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Wisconsin Football: The “Grit Factory” might be Jim Leonhard’s best defense yet

ByDillon Graff|
MADISON, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 02: Wisconsin defensive coach Jim Leonhard looks up at the replay during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Camp Randall Stadium on October 02, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 38-17. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 02: Wisconsin defensive coach Jim Leonhard looks up at the replay during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Camp Randall Stadium on October 02, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 38-17. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

As you may know, Wisconsin football coach Jim Leonhard is a bit of a folk hero around Wisconsin. Jim Leonhard was a hometown kid that would walk on to play football at Wisconsin where he would find a considerable amount of success. Leonhard was a 3× All-American while donning the cardinal and white (2002, 2003, 2004), and he would also enjoy a decade-long career in the NFL. So, to say Jim Leonhard carries some credibility would be quite an understatement.

As great of a success story, as he’s been at every stop, Leonhard may have saved his best act for last. In his five years as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard has proved to be one of the brightest minds in all of college football.

Wisconsin Football Defensive Rankings Under Jim Leonhard

  • 2020 – 5th in total yards (31st in passing yards, 5th in rushing, 9th in PPG allowed)
  • 2019 – 8th in total yards (16th passing yards, 8th in rushing, 10th in PPG allowed)
  • 2018 – 41st in total yards (38th in passing yards, 56th in rushing, 43rd in PPG allowed)
  • 2017 – 1st in total yards (4th in passing yards, 2nd in rushing, 3rd in PPG allowed)

As if that wasn’t impressive enough, check out where the “grit factory” ranks after eight games.

  • Total Defense: 214.6 YPG (1st in the nation)
  • Rushing Defense:  49.6 YPG (1st in the nation)
  • Passing Defense: 165 YPG (5th in the nation)
  • Scoring Defense: 17 PPG (8th in the nation)
  • 3rd down defense: 25.5% (2nd in the nation)

In short, this group has been absolutely dominant all year long. They’ve remained the heartbeat of this team and consistently brought the juice even when this team had hit rock bottom.

Now, during the Badgers’ four-game win streak they’ve taken their game to another level. Over the last four games, this defense has limited opponents to an average of just 54 yards rushing, and 180.3 total yards per game.

Even more impressive than that, the defense has prevented their opponents from scoring on 41 of the last 45 possessions. This unit has been an absolute brick wall that can beat you in so many different ways. They’re ELITE, but obviously, that isn’t news to anyone who’s been paying attention. This defense may just be the best of his entire tenure at Wisconsin, and that’s high praise considering the defenses that came before this one.

Regardless of what the future may hold for Jim Leonhard at Wisconsin, they’re lucky to have the hometown hero on their sideline. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jim Leonhard as Wisconsin Football’s head coach some day, considering he’s excelled at everything he’s done as a professional.