BYU football: Scouting the Wisconsin Badgers
By Adam Gibby
Wisconsin Offense
Playing Style: Run heavy (Power smash mouth football)
Returning Starters: 9
Key Returning Players: QB Alex Hornibrook, WR Jazz Peavy, WR Troy Fumagalli, Whole Offensive Line
Key Losses: QB Bart Houston, RB Corey Clement, RB Dare Ogunbowale LT Ryan Ramczyk
What to expect in 2017: In 2017, the pass may be utilized a little bit more than in the past. The overall playing style will probably not change very much. However without the experience at running back that the Badgers have had recently, it is very possible that quarterback Alex Hornibrook will be expected to throw closer to the 3,000 yard range for the season, with a higher average early in the season.
If the Badgers are able to find a very good running back, this team may be near to unstoppable. With various injuries in 2016, many linemen were able to get some game experience. Coming into the season, every single one of Wisconsin’s offensive linemen have started multiple games in the past. Consider that with the fact that they play smash-mouth football, the only missing piece is a running back. They will figure it out, the question is when will they figure it out?
How BYU can be successful: Force Wisconsin to be one dimensional and hope it’s enough. Quarterback Alex Hornibrook is not a great quarterback. If the Cougars can intercept a few balls and shut down the passing the game, then BYU can load up in the box more. Luckily, BYU football has a big defense. Wisconsin will be able to run well against the Cougars, but perhaps not to well if there are seven or eight players crashing the line of scrimmage every play. If they can’t make Wisconsin one dimensional however, I do not see the Cougars having much success. The Cougars can not have the mindset of shutting down the run. Wisconsin is too good to be shut down from running so BYU should focus on shutting down the pass.
Prediction: Wisconsin is going to play well to their game plan on a few drives. Hornibrook will have some completions which will open up the running game. Wisconsin will have three drives that last over six minutes. However, BYU will also find some drives that they shut down the pass. These will lead to the running game not being able to pick up as many first downs and will force some punts. Either way though, the defense is going to be very sore after this game. The Cougars can’t have the mindset of shutting down the run.