Underrated Wisconsin senior proved to be a hero in the Week 1 win

Wisconsin safety Preston Zachman had two interceptions all of last season. He equaled that amount in the first game of the season against the Miami (OH) Redhawks. It wasn't just the interceptions, though, that made him the hero of game one; it was his overall play.

The Redhawks literally couldn't get a completion when he was in coverage; he was ball-hawking all over the defense. He recorded two tackles, two interceptions, and zero catches allowed. His second interception helped keep the shutout intact. The Redhawks were threatening, and Zachman sealed the game with a crucial pick.

To top it all off, he was Wisconsin's highest-rated defensive player and second on the team, only to tight end Grant Stec. He finished the day as 94 overall by PFF and a 92.3 in coverage. Hero stuff from the player that fans and players affectionately call "The Mechanic."

Preston Zachman credits the Wisconsin defensive line with his career game

Related: Luke Fickell turned the Badgers' biggest weakness into a superpower

Preston Zachman was the best player on the field, but he actually passed the credit off to the defensive line. "It's a credit to the guys up front, pressuring the quarterbacks to make stupid decisions," said Zachman.

This has to be music to the ears of head coach Luke Fickell, who worked all offseason to improve that defensive line. Guys that are bigger, faster, and stronger, and in game one, you can see the clear difference that's being made on that front.

There were three sacks generated on the day and four tackles for loss but the story goes deeper than that. The defensive line and the pressure they created had Wisconsin jerseys in the Miami (OH) backfield all game long.

The Badgers play again on Saturday, September 6 at 3 pm CST against Middle Tennessee on FS1.