Fan apathy is at an all-time high after the Wisconsin loss to Alabama. However, there's something happening on the offense that could save the season and will matter more and more in Big Ten play. It's that Wisconsin is humming at a 50% third-down conversion rate through three games.
Jeff Grimes knows how to dial up a third-down play call and find success in making those conversions, which is the secret sauce to winning many football games. Even Alabama couldn't slow that down. The game got away from the Badgers in other ways, but not in third-down conversions. Wisconsin actually had a 54% third-down conversion percentage against the Crimson Tide.
Our #Badgers have converted on 18/36 (50%) 3rd downs through Week 3. Sure, they had MTSU & Miami OH — but they also had Alabama — all while triaging OL issues & a QB2.
— Ryan Eilers (@ryanbeilers) September 15, 2025
It’s a long season — but when was the last time UW finished 50% or better on 3rd down?
2011 Rose Bowl season.
Wisconsin has unlocked something this season on third down
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Not since Luke Fickell arrived at Wisconsin has the Badgers been this effective on third down. Last season, they finished their year at 35% on third down. In 2023, it was 44%. In 2022, it was a paltry 40%. To put this season in perspective from the last season, Wisconsin went 3-14 on third down against Alabama in 2024. That's a horrible 21% conversion rate.
You could say that the backup quarterback play is simply better, but it's not that. The play-calling is better, and you know what proves it? When Tyler Van Dyke played against South Dakota last year, the Badgers only converted at a 50% rate. A crappy South Dakota team held QB1 to less than what Jeff Grimes and Danny O'Neil did against Alabama.
Alabama beat Wisconsin in other ways, but the third-down conversion rate should get fans very excited about this team and how Jeff Grimes has vastly improved the offense, even while dealing with a makeshift and young offensive line.
Tomorrow, during the Maryland game, pay attention to the third-down play calling. Remember the horror of third-down situations last season and notice the improvement.