The Nebraska Cornhuskers are coming off of their third backbreaking loss of the season. They are facing off with the Wisconsin Badgers in each team’s second Big Ten conference game. With both teams coming off of a loss in the conference opener, it’s easy to see why a pair of seasons are on the brink of disaster.
Nebraska football has lost all three games by a combined nine points, while the Badgers gave away four turnovers in a 10-6 loss to Iowa. To learn more about the Badgers’ season we talked to Jim Oxley of Badger of Honor. He presented great insight about Wisconsin football in 2015.
Check out what Oxley had to say about Wisconsin’s performance this year. You can also check them out on Twitter.
Husker Corner: How has the loss of Corey Clement hurt the offense?
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Badger Of Honor: Having Corey Clement out has really only hurt the Badgers twice — in both losses. Wisconsin couldn’t establish the run anyway against Alabama in week one, but not being able to run against Iowa really brought them down. To put all the blame on the replacements — Taiwan Deal and Dare Ogunbowale — would be unfair, as the offensive line hasn’t helped them as of late. But clearly the Badgers are lacking a running back who can take it to that extra level.
Husker Corner: Who has stepped up out of the blue for Wisconsin?
Badger of Honor: Wide receiver Robert Wheelwright has been a wonderful surprise for the Badgers offense. He had just one catch all season last year, and this year trails only Alex Erickson in catches and is tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns with tight end Austin Traylor, who has also stepped up his game this year. On defense, the Badgers saw a breakout performance from true freshman linebacker Chris Orr in the Troy game, and he has started and performed well the past two games as one of Wisconsin’s two interior linebackers.
Husker Corner: Are turnovers really a concern for the Badgers, or was it just a bad day against Iowa?
Nebraska vs Wisconsin
Badger of Honor: I’d like to think it was just the Iowa game. The Badgers only have eight turnovers this season, four of them came last week against Iowa. The only two fumbles the Badgers have given away were this past week, and Joel Stave has thrown four picks this season, two against Iowa. The optimist in me says it was a tough Iowa defense wreaking havoc. The pessimist in me, however, is worried Stave is reverting back to old ways and making poor decisions. I’m truly not sure which is correct, and I guess we may learn a little more this weekend.
Husker Corner: Despite two early losses, does Wisconsin have the chance to have their best defense in recent history?
Badger of Honor: This defense is special. They absolutely have the talent to rank among the best in recent history, which will be tough to do considering how good the defense has been since Dave Aranda took over as defensive coordinator three years ago. The Badgers simply don’t let people score. They gave Iowa fits on Saturday, and the only Hawkeyes points came off of Stave turnovers on a short field. This group, led by guys like Joe Schobert and Michael Caputo, could really open some eyes over the next few weeks.
Husker Corner: How has the offensive philosophy changed with the new coaching staff?
Badger of Honor: Once Paul Chryst returned to Madison, we immediately saw the offense revert back to the style of play used back when Chryst was the offensive coordinator years ago. Gone was the notion to use a dual-threat quarterback, and very early in the offseason Stave, a pro-style QB, was named the starter. The Badgers have very clearly been trying to establish the run game, and have seen a resurgence in the passing game that wasn’t there early in the season last year under former head coach Gary Andersen.
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Stay on the lookout for more Husker Corner and Badger of Honor’s countdown to the battle of the Freedom Trophy between Wisconsin and Nebraska.