Every week, Herald Sports takes a look back at the Wisconsin football game and grades the position groups on a scale of zero to five.
Here is how the Badgers fared in their final Big Ten game against Northwestern:
Quarterbacks — 3.5 of 5
Up until the final 42 seconds, junior quarterback Scott Tolzien had put together a pretty strong performance. He found his top two pass catchers — receiver Nick Toon and tight end Garrett Graham — for a combined 13 times and completed a respectable 19-of-30 passes for 235 yards. Both touchdown passes to Graham showed poise and touch. Put in a tough situation for the last drive, however, Tolzien folded immediately, lofting an interception to Northwestern’s Jordan Mabin. With no timeouts, the Badgers’ chances ranged from slim to none, but that still was an ugly way to end the game.
Running backs — 1.5 of 5
Has there ever been a less descript 100-yard performance from a running back in recent memory? Sophomore John Clay finished at exactly the century mark — averaging 4.3 yards per carry on 23 touches — but never seemed to get on track. Named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Monday, perhaps Badger fans have been spoiled by some of Clay’s more recent superlative performances. Reliable as usual in short yardage situations, Clay did punch in a 2-yard touchdown early in the second quarter. After controlling his fumble problems for the last seven games, the sophomore bruiser chose a bad time to cough up the ball again. The fumble in the fourth quarter epitomizes how close Wisconsin has been in these big games before falling just short.
Wide receivers — 2.5 of 5
Nick Toon was superb. Finishing with seven receptions for 80 yards, the sophomore has stepped up the last few games as an elite receiver in the Big Ten. He makes tough catches over the middle and doesn’t get hung up on mistakes. Tolzien said it was his fault for their miscommunication on a deep route. Wisconsin fans should be grateful to see him next season. After flashing early in the season, Isaac Anderson has returned to the inconsistent play that once marked him. He can not be counted on game in and game out.
Tight Ends — 4.5 of 5
Despite not possessing elite speed or quickness, Graham continues to produce. He understands how to use his big body to position himself and hangs onto the ball in traffic for the most part. He never quit on his route for the second touchdown and Tolzien hit him in the back of the end zone. No tight end does a better job blocking. Junior Lance Kendricks was quiet, with one catch for six yards.
Offensive line — 1.5 of 5
Coming into the game with the top running game statistically in the Big Ten, UW managed a meager 99 yards on 35 carries. The holes John Clay was used to seeing weren’t there, and the Badgers became a pass-first offense in the second half. Although Tolzien often had a pocket to step up in, he was also taken down three times for a loss.
Defensive line — 3.5 of 5
In a word, sophomore defensive end J.J. Watt described the game as “frustrating.” Coming in as the top-ranked rushing defense, the Badgers lived up to that billing, holding the Wildcats to 73 yards on the ground. Only sacking NU quarterback Mike Kafka once, the Wildcats hurry-up, quick-strike offense never gave UW pass rushers a chance to get home. When they did reach Kafka, the Badgers failed to wrap up and bring him down for the big play. Despite knowing the three-step drops were coming, only defensive tackle Jeff Stehle got his hands up to bat down a pass.
Linebackers — 1 of 5
Spending most of the game in coverage, the UW linebacking core was exposed early and often. Kafka consistently found open receivers down the seams or in holes of coverage. Only junior middle linebacker Culmer St. Jean — who usually comes out in passing situations — managed to break up a pass. Overall, the spread offense exposed the linebackers for their worst performance of the season.
Secondary — 0 of 5
The Badgers gave up 248 yards passing in the first half and 364 through the air overall. They were burned deep and short, and sophomore Devin Smith was even tricked on a wide receiver pass. The zone coverage was soft, and cushions were often too deep. For a secondary that has struggled all season, this was its worst game of the season.
Special teams — 4 of 5
After three years of promise, junior wide receiver David Gilreath finally took a return to the house. Taking a punt 68 yards in the third quarter, Gilreath showed good speed and made decisive cuts. The blocking was superb. Kicker Phillip Welch hit from his only field goal try, and punter Brad Nortmann even landed two inside his 20-yard line. The kickoff coverage was sloppy as usual, giving Northwestern strong field position.
