2 positive and 2 negative takeaways from Wisconsin's too close for comfort victory

Wisconsin Badger fans were let down despite the 36-9 victory in its home opener versus Western Illinois. Although the score reflects a relatively dominant performance, the tape spoke otherwise, as given the expectations before the game and the product we were given, it’s not unfair to say that expectations were not met.

With that said, there were still some good and some bad things to take away from this game. At the end of the day, a win is a win, so Wisconsin fans should have something to smile at. What were those positives? Glad you asked.

Positives

1. Special Teams Play

After a year in which the Badgers really struggled to win games in the third facet of football, it has been refreshing to see the special teams unit come out and play the way that it has thus far. It is worth noting that kicker Gavin Lahm was not able to convert on an extra point late into the game, but outside of that, the unit was shut down.

A blocked punt from safety Carson Van Dinter resulted in a touchdown for the unit, along with the aforementioned Lahm being lights out all night. The senior and Wisconsin native knocked in all three of his field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder, proving that he is in fact the leg the Badgers have been missing.

On top of that, some solid returns from running back Nate Palmer on kickoffs rounded out what was a very solid night from the unit. Sean West did his thing too, but who is surprised.

2. The Rushing Attack

Although things slowed down as the game built on, the box score still reflects that of a vintage Wisconsin rushing attack. The Badgers ended the night with 233 yards and two touchdowns, logging 7.5 yards per carry in the process.

Iowa State transfer Abu Sama III led the way with eight carries for 107 yards and a touchdown, including a 72-yard run on the opening play. Darrion Dupree did his thing as well, chipping in 38 yards and a touchdown for himself, proving the room has depth. Overall, a solid outing from the group.

Negatives

1. Colton Joseph

It’s hard to be overly harsh in moments like this, as now for back-to-back games the box score has reflected a better outing than what the actual game tape suggests for transfer quarterback Colton Joseph. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to defend his play given what he has shown.

On paper, the 12 completions on 22 attempts for 173 yards and a touchdown doesn’t look bad at all. But when examining the tape, seeing the countless missed throws he had on what should have been easy completions and lack of big-play ability despite being hand-selected just for that, things do become a little foggy.

2. Run Contain

Although Western Illinois wasn’t able to run rampant on the Badgers and run up the score in any regard, it was still clear that Wisconsin has some issues with its front seven. Despite being vastly undersized at every position up front, Western Illinois was still able to rack up 154 ground yards against Wisconsin, consistently leading drives down the field almost entirely through that.

The read option in particular had the Badgers at a loss, allowing Western Illinois starting quarterback Kennedy McGill to rack up 88 yards on the ground. Not a great look. All in all, Wisconsin will have to figure some things out up front if they want to compete with the best of the best in the Big 10.

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