Between blitzing linebackers and a playmaking secondary, the linemen of the Badger defense are an often overlooked group. The defensive line, however, has been faced with their own set of challenges this year, primarily in the form of injuries. Wednesday’s announcement that defensive end Erasmus James is now out for the season is only the latest loss the defensive line has suffered.

In addition, the defensive line has also seen tackles Mike Kleber and Nick Cochart go down with injuries this season. While these losses have hurt the unit’s depth, defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove is quick to point out the line’s success so far this year in spite of the losses.

“Not having [James], he’s a very good football player, that takes a little bit away, but I think the other guys have stepped up; they’ve improved over last year, they’re a year older, and year more mature, and a year stronger … they’ve improved their play, but naturally we’d like to have [James] because he’s a good run defender and he’s a good pass rusher as well; but you know, you have to play with what you have and we’re doing the best job we can.”

The primary goal of the Badger defensive line each week is to control the line of scrimmage; to prevent the other team from successfully running the ball. This is especially important during Big Ten play, where a dominant rushing attack can allow a team to control a game. Last week the Badgers held explosive E.B. Halsey and the Illini offense to just 64 rushing yards in 21 attempts. These low numbers were predominately the work of the defensive lineman; they consistently out-worked the Illini offensive line in the trenches.

Cosgrove cited last week’s effort by the defensive line as one of their best of the season so far.

“I thought they played well, they defended the run, got off blocks, and did a good job pass rushing,” Cosgrove said. “The number one thing we have to do is stop the run.”

For this week, Jonathan Welsh and the rest of the defensive line aim for a repeat of last week’s performance against a balanced Penn State offensive attack.

“We need to stop the run first; if you stop the run, you force them to pass, and then you can dictate the game.” Welsh said, going on to add that he felt his play and the play of the defensive line has gotten better with each successive week.

With James out for the season, there is an opportunity for a new leader of the defensive line to emerge, and Welsh made his case last week.

Welsh, a first year starter, especially stood out as his play has indeed grown stronger every week, including last week’s solid performance. In addition to several tackles, Welsh’s play was highlighted by a near interception of Illinois quarterback Jon Buetjer’s pass on a zone blitz. Welsh’s adjustment from being a fifth lineman last year to a full-time starter this year hasn’t come easily, and when asked about his development this season and his near interception, he was philosophical.

“As your experience increases, you become a better player, you know what to expect more often, this is the game of football … I just want to get an interception, anything that happens, you know, if you make a play, it happens, but maybe I should leave it to the secondary guys.”

Despite the burden of unexpected injuries, the defensive line refuses to make excuses, and looks to continue its string of consistent performances for the rest of the season.

“During the week is like a classroom and Saturday’s the test,” Cosgrove said. “Hopefully they’re studying and working hard during the week so they can do a good job on Saturday.”