Badger Football: 3 Things We Want to See Against Alabama

Through two weeks, the Badgers are still looking to find an identity. Well time's up, because if they don't find it this week against Alabama, things will get ugly fast. So what are three things we need to see from the team this week to feel good moving forward?

1. Get Off to a Fast Start

Wisconsin has gotten off to slow starts in each of the first two games. Heading into the fourth quarter, they were actually losing to Western Michigan, and had a slim one-score lead over FCS South Dakota. For this team to beat Alabama, they'll need to show up earlier than the last period of the game.

On one hand, the Badgers have done a nice job closing out games, something that they struggled with in 2023. The team has outscored opponents 22-7 in the fourth quarter this year, but the Crimson Tide are a challenge unlike any they've faced so far. One main problem is that the Badgers aren't really built for comebacks. They rely on a strong run game and playing disciplined, mistake-free football. If they are to make it a game on Saturday, the team will need to keep it close early to avoid getting blown out.

2. Stop the Run

Wisconsin is allowing over 120 rushing yards per game this year and they haven't exactly played powerhouse programs. It's been a problem, we knew it was going to be a problem, and something has to change for Alabama. The Tide average 266 rushing yards per game, and if the Badgers aren't careful, Alabama could easily top that.

Wisconsin is a team generally known for their physicality, but that hasn't been the case up front this season. The Badgers have been unable to generate sacks or tackles for loss against supposedly inferior opponents. Hopefully defensive coordinator Mike Tressel has been saving some tricks up his sleeve.

3. A Retro Tyler Van Dyke Performance

So far this season the Air Raid has once again been unimpressive. Van Dyke was hand-picked and brought it in to inject some life into an anemic offense, and that hasn't quite happened yet. In 2021, Van Dyke's best season by far, in the nine games he played, he threw for over 300 yards in six of them and for three touchdowns or more in seven. GIVE ME THAT VAN DYKE!

Unfortunately he hasn't been able to capture that magic since, but the talent is definitely there. I'm putting some of the blame on offensive coordinator Phil Longo on the lack of firepower through two games too, but a retro Van Dyke performance is probably what it will take to beat Alabama.