UW coordinator Leonhard wants more from defense
MADISON – Jim Leonhard isn’t satisfied.
Wisconsin (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) enters its game Saturday at Illinois (2-4, 0-3) No. 6 in both major polls and leading the nation in several key defensive categories.
UW is No. 1 in scoring defense (4.8 ppg), rushing defense (44.7 ypg), passing defense (129.0 ypg) and total defense (173.7 ypg).
The Badgers are No. 4 nationally in turnover margin (plus-nine), thanks in part to 14 takeaways (eight interceptions, six fumble recoveries).
Yet UW’s defensive coordinator noted this week his unit has missed several opportunities to add to the takeaway total.
“I think it is keeping them hungry,” he said. “They’re seeing it. There are big plays, opportunities that we’re leaving out there.
“As good as we’ve played, those can be the difference in close games. That is what we’re going to stress.
“I love the way they’re competing with each other.”
Although that might sound like nitpicking considering the Badgers are outscoring foes by an average of 37.7 points and their smallest margin of victory is nine points, Leonhard understands the competition will get tougher.
The schedule includes games against No. 4 Ohio State (6-0, 3-0) on Oct. 26, Iowa (4-2, 1-2) on Nov. 9 and Minnesota (6-0, 3-0) on Nov. 30.
“A lot of the cases have been interceptions,” he said. “Not necessarily flatout drops. But if we push a certain coverage one way or another … or maybe it is pre-snap communication.
“Obviously, it hasn’t hurt us to this point, but you get into a one-score game and that’s the difference.”
Senior linebacker Chris Orr noted after the victory over Michigan State that Leonhard hasn’t hesitated to point out the unit’s shortcomings.
“He is still critical,” Orr said. “Like I said, there is still meat on the bone. We’re still hungry.
“There’s still plays that we left out there. If we want to be truly dominant, we (need) to take advantage of any mistakes that the offense makes.”
Friendly competition
Rachad Wildgoose’s last-minute interception in the victory over Michigan State was the first for the team’s cornerbacks.
Led by Eric Burrell with two, safeties lead the team in interceptions with four. Linebackers have accounted for three.
According to Wildgoose, the safeties had been reminding the cornerbacks – constantly – they had laid a goose egg until the Michigan State game.
“That felt great because that is all we talk about,” Wildgoose said. “Day in, day out. At home.
“And they get blitzes and sacks. So we definitely get some grief from them. … They’re not going to let us live it down.”
Leonhard, an All-American safety at UW who shares the program record for interceptions (21) with cornerback Jamar Fletcher, smiled when asked about the friendly infighting.
“Man, I try to stay away from a lot of their conversations,” he said. “I don’t care as long as somebody keeps getting them.”
Moorman joins the party
Offensive coordinator/line coach Joe Rudolph has generally used three guards – Jason Erdmann, Josh Seltzner and Kayden Lyles. Fifth-year senior David Moorman joined the rotation against Michigan State.
“David has played well,” Rudolph said.
“He played really well in that game. Been happy about his progress.
“He just keeps plugging. He really does work his tail off. When there is a chance to reward guys for playing well, we’ll keep doing that.”