UW’s young players have struggled
MADISON – After watching his team's offense limited to seven points or fewer for the third consecutive game, Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst was asked to address the inconsistent execution and inability to finish drives.
In short, Chyrst was asked whether the offensive staff is struggling not knowing what it will get from quarter to quarter and game to game.
“I think that is a fair question, a fair comment and a fair observation,” Chryst said after UW was held to a season-low 225 yards Saturday in a 28-7 loss at Iowa.
According to Chryst, the first question he needs to ask is:
“Are we asking them to do something they (can't) do?” he said. “You'd like to think no. If you thought that you shouldn't have it in the plan.
“But I think when you go back and look at this film, you're going have to (ask).”
UW was hamstrung against Iowa without wide receivers Kendric Pryor and Danny Davis and tailback Jalen Berger.
That trio entered the day with a combined 555 yards – 345 rushing and 210 receiving – and three touchdowns.
Besides the lost production, their absence meant more reps for freshmen wide receivers Chimere Dike and Devin Chandler, players with talent
minimal experience.
Quarterback Graham Mertz had seven touchdown passes and zero interceptions in his first two games but has one TD and five interceptions in his last three games.
Does Mertz feel the game plan is too cumbersome and perhaps needs to be tightened to considering inexperienced players are being asked to play keyroles?
No.
“They always say the magic is in the players,” Mertz said. “We've got to do a better job of taking those reps during practice and maximizing them and executing on game day.
“I trust everything the coaches put on their plate.”
Nevertheless, it appears Mertz isn't seeing defenses and/or his receivers clearly and at times appears hesitant to pull the trigger and trust his arm.
Two series in the fourth quarter illustrate the issue.
UW trailed, 21-7, but moved to the Iowa 19. Tight end Jake Ferguson was open cutting across the middle on third and 11. The protection was adequate but the ball sailed high and behind Ferguson.
On fourth down, wide receiver Jack Dunn came open across the middle after the Hawkeyes rushed seven. Mertz was given a clean look by the interior of the line but might have seen a free rusher coming off the right side of the UW formation. The ball sailed behind Dunn, who likely would have scored had the throw been on the mark.
“I was a little bit caught off-guard with how quick the ball came out,” Dunn said. “The look was there. We could have had a opportunity.”
UW's defense held and the offense got the ball back at the Iowa 5 after Iowa's punter dropped the snap and was penalized for an illegal kick when he struck the ball as it was on the ground.
On second and goal from the 5, Ferguson worked free near the back of the end zone. A pair of Iowa defenders driftbut ed back in coverage.
Mertz trusted Ferguson earlier this season and put the ball up high despite tight coverage, and twice the duo connected for a td.
Against Iowa, Mertz pulled the ball down and tried to run up the middle. He gained nothing.
Two plays later, he was a beat or two late in seeing fullback Mason Stokke open in the end zone and the result was an interception.
The TV cameras showed Chryst's head slumping toward the ground after the turnover.
“I thought there was a couple plays that had a chance,” Chryst said. “But we weren't able to take advantage.”