Coach Chryst, players learn lessons in win
MADISON – Wisconsin’s players and coaches knew going into the 2017 opener – at least they should have – that the Badgers had more overall talent than unranked Utah State.
That was obvious as No. 10 UW responded to an early double-digit deficit with eight touchdowns and a field goal in a 59-10 victory over the Aggies on Friday night at Camp Randall Stadium.
But what did head coach Paul Chryst and his staff learn from the bludgeoning?
The 2017 offense should be more explosive, with potential playmakers at tight end, tailback and wide receiver.
“I’ve felt that way since the end of last season,” quarterback Alex Hornibrook said. “There’s a lot of guys that I trust.”
Consider that UW has three viable receiving options at tight
end.
Troy Fumagalli had five catches for 105 yards and a touchdown. Kyle Penniston, who had an outstanding camp, didn’t have a catch. But Zander Neuville, who moved to tight end from defensive end in August of last year, showed his athletic ability in turning a pass in the left flat into a 28-yard touchdown.
“That was one of my big points this fall, just showing I could be a reliable pass-catcher,” Neuville said. “But also getting yards after the catch, too.
“It was definitely a good start and I think I can keep that up during the season and it will definitely help out the offense."
Sophomore wide receiver A.J. Taylor had a pair of drops, but sophomore Quintez Cephus and freshman Danny Davis showed they will be able to make plays when teams focus on senior Jazz Peavy.
Cephus adjusted to a back-shoulder throw by Hornibrook and showed strong hands in securing the 21-yard touchdown pass. Davis threw a highlight-reel block for Neuville and drew a critical interference call to set up another score.
Tailbacks Jonathan Taylor and Bradrick Shaw combined for 171 rushing yards on 27 carries, but Chris James, who was quiet and lost a fumble, is better than he showed. UW should have three options there.
UW’s defense settled in after it appeared to be scrambling to communicate the calls to handle Utah State’s tempo.
Natrell Jamerson, making his first start at safety, appeared confident and aggressive in run support. Safety D’Cota Dixon, who started all 14 games last season, played with speed and ferocity.
Cornerbacks Nick Nelson and Derrick Tindal kept receivers from getting deep.
Inside linebackers T.J. Edwards and Chris Orr were active and recorded seven tackles apiece.
Now the question marks.
UW’s coaches generally relied on three outside linebackers and three inside linebackers. They would like a fourth at both spots.
Can either Tyler Johnson or Christian Bell develop into a fourth option on the outside? Can former safety Arrington Farrar become a fourth option on the inside?
Can outside linebackers Garret Dooley, Leon Jacobs and Andrew Van Ginkel apply enough pressure on the quarterback?
Early penalties hampered the return units, but punter Anthony Lotti (43.0-yard average), P.J. Rosowski (four touchbacks on nine kickoffs) and Rafael Gaglianone (29-yard field-goal attempt) showed they will contribute. The coverage units were solid, though the competition is going to improve significantly in time.
Perhaps most important, UW’s players learned they have to pay attention to detail regardless of the level of competition.
The penalties and sloppy play were unsightly and contributed to an early 10-0 hole.
“I think we just weren’t doing the little things, playing good football,” Chryst said. “We didn't do anything to flip the field and we weren't converting.
“It comes down to you either play good football or you don't. And I think that's where the focus has to be on.”