Badger of Honor
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Inside the Game: Wisconsin Utah State

By Noah Seligman

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 26: Corey Clement
MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 26: Corey Clement /
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MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 15: The offensive line of the Wisconsin Badgers breaks the huddle against the Utah State Aggies September 15, 2012 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Tom Lynn/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 15: The offensive line of the Wisconsin Badgers breaks the huddle against the Utah State Aggies September 15, 2012 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Tom Lynn/Getty Images) /

The battle up front is always important for Wisconsin football and Friday is the first chance to see what the 2017 edition looks like

The biggest change up front for the Badgers is Ryan Ramczyk off to the NFL playing for the New Orleans Saints.  Consequently, Wisconsin moved 2016 center Michael Deiter out to left tackle as a replacement.  Friday is the first chance to see how Deiter adjusts to the switch outside playing more on an island.

A seemingly eternal truth is the Wisconsin offense goes as far the offensive lines take them.  The Badgers develop big, strong, physical offensive lineman as well as any college football team in the country.  The size just grinds down opposing defenses into the dust from whence they came.  Or something less dramatic.

This of course leads to a lopsided difference in time of possession as Wisconsin sustains long scoring drives behind its potent rushing game.

In addition, Wisconsin throws a lot off play action which of course takes a an extra beat to deliver.  Therefore, the Badgers offensive line needs to stand tall in pass protection to let plays develop.

Next: Previewing the Utah State Aggies Defense

On Friday evening we’ll get our first look at the 2017 unit. They’ll be the key to driving forward the Wisconsin offense against Utah State and the entire season.