How much should Wisconsin football fans be worried about some turnover problems from the Badger offense?
Given the (perceived) soft schedule and returning talent, Wisconsin football fans had the loftiest of dreams this season. Well, seven games in, the best case scenario is still alive and strong.
Bucky is a perfect 7-0 and its 4-0 Big Ten mark gives it a 2.5 game lead in the Big Ten West. Wisconsin sits at #5 in the national rankings.
However, turnover problems can undo the best of seasons. Careless ball security ends any conference or national championship hopes.
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Nationally, the Badgers are tied for 85th in fumbles lost with six. Meanwhile, the Badgers are tied for 79th in the country with seven interceptions.
This season, Wisconsin’s turnover margin is dead even. That puts the Badgers tied for 6th in the Big Ten in turnover margin.
Of course, the Wisconsin defense frequently bails out the offense. After all, the Badgers have the 9th best red zone defense and 6th best scoring defense in the country.
Here’s how the turnovers break down over the Badgers seven games. I looked at the total points allowed and noted how many opponents points came off Wisconsin turnovers.
- Utah State (10 points allowed, 7 points off turnovers)
- Florida Atlantic (14 points allowed, 7 points off turnovers)
- BYU (6 points allowed, 0 points off turnovers)
- Northwestern (24 points allowed, 3 points off turnovers)
- Nebraska (17 points allowed, 7 points off turnovers)
- Purdue (9 points allowed, 3 points off turnovers)
- Maryland (13 points allowed, 3 points off turnovers)
Wisconsin has allowed just 93 points over seven games. But 30 of those points came directly off turnovers. Purdue, Maryland, and Northwestern failed to pick up a first down, but took over in field goal range following turnovers.
That was Jonathan Taylor's third lost fumble this season (FAU, Purdue). As great as he's been this season, needs to clean that up.
— Jason Galloway (@Jason_Galloway) October 21, 2017
My nightmare scenario is like the 2015 Wisconsin – Iowa game. The Badgers lost to the Hawkeyes 10-6 at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin turned it over four times including a fumble on the doorstep.
Next: Wisconsin Football Report Card Against Maryland
This season, Iowa (and Michigan) visits Madison. I’d like to avoid a repeat where the Badgers dominate the boxscore but lose because turnovers ruin the game.
So yeah, be a little worried. Because some ugly mistakes is the surest and most likely way a historic Wisconsin season falls apart.