quarterback role this week following an injury to Tanner Mordecai, the Wisconsin football defense may play a pivotal role in controlling the game.

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Whether Mike Tressel’s defensive unit can sustain their recent run of success and keep the momentum alive remains to be seen. Wisconsin Badgers fans will be eagerly watching.

For ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers Football & Basketball news, notes, opinions, and analysis, you can follow Dillon Graff on X @DillonGraff.