After a tough loss against to Penn State at home, the Badgers fall to 5-3 on the season. It's been a roller coaster of a year with a two-game win streak, a two-game losing streak, followed by a three-game win streak, followed by another loss. So, what did we learn about this team following the collapse on Saturday?
1. Defense is good, but streaky
The Badger defense has been good overall, but they are very streaky. Throughout the season and even during the games, the defense fluctuates between a top 10 group and one that couldn't stop a runny nose. They've allowed over 25 points three times, but also have allowed fewer than 10 points three times. They don't generate much pressure or turnovers, but even against No. 3 Penn State on Saturday did enough to give the offense a chance. Finding some consistency will be key for this team to improve.
2. Many to blame for offensive struggles
Many fans want to place the blame on Braedyn Locke for Wisconsin's offensive struggles. Many fans also want to put the blame on coaching. Others yet will blame the receivers for their issues catching the ball. The unfortunate reality is all of these are probably justified, and that this offense won't be fixed overnight. Locke has thrown an interception in five straight games, none worse than that pick-six last night. Offensive play-calling continues to baffle with run calls on 2nd and 10. Will Pauling with eight, and the rest of the receivers have way too may drops this year. There's a lot to work on for the offense in the second half of the year.
3. Can't win the tough games
In games that Wisconsin has been favored this year, they are 5-0. In games they weren't, 0-3. It seems obvious that would be the case, but it's a troubling trend that Wisconsin can't win the big games. Since his hiring at Wisconsin, head coach Luke Fickell is 0-5 against ranked opponents, and barring the biggest upset of the year against No. 1 Oregon, it'll drop to 0-6. At some point, he and Wisconsin have got to blow the lid off.