In the blowout loss to Alabama, Wisconsin faced similar issues they had in their two prior wins. Once again, the biggest problem with the offense came down to offensive line play, and the Badgers' rotating lineup was exposed in a big way against the Tide.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), the three worst graded offensive players on Wisconsin were offensive linemen. Guard Colin Cubberly (55.4), center Jake Renfro (53.1), and tackle Emerson Mandell (49.5) all ranked at the bottom of the team.
Is the Wisconsin offensive line problem fixable?
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While injuries have been a factor up front, the line has largely been ineffective, no matter the lineup. For the third straight game, head coach Luke Fickell has tried a different rotation to limited success. Outside of tackle Riley Mahlman, the group has been a huge liability, and the Badger run game has been virtually non-existent.
Wisconsin averaged just 2.7 yards per carry against Alabama, and quarterback Danny O'Neil faced constant pressure. Looking forward to Maryland, which already has 10 sacks on the year, it's tough to see when this unit might regain its footing.
Despite the goal to get back to classic Badger football in 2025, the offensive line has made progress towards that objective, but it has been slow-going. Fickell has yet to find a combination of players that fits the offense he'd like to run, and until that happens, the run game will struggle. Maybe more time is all they need to get better as a unit, but as the Big Ten schedule begins, that time is running out quickly.
Luke Fickell has to figure this out first. The running game, passing game, and overall offense can't do anything without a solid offensive line. It's bad and the Alabama game proved it.