Previewing Utah State Aggies Defense
Wisconsin Badger football kicks off the 2017 season on Friday against the Utah State Aggies. Therefore, lets look at what to expect from Utah State’s defense
With the Wisconsin football season just a day away Badger of Honor is previewing the Utah State Aggies. We looked at the Aggies offense on Wednesday, so on Thursday we’ll switch to the other side of the ball.
Utah State will have its hands full slowing down a physical Wisconsin offense. The Badgers also have some experienced weapons in the passing game in seniors Jazz Peavy and Troy Fumagalli.
The Aggies allowed 29.3 points per game in 2016 which ranked 73rd of 128 college football teams. However, that number is helped by an opening game 45-6 rout over Weber State. Deduct that result and Utah State averaged 31.5 points per game the rest of the way.
Wisconsin Badgers Football
In fact, the Aggies allowed 40 or more points in three different games in 2016.
Most concerning for Utah State has to be its rushing defense. The Aggies allowed just over 200 yards per game on the ground (203.3) in 2016. Opponents averaged 4.4 yards per carry and scored 19 rushing TDs against them. In fact, Utah State opponents picked up 144 rushing first downs compared to just 87 through the air.
The Utah State roster lists 14 defensive lineman. Yet just three are juniors or seniors. Thus, the Aggies are relying on significant youth in the trenches against the Badgers.
It’s something short of a secret that Wisconsin football opponents better hold firm against the Badger rushing attack. Trouble stopping the rush is likely a major reason Utah State lost the time of possession battle by 6.5 minutes per game.
It will be a long Friday evening in Madison for the Aggies if Wisconsin can rotate fresh running backs and chew clock. The second half could be especially brutal for the visitors.
However, the pass defense was better for Utah State. Opposing QBs only completed 57.6 percent of their passes. In addition, opponents threw for a modest 176.5 yards per contest. But the pass defense may have to rely on individual brilliance in single coverage if extra bodies are needed in the box to stop the run.
In short, the Aggies defense is not a weak spot by any stretch. But it could find itself on the field a lot against a big Wisconsin offensive line. Especially if the offense can’t sustain drives against the stingy Wisconsin defense.