Strong New Wisconsin Badgers’ RB option emerges during 21-7 loss to Oregon

Ituka was handed the keys to the Badgers’ offense on the ground and quickly made the most of his first career start for the program. The running back recorded 21 carries for 85 yards with a notable 18-yard rush recorded in the process. Wisconsin still does not have a 100-yard single game rusher this season, but the 85-yard performance from Ituka is currently the highest this season.

Running Back Gideon Ituka Shines During First Career Start For Wisconsin Badgers

With the quarterback play and ability to move the ball through the air still limited, Wisconsin had to rely on the Ituka to move the football down the field. Quarterback Hunter Simmons recorded less than 100 passing yards for the third game in a row as the concerns surrounding the position continue to mount.

Being one dimensional and successful is incredibly difficult to do given how balanced many of the top conference teams are. The Badgers’ aerial attacks pose no threat to most defenses and thus defenses focus on stopping what little run game Wisconsin has had.

Enter Gideon Ituka, and Wisconsin could now have a viable option on the ground as Jones and Dupree have not been particularly successful behind a struggling offensive line. Ituka recorded five first-downs for Wisconsin as the running back grew his season total to eight.

Physicality, Zone Running Presence Could Set Ituka Apart Moving Forward

What truly set Ituka apart from the other running backs on the roster during the Oregon Ducks’ clash was his physicality. The running back hit the holes that were opened by the offensive line with power and kept his legs moving.

Against the Ducks, Ituka recorded two missed tackles forced and 48 of his 85 yards after contact. The running back averaged an extra 2.29 yards after contact per attempt and 35 total breakaway yards in addition. Ituka currently leads the Badgers’ offense with nearly double the amount of breakaway yards recorded by the next closest rusher (Darrion Dupree, 17).

Ituka has quickly found success on the ground for the Badgers despite playing behind a makeshift offensive line due to injuries and struggles. Despite this, the running back has managed to emerge as a successful option due to his field vision and running style. 22 of the 32 carries Ituka has recorded this season have been zone run plays which place more responsibility on the running back to find the right opening.

The running back was still admittedly not perfect, with a notable fumble occurring against the Ducks’ defense, but his success might outweigh some of the struggles.

Wisconsin needs offense and there is no doubt about that fact with just 27 points through five games in Big Ten Conference play. Ituka offers both an explosive and new look at the position that the likes of Dupree, Jones, and Yacamelli all do not mimic. In addition to his play-style, the Badgers have given Dupree and Jones over 120 carries this season under similar circumstances and the argument could be made Ituka is the best option given his success behind the offensive line.