Wisconsin Badgers Football: End of Season Grades

COACHING STAFF

Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Badgers first year coach Gary Andersen and his staff did a decent job this season competing in the Big Ten. The way Andersen was able to rally the troops after the debacle at Arizona State to reeling off six straight wins after a tough loss to Ohio State and putting the team in position for a possible BCS bowl berth, really showed how well this team and staff prepared.

What happened against Penn State still baffles me however and preparing for a Steve Spurrier coached SEC team is as tough as it comes.

Offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig I think did a fine job in his first year on the Wisconsin staff. It definitely helps when you have two great running backs in Melvin Gordon and James White. The passing game was a struggle however and it was a glaring mark on what was a pretty good offense.

First year Badgers defensive Dave Aranda did a great job once again coaching up a defense. Prior to coming with Andersen to Wisconsin, Aranda’s defenses ranked near the top in the country and this squad was no different. Despite the short falls in the secondary, Aranda headed up one of the best defenses this program has seen in years.

It’s a breath of fresh air in Madison with this coaching staff and personally I have no problem being patient and waiting for Andersen and company to start getting the guys in the program that they want. I also believe this group will do a fine job in recruiting and will be competing for Big Ten championships in years to come.

COACHING GRADE: B+