Wisconsin Football: Grading group performances from week one

This unit was, by far, the most disappointing Friday night. The offensive line was supposed to be the absolute strength of this team and the one thing it could lean on if all else failed. With all the preseason hype, the draft stock of some of the upperclassmen, and the caliber of opponent, I expected far more from this group.

I’ll give credit to Western Kentucky, who blitzed very well throughout the night and forced the Badgers to earn what they got, but it shouldn’t have felt like such a lopsided battle in the trenches.

The Hilltoppers had three sacks and five tackles for losses, meanwhile, Wisconsin’s defense only had one sack and four tackles for losses. That’s not an area you expect Wisconsin to get outmatched in. Sure, the defensive front for the Badgers might not be so talented, but the offensive line is supposed to be elite.

I expect the left tackle position to be locked down by the end of the New Mexico game next week so the unit can start developing some chemistry and start bulldozing the opposition. It’s not going to get any easier from here for the Badger big men. They have to figure it out soon. It’s a good thing Jonathan Taylor has home-run capability otherwise it could have been an even worse night for this group.