Wisconsin Badgers: 3 Overreactions Following Solid 17-0 Opening Result

The Wisconsin Badgers staff placed a premium on quarterbacks getting the football out of their hands quickly and into the hands of a receiver during camp. Both Billy Edwards Jr. and Danny O’Neil did just that, but the issue was with who the football was going to. Before the second quarter of play ended, Wisconsin had already passed or handed off the football to nine different players.

Moving the football around and creating some sort of distribution method is not a bad thing, but potentially spreading yourself too thin is. Wisconsin displayed an immense amount of moving parts against Miami (OH) which could have been part of the reason why the offense never quite got off the ground. Continuity and relationships between a quarterback and his receivers is crucial and offering a revolving door could make developing said relationships difficult as well.

During the game, Wisconsin ran the football with seven different players and threw the football to eight different receivers. Running back Dilin Jones was responsible for the most yards (73) outside of O’Neil and put together a solid game on the ground as the leader of the running back room. Distribution is expected, but the Badgers might be teetering upon playing too many players throughout the game.

Wisconsin Badgers Overreaction #2: Vinny Anthony II Needs to Get the Football More Often

In conjunction with the first overreaction, Anthony II is someone who looked quick, agile, and like a play-maker last night for the Wisconsin Badgers. Anthony II led the team with four receptions and recorded 57 yards and a touchdown with 31 yards coming from one big completion. The wide receiver arguably could have had a bigger game against the RedHawks as the defense struggled to keep up with his speed and route running abilities.

Wisconsin has plenty of potential and promise within the wide receiver room currently, but sometimes giving everyone a touch does not give everyone a chance to grow. Anthony II looked amazing on the field and while the win was secured, choosing not to feed the football to the receiver feels like a missed opportunity.

Wisconsin Badgers Overreaction #3: Davis Heinzen Needs to be Benched

While for many fans benching Heinzen may not be an overreaction given his performance, there still has been only one game in Madison, in the new offense to go off of. Starting Heinzen again versus Middle Tennessee State might not be the worst decision considering the expected level of skill Heinzen will face. If the tackle struggles again, then changes will almost certainly be needed ahead of a very challenging remaining schedule.

However, there is also a pretty good argument for benching Heinzen already as the Miami (OH) defense was primarily composed of inexperienced, lowly recruited players. Outside linebacker Adam Trick was one of the few returners on defense for the RedHawks, but still should not have been able to dismantle Heinzen in the manner he did.

If Heinzen continues to start, some of the names he will potential face are LT Overton (Alabama), Qua Russaw (Alabama), Rayshaun Benny (Michigan), and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (Ohio State).