Week 2 Badgers Depth Chart Reveals No O-Line Changes Despite Mixed Bag

With how the game went and how the offensive line performed in particular, one of the first questions during the media availability of coach Luke Fickell was bound to be about the line. Fickell stated that the staff did not feel a change was necessary yet, but the Badgers will continue to monitor the line moving forward. Fickell also stated that two people who will likely receive some playing time in specific situations are JP Benzschawel and Kerry Kodanko.

The two players who performed the worst along the offensive line during the game against Miami (OH) were Emerson Mandell and Davis Heinzen. Mandell was making his first career start but still had many positive moments in the win. Heinzen, however, had a much worse time out and at such a crucial position as left tackle defends the blind spot of quarterback Billy Edwards Jr.

Heinzen was credited with five pressures and two sacks, earning a pass blocking grade of 47.8 against the RedHawks. Mandell recorded a pass blocking grade of 59.4 and was credited with four pressures and three hurries.

Should the Wisconsin Badgers Make a Change Along the Offensive Line?

While Wisconsin did not make a change along the line for the Middle Tennessee game, some possible changes will be considered if another poor performance is put together. Middle Tennessee is arguably the worst all around opponent that Wisconsin will face this season and should not be able to put up much of a fight. If some of the line struggles again, then the Badgers should more seriously consider giving time to someone like Benzschawel, Kodanko, or Leyton Nelson.

Wisconsin is currently going to give everyone the benefit of the season only being one game deep thus far. Against the Blue Raiders, Heinzen, Mandell, and the rest of the line would have to have a pretty bad game in order for a serious depth chart change to occur.

The Wisconsin staff prefers to make adjustments based on data collected from the field, which can be seen in the decision to start linebacker Corey Walker moving forward due to his effectiveness on the field. Wisconsin is going to wait until enough has been shown out of each offensive lineman before a decision is made regarding who should truly be the starter at each position.