I've watched a lot of game film on Wisconsin in preparation for this week, and am really interested to see the gameplan they come up with. Conventional wisdom says to run JJ 30 times and try grind out another victory, but conventional wisdom is not going to work here as the counter plays that they like to run will not work against this 3-4 Defense. That being said we have really struggled in pass protection against the Badgers since they transitioned to that 3-4 and if they try to open things up using four verts I would be concerned about sacks and turnovers from CT.
My gameplan on offense would consist of bunch formations with screens, short passes, and wheel routes that force their OLBs to make tackles in space. I'd also try to attack the middle of the defense on the ground with Jackson, Moten, and even Thorson as Wisconsin is banged up at NT.
On defense Chryst is going to try to use the run to open up the pass so expect a heavy dose of play action. I've noticed that their QB Hornibrook has a quick release and is accurate, but also is very limited throwing the football. Wisconsin caught a huge break that the weather is going to be perfect on Saturday as I don't think either of their QBs have the arm strength to cut through the wind on a typical November Saturday in Evanston. So how do we attack them? To be honest its going to be a challenge considering their offensive line is significantly better than last year when we dominated the LOS in Madison. Hankwitz could play a lot of man, and bring a safety up to help in run support, but that will leave the middle of the field open which will lead to a big day of their TE Peavy. Id think Hank would be better served mixing it up a bit by also playing his corners up and leaving 2 safeties in coverage to defend the middle of the field on certain downs and distances. Challenge their QBs to make the tough sideline throws, because I am confident they don't have the arm strength to do it. Wisconsin has also benefitted a lot this season from big plays, and avoiding giving up the big chunk plays by making them work for every point will be key.
Philosophically Fitz needs to get the boys fired up and ready to start fast. You do not want to get behind like we did last week in Columbus. Win the coin toss, receive, and score. Create some doubt in the minds of the opponent and force them to make plays!
Like I said earlier this week. This is the biggest game in the PF era, and a season defining game. Hopefully they can be up to the task.
My gameplan on offense would consist of bunch formations with screens, short passes, and wheel routes that force their OLBs to make tackles in space. I'd also try to attack the middle of the defense on the ground with Jackson, Moten, and even Thorson as Wisconsin is banged up at NT.
On defense Chryst is going to try to use the run to open up the pass so expect a heavy dose of play action. I've noticed that their QB Hornibrook has a quick release and is accurate, but also is very limited throwing the football. Wisconsin caught a huge break that the weather is going to be perfect on Saturday as I don't think either of their QBs have the arm strength to cut through the wind on a typical November Saturday in Evanston. So how do we attack them? To be honest its going to be a challenge considering their offensive line is significantly better than last year when we dominated the LOS in Madison. Hankwitz could play a lot of man, and bring a safety up to help in run support, but that will leave the middle of the field open which will lead to a big day of their TE Peavy. Id think Hank would be better served mixing it up a bit by also playing his corners up and leaving 2 safeties in coverage to defend the middle of the field on certain downs and distances. Challenge their QBs to make the tough sideline throws, because I am confident they don't have the arm strength to do it. Wisconsin has also benefitted a lot this season from big plays, and avoiding giving up the big chunk plays by making them work for every point will be key.
Philosophically Fitz needs to get the boys fired up and ready to start fast. You do not want to get behind like we did last week in Columbus. Win the coin toss, receive, and score. Create some doubt in the minds of the opponent and force them to make plays!
Like I said earlier this week. This is the biggest game in the PF era, and a season defining game. Hopefully they can be up to the task.
