Badgers — First Impressions

I have watched the 2009 version of the Wisconsin Badger football team twice this year…once on TV and once in person. Following is my early synopsis:

Likes
*I have confidence in Scott Tolzein at quarterback. He clearly understands the offense and knows where his receivers should be – a great trait when teams blitz. His body language on the field is also excellent, looking like the calm, cool, boss on the field you want to see from a starting QB. I’m sold.

*John Clay does not make many tacklers miss. However, the breakaway speed he displayed on his 72-yard TD run against Fresno State was amazing. Two defensive backs had advantageous pursuit angles as he went down the sidelines, yet neither could catch the 250 pounder. Clay also ran very hard in the overtime session…at the end of the game he is the man.

*Defensive playmakers were missing from the UW football team a year ago. Chris Maragos and O’Brien Schofield have made huge plays in the first two games of the year and they certainly are playing the part of lead-by-example senior captains. Mike Taylor and Chris Borland, two freshmen linebackers, also stand out.

Dislikes
*I still do not like the way defensive signals are called in to the team from sideline. Late in the game Fresno State was lined up and ready to play while Wisconsin players stood mesmerized waiting for a defensive play call. Players were confused on a number of plays throughout the first two games. There has got to be a better way.

*Yes, Aaron Henry was sick. However, the defensive backfield play from the corners was really poor. Good thing they haven’t faced a true spread offense yet this year.

*Remember when Wisconsin was known as a physical, sound tackling football team? Bret Bielema’s teams simply miss too many tackles. I’m not sure if it is the players or the coaching, but it has become a pattern the last four years.