The main talking points for the Wisconsin vs. UCLA game this Saturday seem to revolve around the UCLA quarterback, the two head coaches, and whether either of these teams is actually legit or just wearing a mask of "good team" to start the season. However, after watching UCLA beat Oregon and jump up in the AP Rankings, there are three legit concerns for Wisconsin that need to be brought into the spotlight more.
1. The rushing attack for UCLA is elite
This is a big deal. This may be the strongest rushing unit Wisconsin has seen all season, including Notre Dame. UCLA is averaging 253.2 rushing yards per game and already has over 1,200 for the season. That is the best Power 4 rushing attack right now, and it's not particularly close.
As a team, the Bruins have rushed the ball 209 times, and it's been spread out pretty evenly through about four different players (quarterback being one of them). The top back is Wayne Knight, who has 548 yards on the season with a 7.7 yards-per-carry average. That's insane.
Oregon did their best to keep Knight in check, but he still had over 100 yards rushing and averaged over four yards per carry. He even broke free for a 35-yard scamper. He's a problem. But a ton of credit needs to go to the UCLA offensive line that is paving the way.
Wisconsin will have to load the box and make the backup quarterback (whether that's Madden Iamaleava or Ty Dieffenbach) beat them with his arm. This is a game in which Wisconsin's defensive line needs to make some noise, and Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano will have to contain Knight and the other backs behind him.
2. The defense is a real problem
UCLA's defense is very similar to Wisconsin's, and both units are putting up similar numbers throughout this season. They held the Ducks to only 272 yards total in the game. What stands out the most from the Oregon victory for UCLA is that they held the Ducks to 1-for-12 on third-down attempts and 0-for-2 on fourth-down tries. The UCLA defense simply would not let Oregon sustain drives.
Wisconsin's offense is going to need to show some wrinkles to find the explosive plays, but also be patient to chip away at the Bruins. It's okay to have a few drives that don't quite work while setting up a more serious home run threat in the game.
3. Creates turnovers
UCLA against Oregon was causing so many problems that the Ducks turned the ball over seven times. The Bruins pounced on five fumbles and secured two interceptions. That's a day to forget for the Ducks, but a day to build on for the Bruins. UCLA is going to be looking for similar loose balls and poor decisions from Wisconsin.
The Badgers have to keep the ball secure, and Colton Joseph has to avoid throwing the ball into harm's way. Not only that, but Wisconsin will want to find their own turnovers and force the Bruins into dumb decisions.
Add us as a preferred source on Google