Big Ten play begins on Saturday for the Wisconsin Badgers when they host the Maryland Terrapins.
The nonconference portion of Wisconsin’s football schedule is behind them.
They won two of those three contests, but now it’s time for Big Ten play as the Badgers welcome the Maryland Terrapins to Madison for an 11:00 kickoff Saturday morning.
Wisconsin returns home following a 38-14 loss at nationally ranked Alabama, where they were dominated in just about every phase of the game.
The Badgers have yet to start a game with any momentum, scoring a combined 17 first-half points in their first three games.
Offensive tackle Davis Heinzen of Manitowoc didn’t mince words, telling SeehaferNews.com, “We’re not even close to playing to our capabilities. We continue to start slow, and we’re all starting to get a bit frustrated. It’s hard to admit, but it’s the truth. If you don’t hit it head-on, you’ll never be able to grow individually or as a team.”
Heinzen says he feels they may be starting to press a bit.
“I think we’re almost all waiting for that big play to happen,” he postulated. “All eleven players on the field have a job to do, and when we start executing together as a team, good things will start to happen.”
A balanced offense, with a good mix of run and pass plays, is a key to getting those so-called “chunk plays” to keep defenses guessing.
Wisconsin’s run game has been, well, abysmal.
They have just 410 total net yards through three games, an average of just under 137 yards a game, and only 3.8 yards per attempt.
Heinzen says it’s no secret that they must be better.
“Once we get the running game going, teams will start crowding the line of scrimmage against us, and that will open up the passing game,” the former Lincoln Shipbuilder noted. “That’s our number one goal on Saturday. We’ve got a great scheme for Marylan,d and I’m excited to see the results.”
Maryland comes to town undefeated at 3 and 0, averaging a little better than 34 points and just under 400 yards per game.
They’ve been very good in the redzone (inside the opponents 20 yard-line), scoring 11 touchdowns in 14 trips.
Where they’ve struggled is running the ball as they take on a Badger defense that gives up a little more than 46 yards a game.
Heinzen adds that they can hopefully exploit some of Maryland’s youth on the defensive front.
“They have two explosive defensive ends, but they are freshman and still somewhat inexperienced,” he pointed out. “We hope to exploit that, but that doesn’t take away from how good they and Maryland are. “
The first of two byes follows before a brutal October slate begins on the road at Michigan.
Davis says they need a break.
“We’ve got some guys banged up,” he revealed. “It’ll be good for everyone to get rest and healed up. Then it’s a road trip to Michigan after the bye. We welcome the challenge and are already scouting them in preparation of seeing them in two weeks.”
Coverage of the Badgers and Terrapins begins at 9 a.m. Saturday morning at 1240 WOMT.
