Wisconsin Badgers must improve this key area to help out QB Braedyn Locke
The contest against Iowa provided Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke with a golden opportunity to bounce back after the rough showing against Penn State. Unfortunately, Locke took another big step backwards, which was disappointing to see.
In the 42-10 loss to Iowa, Locke tossed two unacceptable interceptions. He's clearly trying to force the ball, which is a major reason he has thrown at least one INT in six consecutive games. Head coach Luke Fickell knows this is an area No. 18 needs to fix as soon as possible.
However, Fickell is quick to defend Locke from anyone who claims the struggling QB is the main reason Wisconsin keeps losing games. In fact, Fickell is hopeful that the running game can get going on a more consistent level, as he knows the kind of impact that can have on Locke the rest of the way.
Luke Fickell is hopeful the Wisconsin running game can get going
"They're gonna make some plays. The first one (Locke interception) probably is a tough one, didn't see the guy on the other side in a Cover 2, think the guy might be open. The other ones are bad decisions. But, I think that's where that complementary ball has to come in, and that's where we're not. You know, everybody starts to put pressure on themselves to make some plays, and I'm sure Braedyn, as the quarterback of our offense, is going to put pressure on himself. "
- Luke Fickell
Fickell also brought up the disappointing effort on defense in stopping the run, which led to Iowa running for 329 yards as a team. It doesn't matter what the QB play is like if your defense gives up that many yards and your own ground game only totals 124.
Tawee Walker had a second consecutive quiet showing, posting 16 carries for 52 yards - a 3.2 average per rush. That's simply not going to cut it. Walker and the rushing attack can't get anything going against good teams.
With Oregon next up on the schedule, something has to change on offense for this team in order to keep things close. Wisconsin has quickly learned that they can't rely on Locke's right arm to power them to a victory against a talented team. The rushing attack needs to get going against the Ducks early on. Otherwise, another long night could be on the way for the fanbase.