Five ways the Wisconsin Football Offense can improve in 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 25: Alex Hornibrook (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 25: Alex Hornibrook (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football
LINCOLN, NE – OCTOBER 07: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

1. Ball Security

These issues were well documented throughout all of last year. More than one party is guilty here too. Hornibrook and Taylor, the two leaders of the offense, are the culprits. Hornibrook threw 15 interceptions last year and Taylor lost six fumbles. Fortunately, the defense was one of the best in the country and was able to limit the damage from these mistakes.

The defense will likely take a step back next year, which is one reason this has to change. The other reason is simple. When you turn the ball over, you can’t put points on the board. That’s just bad football.

Turnovers never really came back to hurt the Badgers last year so it’s difficult to really blow this issue up. It was a problem, but there was almost no consequence. It’s easy to gloss over. Hornibrook and Taylor both have another full year under their belts so I expect this issue to be nearly resolved.

This is especially true for Taylor. There wasn’t much he needed to do to improve his game from a year ago. He has great speed and size, he’s quick enough, has great vision, and he’s a hard runner. Holding onto the football is one of the final boxes he needed to check. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield is something I’ll go over later. And that can wait. Right now, the Badgers needs Taylor to keep the ball out of enemy hands.