Every week Herald Sports will take a look back at the Wisconsin football game and grade the position groups on a scale of zero to five.
Here is how they fared in week three against FCS opponent Wofford:
Quarterbacks — 4 of 5
Starter Scott Tolzien played for the first half and freshman Curt Phillips was under center for most of the second half. Both quarterbacks played to their strengths with Tolzien completing 15-of-20 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns and Phillips leading all rushers with 92 yards on four attempts. He also completed his only pass attempt, a 13-yard strike to Lance Kendricks. Using various misdirections and designed runs, it was the first time a quarterback led the team in rushing since Brooks Bollinger did it Nov. 4, 2000. The only blemish came from Tolzien’s fumble on an exchange problem and the limited test they faced with an undersized Wofford team.
Running Backs — 0.5 of 5
The only way Wofford had a chance to stay in the game was if they won the turnover battle, and John Clay did his best to help them. Although he only lost one fumble, putting the ball on the ground three times was inexcusable, especially for a player making his first start of the season. Zach Brown didn’t exactly shine himself, as he also lost a fumble. When the backs weren’t losing the ball, they were effective, which was to be expected against a small defensive line. The good news is head coach Brett Bielema will have a chance to correct the problem before Big Ten play starts.
Wide Receivers — 3 of 5
Sophomore Nick Toon continued his strong play this season, grabbing six balls for 70 yards, including four for first downs. The rest of the receivers remained silent, however, with only junior Maurice Moore catching another pass. Last year’s wide out leader David Gilreath continues to underperform, and he too lost a fumble on a bubble screen that was ruled a backward pass.
Tight Ends — 4.5 of 5
UW’s tight ends created matchup problems for the Terriers, and they exploited them all day long. Kendricks finally produced after being touted by coaching staff and players alike through all of fall camp. The athletic junior finished tied for a team-high with six receptions, 70 yards and a touchdown grab. Bielema also pointed to his blocking as a strong point. Graham continued his reign as the Big Ten’s best, adding another two catches and his first TD of the season, in addition to his superior blocking. Captain Mickey Turner also chipped in with a catch. Only the quality of the opponent prevented a perfect score.
Offensive Line — 4 of 5
Given an almost laughable size advantage, the Badger O-line bullied their way to 258 yards total rushing. Bielema was able to give junior John Moffitt playing time for the first time since his pectoral injury and Bill Nagy also saw the field after a heel injury. In 21 dropbacks, they didn’t give up a sack. The only reason they don’t receive a perfect grade is the level of competition.
Defensive Line — 4 of 5
Two words: assignment sound. Defensive line coach Charles Partridge must have drilled this into their brain, because there were no obvious mistakes made by the D-line. While they were rarely in a position to make plays, they held their gaps and let the linebackers come in for the stop. Wofford favors the dive play but rarely found a hole. Senior O’Brien Schofield continued his dominance, picking up a sack and forcing a fumble despite limited opportunities. He is as close to unblockable as anyone right now.
Linebackers — 4 of 5
Bielema predicted middle linebacker Culmer St. Jean would have a big game, and the junior came through with 15 tackles, including two for a loss. Having played against this offense in high school, St. Jean proved to be a force. Freshman Mike Taylor had perhaps his best game so far, registering nine tackles and a sack. Jaevery McFadden also earned Bielema’s praise after the game. Freshman Chris Borland demonstrated outstanding athleticism on the blocked punt, leaping over the wedge.
Secondary — 4 of 5
The best that can be said is they were never fooled by the occasional play-action attempt. Devin Smith showed good hands on the game’s lone interception, and the secondary as a whole only allowed three receptions on seven attempts. Safety Jay Valai was instrumental in helping stuff the running game.
Specialists — 2 of 5
Punter Brad Nortman was solid, booting two punts for 90 yards, including a 54-yarder. Kicker Phillip Welch connected on his only field goal attempt from 36 yards. However, Welch missed a PAT, which is inexcusable.
