19th-ranked Badgers battle Bulls

Madison, WI (SportsNetwork.com) – The 19th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers will face their final non-conference test on Saturday afternoon, as they close out a three-game homestand at Camp Randall Stadium with a matchup versus the South Florida Bulls.

USF opened up its American Athletic Conference schedule last Friday night in a home contest against Connecticut and came away with a 17-14 victory, snapping a two-game losing streak in the process. This contest marks the Bulls’ first road game of the year. They went just 1-4 away from home a season ago.

Wisconsin was put to the test on opening night against nationally-ranked LSU and faltered down the stretch, coughing up a double-digit second-half lead to lose, 28-24. Although the Badgers’ subsequent competition hasn’t been very good, they have nonetheless stabilized themselves with back-to-back dominating wins, defeating Western Illinois (37-3) and Bowling Green (68-17).

“It was a good team victory,” coach Gary Anderson said of the Badgers’ rout of Bowling Green last weekend. “Now it’s important that we can build on that and continue to move on.”

This marks the first-ever meeting between these two football programs.

After USF put up 36 points in its season-opening win, its offense has struggled by posting 17 points in three straight games. Its sluggish play of late has caused its season averages to dip to 21.8 ppg and 293.0 ypg.

The lone bright spot on the underwhelming unit is the team’s star running back Marlon Mack. He’s carried the ball 89 times, more than half the team’s workload, resulting in the ninth-most rushing yards in the nation (502) and five touchdowns.

Mike White hasn’t gotten much going under center, as he’s posted an awful completion percentage (.393) for 388 yards with two touchdowns and two picks. The Bulls aren’t fully committed to White under center, but Steven Bench (15-of-37, 172 yards, INT) and Quinto Flowers (1-of-4, seven yards, two INTs) have also struggled mightily.

Rodney Adams leads the team with 10 receptions and 184 yards and is the only player with double-digit catches or 100 receiving yards.

The stagnant offense clearly hasn’t done the team any favors, but the defense has underachieved as well. The unit gives up just shy of 30 points per game and has difficulty getting off the field, allowing opponents to convert third downs at 48 percent efficiency.

The defense has been active in the turnover battle with 11 takeaways, with Nigel Harris (26 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, three FF, FR), Jamie Byrd (31 tackles, INT, FF), Derrick Calloway (2.0 sacks) and Todd Chandler (two FR) the top difference makers.

Wisconsin’s ground game exploded in its blowout of Bowling Green with 644 rushing yards, which was not only a school record but the most in the Big Ten’s modern era dating back to 1946. The productive afternoon went a long way in improving the Badgers’ offensive numbers (43.0 ppg, 510.0 ypg).

Melvin Gordon headlined the attack last weekend by setting career highs in both yards (253) and touchdowns (five) on a mere 13 carries. Gordon appears to be fully healthy after dealing with a minor hip injury at the start of the season, and he’s now up to 431 yards (9.4 ypg) and six touchdowns.

“Melvin is determined for his football team,” Anderson said. “I promise you that’s the driving force between Melvin wanting to have success.”

Corey Clement also sees plenty of backfield work with 40 carries for 213 yards and three scores.

Tanner McEvoy has been a strong rushing option as well at quarterback, piling up 253 yards and two scores on the ground. His work as a passer, however, still needs work, as he’s completing less than 59 percent of his passes for 445 yards with four scores and four picks.

Alex Erickson (15 receptions, 165 yards, TD) has been a trusty possession receiver for McEvoy, while Sam Arneson (eight receptions, 155 yards, TD) is more utilized down the field.

The Badgers’ defense (16.0 ppg, 266.0 ypg) has feasted on lesser competition in recent weeks and holds opponents to just 27 percent on third down this season.

Michael Caputo is the team’s top tackler with 21 stops to go with an interception and a fumble recovery. Marcus Trotter (20 tackles, 2.5 TFL), Derek Landisch (17 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks) and Joe Schobert (15 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks, INT) are also off to strong starts.

Categorized in: NCAA Football