Fresh off last week’s 34-6 victory over Central Florida, one could expect the Badgers to have plenty of confidence heading into Saturday’s contest against the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
And yet, despite a 42-17 loss at Tennessee last week, the Rebels are far from another soft non-conference opponent. For the Badgers to avenge last year’s 23-5 home loss, they must focus on five keys:
1. Neutralize Jamaal Brimmer: UNLV’s defensive leader is senior strong safety Jamal Brimmer. The two-time Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year is a projected high first-round NFL draft pick. He creates problems with his speed in pass coverage and blitzing ability.
In order to slow Brimmer, the Badgers must run the ball early to force him closer to the line of scrimmage to help defend the run. If Wisconsin can do that, the Badger offense can then use play action passes to freeze Brimmer and create open routes for Brandon Williams and Jonathon Orr.
It’s a special concern to the offensive line that they always keep tabs on Brimmer, as his speed and strength can wreak havoc on the blitz. Wisconsin cannot afford to allow him an open lane into the backfield, or else turnovers will ensue. Brimmer had a field day against the Badgers last year, including a punishing hit on Jim Sorgi that led to a 55-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
The Badgers’ current offensive line should be experienced enough to prevent a repeat of that, and stopping Brimmer is an excellent warm-up for the blitzing defenses the Badgers will see this year.
2. Get Booker Stanley involved early and often: With Wednesday’s announcement that Anthony Davis will miss at least three games, the Badgers will now turn to sophomore Booker Stanley to lead the rushing attack. Stanley, who saw playing time last year in 12 games, is no greenhorn, but has not shown the explosive big-play ability of Davis.
Stanley is said to have improved his speed, but many Badger fans won’t be convinced until he breaks a big run. Allowing Stanley to touch the ball early and often will help the Wisconsin offense to establish the run, and Stanley’s physical running style lends well to punishing rushes through the middle.
If Stanley and the Badgers can create an early running game, it will force UNLV to focus on the run, creating room for Badger receivers and putting less pressure on John Stocco to make big plays.
3. Make life easy for John Stocco: In his first career start last Saturday, sophomore John Stocco understandably looked shaky early but eventually found a rhythm. If the Badgers can create a solid running game early again this week, it will take a lot of pressure off him.
And if the Badgers can create this offensive balance, Stocco will feel less inclined to try and create the big play and force throws downfield. The offensive line must continue to protect Stocco on longer pass plays, as last week’s game saw an unhurried Stocco throwing to third and fourth receivers for long gains.
Against an experienced UNLV secondary, he must avoid bad decisions that can lead to momentum-killing turnovers. Jim Sorgi found that out the hard way last year against UNLV. As long as Stocco has time in the pocket, he’ll be able to make correct reads on passing plays.
4. Continue Dominant D: The highlight of last week’s victory was the stellar play of the Badger defensive line. This week, that same unit will face a more experienced offensive line in UNLV. Wisconsin needs to continue its dominant performance to stop a balanced UNLV attack.
The Badger defense must first shutdown senior tailback Dominique Dorsey, a shifty rusher who earned 100 yards against the Badgers last year. If the Badgers can stop Dorsey, UNLV will be forced to turn to the air, where fifth-year senior Kurt Nantkes has had success in past campaigns. The threat UNLV poses through the air means that the Badger linebackers and secondary will likely go into nickel and dime formations on third down situations for the first time this year.
Last weekend, Wisconsin never left its 4-3 base defense, so the Badgers will be testing their new pass coverage schemes under the gun. If they can defend the pass and get a dominant showing out of the defensive line, the Badgers can shut UNLV down.
5. Stay motivated: Last year’s loss was one of the most disappointing days in recent history for Badger football. The game began with Anthony Davis getting hurt, and little else went right for Wisconsin as they lost 23-5 to a clearly weaker team.
This year’s Badger squad no doubt remembers the aftertaste of that game and will surely be looking for vengeance Saturday. If Wisconsin stays focused on revenge, they should be able to find plenty of motivation to beat the Rebels.
