Badgers Defense Continues to Embarrass; Offense Follows Suit

We've been closely following this Wisconsin team in 2007. After an unexpected 12-1 season in 2006, the Badgers appeared to be in good position to make a run at the Big Ten title this season, as they had quality starters back on both sides of the ball.

However, the Badgers have miserably failed to live up to those expectations, especially on defense. Even in wins over Washington State, UNLV, The Citadel, Iowa, and Michigan State, the Badgers spent time playing from behind, and their defense spent time being run ragged by offenses that range from pretty good (MSU) to rather pathetic (UNLV) to I-AA (The Citadel).

Last week, the poor defense finally caught up with Bucky, as Illinois ran for nearly 300 yards in a 31-26 win. The road didn't get any tougher today, as Wisconsin visited Penn State. The Nittany Lions got the game off to a good start, forcing a P.J. Hill fumble on the first play from scrimmage. It took them three plays to turn that fumble into six points, and Wisconsin was quickly down 7-0.

The Badgers were down 10-0 when the offense put together a quality drive for a touchdown. Unfortunately for Wisconsin, it's the only scoring drive they've had all afternoon. The Badger defense has been manhandled throughout the half. The crowning achievement came on a fourth down play from the Wisconsin 19, as Evan Royster cut to his left and ran in the end zone untouched.
Keep in mind that this was a very good Wisconsin defense last year, finishing in the top ten nationally in some categories. This year, they're middle-of-the-pack in the country, and they've had little answer for most of the offenses they've faced.

Anthony Morelli was barely touched throughout the half, throwing for 174 yards and a score. Wisconsin starter Tyler Donovan, meanwhile, has thrown two picks, and Wisconsin has three turnovers. It looks like they've practically given up on what is a 24-7 game at halftime.

Why do I say that? Facing a fourth down and five inside Penn State territory with a bit less than a minute left in the first half, Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema trotted out the punt team, instructed them to take a delay penalty to get more room, and then punted the football.

Are you kidding me? Trailing 24-7, knowing that your team has to kick off to start the second half, you punt on the opponents' side of the field in the final minute of the half? I think it's time for ABC to switch this regional audience to a "more competive game". Arizona-USC, anyone?

Give Penn State credit. They're swarming on defense and taking advantage of a clearly rattled Wisconsin defense. However, how is this Wisconsin team, which looked so good last year, so bad now with many of the same players still around?