165.0 Rushing Yards Per Game Allowed
The Badgers staff talked about getting bigger up front throughout the offseason. And, boy did they put their money where their mouth is. They added massive interior defensive linemen like Charles Perkins, Parker Petersen and Jay'Viar Suggs, while having returners like Ben Barten beef up.
It was a natural response after watching Wisconsin's horrendous run defense in 2024. They allowed the second most rushing yards per game in the Big 10, only beating out Purdue, and had no answers against the ground attack. Badger opponents averaged 4.63 yards per carry.
Their inability to stop the run correlated heavily with losses, as they allowed 191.9 rushing yards per game in their losses -- including an abysmal 329 yards allowed in a 42-10 stomping by Iowa that won't be forgotten anytime soon.
I'm not sure the size increase will solve the issue on its own, but it certainly can't hurt.
Four interceptions
Sure, opponents knew they could run all over Wisconsin's defense, but this stat is one that can't be repeated in 2025 -- no matter how the defensive front performs. Only three teams, yes three, had fewer interceptions than the Badgers a season ago.
The most dissapointing part? Ricardo Hallman picked off seven passes himself in 2023 and put up a goose egg in the column last year. Opposing quarterbacks hardly targeted Hallman, which explains part of the decreased production, but there were concerningly few big plays made in the secondary.
Hallman, Nyzier Fourqurean, Preston Zachman and Austin Brown return from the 2024 squad and will remain in a starting role. While that may be troubling given the lack of production last season, creating more turnovers has been a point of emphasis for Mike Tressel and his defensive staff.
They have asked players this spring to do more than just their role but to be "gamechangers," by taking some calculated risks and making big plays. It seemed like the message clicked during spring camp, though it's difficult to replicate game reps in practice.
42.0 tackles for loss
This is the most damning stat from the defense, and honestly, the 2024 Badgers overall. They ranked dead last in tackles for loss. That's 133rd out of 133 FBS teams.
Wisconsin just didn't have the talent, strength or will to consistently win one-on-ones with opposing offensive linemen. And while that doesn't necessarily mean they lost these reps, Badgers defensive linemen didn't make contact with runners until well after the line of scrimmage.
On a brighter note, I'm extremely confident in this number skyrocketing in 2025. In addition to the changed mindset, Wisconsin got some big-time athletes off the edge and in the linebacking core.
Christian Alliegro and Tackett Curtis have elite closing speed and good instincts. Guys like Tyrese Fearbry, Mason Reiger, Corey Walker and even Nicolas Clayton are new additions that have the ability to wreck plays.