2013 Wisconsin Badgers Football Preview

Tweet

It’s been eight long months since the last week Badger football game week. Thankfully the wait is over. Through the season I’ll be previewing/reviewing Badger games. To start things off, a full season preview is in order (and also because UMass is a 45 point underdog and doesn't warrant a full blown preview). The three time defending Big Ten Champions have plenty of talent to contend, but with a new coaching staff and a few question marks on both sides of the ball there is a lot left to learn about the 2013 Badger squad.

Offense Preview

Let’s start with what we know. The Badgers will run the football. A lot. They will also be extremely

White and Gordon look to continue running through defenses

successful at it. Led by James White and Melvin Gordon the Badgers have the best running back tandem in the conference and one of the top in the country, a quick review of the Big Ten Title game of last year will squash doubts of that. The offensive line will be slightly revamped needing to replace stalwarts Travis Frederick and Ricky Wagner, but at Wisconsin you don’t rebuild the offensive line, you reload. Another strength of this squad is at TE. Offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig declared there are 4 starting caliber tight ends on the roster in Jacob Pedersen, Brian Wozniak, Brock DeCicco and Sam Arneson. I expect all will be used in various formations and game situations. With all that talent, the tight ends will be counted on heavily in the passing game to take some pressure off of wide receiver Jared Abbrederis. No one should expect the offense to suddenly transform into the aerial assault of the Greatest Show on Turf. But an offense like the one in 2010 led by ultra-efficient Scott Tolzien when the Badgers averaged 200 yards passing and rushing per game is very possible.

And now for that which remains to be seen. The biggest unknown entering fall camp was who would emerge as the starting QB. Head coach Gary Andersen has been adamant the official starter will be known on the first offensive snap against UMass. Joel Stave and Curt Phillips have separated from Tanner McEvoy for now and were listed as co-starters on the depth chart released Monday. Whoever takes the first snap this Saturday, I expect both will see action and the first two games will effectively be used an extension of the fall camp competition. Wide receiver is another position where someone has to develop opposite Abbrederis. The receiving corps is mostly intact from last year with the addition of freshman Rob Wheelright and redshirt freshman Alex Ericson. Both Wheelright and Ericson have worked into the rotation along with Abbrederis, Jordan Fredrick and Kenzel Doe. As noted previously, the depth at tight end might limit the opportunities in multiple receiver formations unless someone provides a more consistent option. Also keep an eye on Tanner McEvoy. Surpassed in the QB battle, McEvoy athletic ability is intriguing enough to warrant considering as a receiver in the red zone or other situational packages.

Stars: RB - James White, RB - Melvin Gordon,  WR - Jared Abbrederis, TE - Jacob Pedersen

Players to Watch: RB - Corey Clement, WR - Alex Ericson, WR - Rob Wheelright

*Obligatory mention that although no offensive lineman were noted here, they are all stars and their efforts are not forgotten.

Defensive Preview

New defensive coordinator Dave Aranda loves to pressure opposing teams. In previous stops at Utah State and Hawaii he has lead defenses ranked near the top of NCAA in sacks and sack percentage. The switch in philosophy from 4-3 to 3-4 fits the Badgers personnel nicely. The defensive line anchored by Beau Allen will need to eat up space and blockers for the stable of outside pass rushers. Starting with Chris Borland, the Badgers have several linebackers capable of rushing the passer. But more importantly, Aranda’s defensive philosophy will allow for more aggressive, attacking defense. Expect a lot more plays like this one from Chris Borland last year against Nebraska.(actually you probably won’t see many like that – it was ridiculous). The front seven is deep, experienced and will be the strength of defense. 

In order for the blitz to be effective though, the secondary will need to adjust to more press man coverage and overall physical play. This could be a tall task for a group that will replace three of four starters from last season. The inexperience in the secondary could be partially negated simply through lack of opponent passing proficiency. Below are the 2013 Badger opponents and their offensive ranks in rushing and passing yards last year. Only Indiana ranked in the top 35 in the country in passing yards per game. The Badgers do not have a NFL passing caliber QB on the docket this year (sorry OSU fans Braxton Miller is not feared due to his arm). As inexperienced as the secondary may be entering the season, they may not be tested very often, especially if the blitz happy Aranda can terrorize quarterbacks as expected.

Stars: LB - Chris Borland, DL - Beau Allen, S - Dez Southward, LB - Chris Borland (worth two mentions)

Players to Watch: CB - Sojourn Shelton, CB - Peniel Jean, LB - Brendan Kelly, LB - Vince Biegel

Coaching Staff Preview

Gary Andersen has done an outstanding job so far in taking over the program. From blasting music

Gary Andersen with classic visor look

throughout practice to introducing the ‘big brother’ program matching upperclassmen with first year players, seemingly every decision has been a hit with players and fans. For me one of the biggest things was involving Tanner McEvoy at wide receiver after he fell behind in the quarterback race. Finding a spot on the field for the most talented players is something most coaches preach in theory but rarely practice. Andersen quickly won over players through his genuine demeanor, often calling players out of the blue to check in on their lives. At practice Andersen sometimes participates in drills(he was a center when he played) and organizes impromptu dance offs. "That stuff is fun for the kids," Andersen said. "I think it brings energy and excitement. You get out there for recruiting, if I am a player, I want to have fun playing football." Obviously his ultimate test will be results on the field during fall Saturdays, but signs point to continued football success for the Badgers under Andersen.

Season Preview and Predictions

2013 Schedule
8/31 UMass	W
9/7 Tennessee Tech	W
9/14 at Arizona State	W
9/21 Purdue	W
9/28 at Ohio State	L
10/5 OPEN DATE
10/12 Northwestern	W
10/19 at Illinois	W
10/26 OPEN DATE
11/2 at Iowa	L
11/9 BYU	W
11/16 Indiana	W
11/23 at Minnesota	W
11/30 Penn State	W

Gary Andersen and staff arrive in Madison amid unusual circumstances for the program. On one hand, the Badgers have been to three straight Rose Bowls, return 15 starters but are considered a distance second to Ohio State in the Leaders Division  Additionally, the 2013 schedule sets up nicely without a super challenging non-conference slate while avoiding Michigan, Michigan St. and Nebraska within the conference. Expectations are high in Madison and anything less than a 9-3 record will be and should be considered a disappointment. The season effectively boils down to the September 28 showdown against Ohio State in Columbus. If the Badgers can win that game they will be in the driver’s seat for the division and will end up in another BCS bowl game. However I see the Badgers bowing out to the Buckeyes and dropping one other unexpected game on the road, most likely at Iowa where they have traditionally struggled. Badgers also cannot overlook Arizona State. Opening with UMass and Tennessee Tech will not be much of a challenge, playing in Tempe at night will be the first test of the season. The verdict for this team is 10-2 and another New Year’s Day Bowl game.





Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.

- Neal Olson (@olewr7)

Follow us on Twitter (@WISportsBlog) for up to date news on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live, in-game commentary, breaking news, previews and post game discussions. Follow the entire Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team on Twitter: @AndrewVrchota, @jheldred, @JoeP_Norton, @olewr7, @Stevie2Westside, @TABrown23, and @10iskristin.

Breaking Down the Badgers' Quarterback Competition

Taking over a football program like the Wisconsin Badgers affords certain luxuries that are not available at Utah State, like brand new team iPads for example. Unfortunately for new coach Gary Andersen an established quarterback is not one of them.  Andersen has been adamant competition for the starting job is wide open and has stressed the QB must be able to attack defenses with his arm and his legs. At this point, no one on the roster has demonstrated a consistent ability to provide both options consistently. With that in mind there are a few candidates who may fit the bill. The benefit of having Andersen walk in with a fresh take with no preconceived notions or bias and will ultimately result in the best man taking the first snap against UMass on August 31. With fall camp kicking off this week, now would be a good time to review the players in the mix.

The Young Guns
 
Connor Senger – Freshman – Milwaukee Pius XI
 

Photo: Rivals.com

A dual threat QB whose stature (he’s 5’11”) and baseball playing earned him the nickname “Young Russ” after former Badger QB Russell Wilson by teammates during summer workouts. Senger chose to walk on at Wisconsin for a chance to play close to home in front of friends and family. This summer during the WFCA Big Schools All Star game for high school seniors his dual threat capabilities were on full display, he threw 4 touchdowns and rushed for 51 yards. At this point he will mostly spend time as a scout team QB in preparation for opposing teams that run a spread option. But don’t discount his role in the future because seriously, he looks like Russell Wilson.

Bart Houston – Redshirt Freshman – De La Salle(Ca)

Houston was highly touted out of high school and recruited by former offensive coordinator and current Pitt head coach Paul Chryst. He has NFL QB size at 6’4” 217lb and arm strength but so far has not been consistent in accuracy and decision making against college level defenders. Houston does possess enough elusiveness running the ball to warrant consideration in Coach Andersen’s desire for an option threat at QB. However at this point in his development he does not appear ready as the lead signal caller.  Keep an eye out for him in future years though.

The Longshot

Curt Phillips – Senior
  
No one will question Curt Phillips desire or competiveness. Last year he helped lead the Badgers to a third consecutive Rose Bowl after overcoming three ACL tears and sitting out football completely for two years. Keeping the team together through all the adversity last year cannot be understated. Phillips was also at the forefront of players who sought out Barry Alvarez to be on the sidelines for the Rose Bowl after Bret Beilema left for Arkansas. Even after three surgeries Phillips is an effective and potentially dangerous ball carrier, but his arm strength and the coach’s confidence in his passing will prevent him from winning the starting gig. During the Badger spring game the offense stuck mostly to the ground when Phillips played and seemed too predictable. Similar to the last 5 games of the year, the offense ran every play it could and only passed when down and distance dictated. Based on Andersen’s continued preaching of being able to attack through the air as well as the ground I just don’t see how Phillips can be the answer without drastic improvement from the spring.

Photo: thestate.com

The JUCO Everyone Thinks Will Start

Tanner McEvoy – Redshirt Sophomore

McEvoy originally attended South Carolina before enrolling at Arizona Western Junior College, where he put up some ridiculous stats. He finished the 2012 Junior College season first in completion percentage, second in passing touchdowns and second in passing yards per game. In addition he ran for 414 yards and 6 touchdowns. Needless to say, his resume bodes well for the dual threat option game that Andersen has coveted. What McEvoy lacks though, is time in the program. He did not arrive in Madison until June and must make up ground on Phillips and Stave who have had several weeks of practice under the new coaching staff in the spring. In order to help speed the process Andersen has paired McEvoy and Phillips together in a new tradition called “Big Brother” where returning players are partnered with first year players to help familiarize them to with the program. Pairing the two quarterbacks is a decidedly calculated move, which will hopefully bring McEvoy up to speed more quickly in addition to bringing out the best in both players.

The Favorite
 
Joel Stave – Redshirt Sophomore
  
Ironically, Stave made his college debut last year against Gary Andersen led Utah State. After taking over the full time starting roll against UTEP, Stave slowly but surely took control of the offense. In four of his six starts the offense had over 400 total yards compared to just two other outings with 400 yards in the eight other games of the year. Big play wide receiver Jared Abbrederis had 30 receptions, 565 yards and 3 touchdowns in games started by Stave and 19 catches, 272 yards and 2 TDs without him. With Stave at the helm it is clear the Badger offense was performing at another level. Stave has demonstrated poise and confidence in leading a big play offense against Big Ten caliber defense and despite his limitations as a runner, Stave deserves to enter the season with the #1 QB job his to lose.

A Prediction

Gary Andersen has thus far stuck me as a savvy coach who will utilize all weapons at his disposal to put the Badgers in the best position to win. I would not be surprised however if Andersen takes a page from mentor and friend Urban Meyer. In 2006, Meyer effectively used returning starter Chris Leak and upstart freshman Tim Tebow at various points on the way to a national title. While no player on the Badger roster has talent equal to either Leak or Tebow, the concept of situational quarterbacking is a real possibility. I would expect McEvoy to have a few formations and play packages available for certain down and distances that will stress the defense in ways Stave cannot. Conversely, Stave has a remarkably accurate deep ball that can stop defenses from loading the box much like they did last year under Curt Phillips. Remember this is Andersen’s first year with the program. The offense is not likely to have the same look or feel in two or three years when he has a roster filled with players recruited for his style. Like all good coaches he will adapt and blend what he wants to be with what he currently has.

Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.

- Neal Olson (@olewr7)

Follow us on Twitter (@WISportsBlog) for up to date news on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live, in-game commentary, breaking news, previews and post game discussions. Follow the entire Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team on Twitter: @AndrewVrchota, @jheldred, @JoeP_Norton, @SMahon2Go, @olewr7, @Stevie2Westside, @TABrown23, and @10iskristin.