FOUR THINGS TO WATCH
CAN UW RUN THE BALL EFFECTIVELY?
Without Jonathan Taylor last season, the ground game sputtered and UW finished just seventh in the Big Ten in rushing at 164.6 yards per game. Then-freshman Jalen Berger led the way at 75.2 yards per game, followed by Garrett Groshek at 50.0. New running backs coach Gary Brown appears to have a solid quartet of tailbacks in Chez Mellusi, Berger, Isaac Guerendo and Braelon Allen. Penn State allowed 130.2 rushing yards per game last season, No. 4 in the Big Ten, but the front seven might not be as formidable this season.
JIM LEONHARD LOOKS FOR MORE BIG PLAYS
The members of UW’s defense want to improve upon two numbers this season, takeaways and sacks. UW forced 12 turnovers last season, including eight interceptions. Four of the interceptions came in the bowl game against Wake Forest. The Badgers recorded only 11 sacks, an average of 1.6 per game. Can safety Scott Nelson (two interceptions) increase his number? Can the cornerbacks get their hands on more balls this season. No UW cornerback had an interception last season. And who will lead the sack attack? The outside linebackers generally are considered the pass-rushers but inside linebackers Leo Chenal and Jack Sanborn might be UW’s most disruptive options this season.
PENN STATE WILL TEST UW’S SECONDARY
The Nittany Lions boast an experienced quarterback in Sean Clifford (20 starts) and two outstanding wide receivers in Jahan Dotson and Parker Washington. Dotson last season led the Nittany Lions in catches (52), receiving yards (884), yards per catch (17.0) and touchdowns (eight). Washington was No. 2 in catches (36), receiving yards (489) and touchdowns (six) and third in yards per catch (13.9). New offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich, who ran Texas’ offense last season, loves to test opponents deep. “They understand the issues they can cause and what it’s all about,” Leonhard said, referring to the UW defensive backs. “I think our guys have been focused throughout the offseason and going into camp, knowing that Week 1 was going to be a huge test.”
MERTZ VOWS HE WILL BE BETTER IN 2021
Quarterback Graham Mertz battled COVID, a right shoulder injury and unrealistic expectations after he completed 20 of 21 passes for 248 yards and five touchdowns in his starting debut last season. The absence of wide receivers Danny Davis and Kendric Pryor, both of whom suffered season-ending concussions, compounded his problems. Mertz completed 98 of 172 attempts (57.0%) over the final six games for an average of 165.0 yards per game, with four touchdowns and five interceptions. At times he appeared confused and like a quarterback who wasn’t seeing the field clearly. If the running game is better this season and if Pryor and Davis stay healthy, Mertz should have opportunities to make more plays and cut down on his mistakes. Is he ready?