Wisconsin Football: Grading group performances from week one

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MADISON, WI – AUGUST 31: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers breaks a tackle attempt by Kyle Bailey #36 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Wisconsin Badgers. RUNNING BACKS. B+. .

We saw a heavy dose of Jonathan Taylor early in this one, as expected, but the Badgers didn’t get around to as many carries for some of the other backs as I had hoped. Jonathan Taylor took 18 carries for 145 yards and two scores, which deserves an A+ of its own, had it not been for the fact that he lost a fumble.

Taiwan Deal picked up most of the secondary carries taking eight rushes for 53 yards. The senior ran hard and was rewarded well for his efforts. Deal will probably assume the same role against New Mexico and looks like Wisconsin’s early favorite to spell Taylor.

The big concern here was the lack of pass protection. The offensive line didn’t play great, which I’ll get to later, and forced the running backs to pick up far too many blitzes throughout the night. Western Kentucky knew blitzing frequently was its best chance to win, and the Badger pass protection just wasn’t prepared for it.

Whether you want to blame the line or not the running backs still weren’t able to handle their duties in the passing game as well as they should have. But a great running performance that saw two backs well eclipse 6.0 yards-per-carry, along with an impressive execution of a screen pass by Garrett Groshek, still gets this position group a solid grade.

Next week I’ll be more critical if the same issues are present.