Badgers Offensive Line Experiments Continue: What was Learned During 42-10 Win Over MTSU?

During the opening game against Miami (OH), Mandell notably had a rough game in his first collegiate action and recorded the second worst blocking grade on the team behind left tackle Davis Heinzen. However, Mandell was playing guard and the lineman is naturally a tackle, so Wisconsin opted to give the young lineman a chance to prove himself against outside threats.

Mandell held his own against Middle Tennessee, keeping a clean sheet and most importantly keeping quarterback Danny O’Neil upright. During his debut with the Badgers, Mandell recorded three hurries, four pressures, and one hit as his short time at guard was a difficult one. Given his performance this week against Middle Tennessee and the success of the offense in total, Mandell should be a starting tackle for the offense moving forward.

Kerry Kodanko, Davis Heinzen May Not be Viable Option Moving Forward

Davis Heinzen notably did not make the cut for the starting lineup this week, which did not come as a surprise to some fans. Heinzen struggled mightily last week against the RedHawks, allowing two sacks and recording a pass block grade of 47.8, which was the worst on the team among the offensive linemen. The transfer was not going up against tough competition either, but rather playing against a program he previously played against without issues.

Wisconsin appears to have given up on the Heinzen experiment with new players such as Emerson Mandell finding success at the position. Another experiment that can safely be determined to be a failure was giving Kerry Kodanko a chance to start at center. Jake Renfro surprisingly was unable to play against the Blue Raiders, which forced Wisconsin to search for a center as the position is not very deep at the moment.

Kodanko was the obvious option as arguably the best interior lineman on the roster who is not in a starting role. However, between high snaps, early snaps, and struggling to juggle snapping and blocking, Wisconsin will likely continue to search for a true back-up center moving forward.