The Iowa Hawkeyes did just enough to defeat the Wisconsin Badgers. However, what should each team take away from yesterday?
When the Iowa Hawkeyes walked into chilly Cam Randall Stadium, people anticipated them to struggle on offense. Granted, at the same time, no one expected the Wisconsin Badgers to struggle in all phases of offensive football. Yet, both teams managed to play a troubled version of offensive. While Iowa left Madison, Wisconsin with a 15-6 victory, each team still finds themselves at a crossroads.
Not Really the Last Word
Deacon Hill led the Hawkeyes to a victory in a hyperconservative, almost passive way. Questions about whether the coaching staff trusted Hill to make throws were answered on several occasions. First and foremost, on back-to-back plays, Hill completed two passes for nineteen yards. Over the next three quarters, Hill completed just four of thirteen passes for eighteen yards. Iowa’s intention was to constantly run and minimize any effect that Hill could potentially have on the outcome of the game. As a result, the Hawkeyes ran the ball forty-seven times.
3-3-5 Struggles
On balance and in theory, Wisconsin’s 3-3-5 defensive scheme works versus certain teams that love to throw the ball around. However, yesterday’s game provided a bitter lesson because that scheme should be shelved. As mentioned, Iowa ran the ball forty-seven times. On top of that, the Hawkeyes broke the Badgers’ 3-3-5 with 200 rushing yards. Outside of an 82-yard touchdown run by running back Leshon Williams, Iowa still battered the scheme. When Johnson burst through the first level on the touchdown run, you just felt that he would accelerate, running away from defenders. Without the ability to have a lineman or linebacker setting the edge, Iowa feasted.
Quarterback Quandary
When Tanner Mordecai left the game in the second half, a sense of hope seemed to elude parts of those in attendance. Granted, Mordecai’s first drive looked like many expected Wisconsin’s offense would look like. Although the Badgers turned the ball over on downs, the offense moved efficiently, playing with pace. After that drive, you saw the shortcomings in Mordecai’s game. Whether it was through across the field or attempting to thread the needle, a lack of zip surfaced. Braedyn Locke, redshirt freshman quarterback filled in for Mordecai. In his defense, Locke fared as well as he could considering the opponent and situation.
A Tale of Two Coordinators
While Brian Ferentz did nothing of import, relying on defense to save the day, Wisconsin’s Phil Longo flashed what makes him highly respected. Within the Badgers’ offense, you could see Longo using the shovel pass to stem the time of the Hawkeyes defense. Most importantly, you saw what Wisconsin’s offense could be. By sticking with the no-huddle from shotgun, Longo gave his offense every chance to succeed when most coordinators would retreat into a shell for a backup quarterback. Meanwhile, Ferentz did not take advantage of the one thing that Deacon Hill brings to the table that would aid the Iowa offense. Blessed with a strong arm, and Wisconsin looking for the run, play actions and vertical shots would help. With the Big 10 West open and Ferentz possibly coaching for his job, an offense with more urgency would have worked.
Defensive Masterpiece
If you focus strictly on how Iowa’s defense played, you will see a textbook lesson in coaching. Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker brought a smart, technically sound plan to Madison. Despite getting to the quarterback only one, Iowa generated enough pressure on the interior and the edge to affect the game. One hidden aspect of Parker’s stellar day was the fact that he made sure to involve every member of the Wisconsin offensive line. When Iowa did not blitz from the edges, you saw a safety flying up the middle, contacting a lineman, preventing the pocket from being completely flawless. That small wrinkle led to rushed throws, batted balls and a general lack of sustained rhythm. Also, forcing seven three-and-outs does not hurt.
Wisconsin Short Term Plan
Depending how long Tanner Mordecai remains out, Braedyn Locke will be the guy. As a result, the Badgers should not change their offensive approach with the talent they have. Braelon Allen will continue to serve as the bellcow back. However, with the season-ending injury to Chez Mellusi, Jackson Acker presents the offense with another bruising back, In Big Ten winters, bigger backs thrive and Acker must step up. Meanwhile, on defense, any alteration from the 3-3-5 will serve the Badgers far better. Two losses do not make for a poor season.
Iowa Short Term Plan
Deacon Hill continues to be the starting quarterback. Yes, he possesses a strong arm but suspect accuracy. Leshon Williams leads a potent running game. Why not allow Hill to stretch the defense occasionally? If not, opponents will camp in the box and dare the Hawkeyes to run. Iowa will either face Ohio State or Michigan in the Big 10 championship game. Under those circumstances, giving the defense to think about will help the defense not need to play close to perfect each week.
Wisconsin Long Term Plan
While you can see what the offense wants to do, they may lack the receiving help to accomplish that this season. The Badgers lack consistent explosion downfield. Like Iowa, teams will stay in the box. By hitting the transfer portal on both sides of the ball, Wisconsin could make a big jump in 2024. On defense, including ditching the 3-3-5, the Badgers can attract better defensive linemen, formally a hallmark of their program. Either way, the future looks bright in Madison.
Iowa Long Term Plan
Iowa possesses an outstanding defense, full of disciplined players that bought into the approach and scheme. Meanwhile on offense, that side of the line lacks both a serious identity and purpose. During the entirety of Kirk Ferentz’s tenure, Iowa featured excellent tight ends, strong offensive lines and a superior defense. What would make the Hawkeyes scary is the change in offensive philosophy would immediately do wonders. Yearly, the Hawkeyes sit at eight wins, thanks in part to their defense saving their day. Imagine what an inventive coordinator would do?
Overview
Both Iowa and Wisconsin exist in a transition phase. In all honesty, so does the Big Ten. With talented West Coast teams joining the league next year, both schools need to look in the mirror and figure out how they want the new era of their Big Ten journey to begin with.
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