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Wisconsin Football: Lack of turnovers a problem for Wisconsin’s defense

By Christian Borman

University of Wisconsin Badgers football players celebrate a 4th down stop against Michigan during their game Saturday, October 2, 2021 in Madison, Wis. Michigan won the game 38-17. Doug Raflik/USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinFon Badgers Vs Michigan Football 100221 Dcr035
University of Wisconsin Badgers football players celebrate a 4th down stop against Michigan during their game Saturday, October 2, 2021 in Madison, Wis. Michigan won the game 38-17. Doug Raflik/USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinFon Badgers Vs Michigan Football 100221 Dcr035 /
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A lot has been made of the offense for the Wisconsin football team this season. They aren’t executing in the red zone, they are turning the ball over in crucial situations, and now, they can’t seem to block anyone, leading to a weak running game and no pass protection.

Yes, there is a lot that needs to get fixed on the offense.

But despite the popular perception of the defense, they have their fair share of problems as well, namely, they can’t seem to force many turnovers. In four games this season, the defense for the Wisconsin football team has recovered two fumbles and has two interceptions for a grand total of four turnovers.

For a team that boasts a top-10 defense in the country loaded with playmakers and led by Jim Leonhard, you’d think they would be able to make some plays and change the momentum of the football game once in a while. It just isn’t something we’ve seen a ton this year.

On the year, Wisconsin ranks 129th out of 130 total teams in turnover margin at -9. Yes, the offense has been abysmal and has turned the ball over more than it should, but the defense definitely isn’t helping in the turnover department either.

What’s puzzling is the fact that the Badgers have been getting pressure on the opposing quarterbacks too. They have 10 sacks on the season, but there have been plays where they are barreling down on the quarterback, hitting him as he throws, and he still manages to complete a pass.

Hopefully, with more pressure, the Badgers will be able to force some interceptions and maybe some strip-sacks. The way things are going right now, the offense needs all the help it can get. Until the offense can start to figure things out and hit its stride, the defense is going to have to make some plays to help them out.

Be critical all you want of the offense, it certainly deserves criticism, but you also need to be somewhat critical of this defense too because they haven’t really been able to force turnovers and put the offense in great field position too often this season. They have been great in a lot of areas; turnovers aren’t one of them.

Wisconsin will face off with Illinois on Saturday, who have thrown just two interceptions and lost just four fumbles this year.