Wisconsin Badgers identity crisis reaches boiling point ahead of #1 Ohio State clash

Following a blowout 37-0 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes at home, the Wisconsin Badgers hit rock bottom with a record of 2-4. The Badgers’ staff had the team perform different exercises including push-ups in 42 rep sets as motivation following the 42-10 loss to Iowa last season. The extra work did not matter as Wisconsin was embarrassed in a fashion seemingly worse than the previous beat down.

In the loss, Wisconsin showed no signs of productivity and the team struggled in all aspects of play. Six games through the season now and the team is expected to look far different and yet the Badgers remain a program without something that is truly needed.

Wisconsin Badgers Starting Linebacker Christian Alliegro: “We Have No Identity”

Following the loss, linebacker Christian Alliegro was made available for the media and gave a short answer regarding the loss that resonated with what many had been thinking. “We have no identity,” stated Alliegro as much of the media watched and agreed with the starter. Shortly after, legendary coach Barry Alvarez added “it’s too damn late now” when asked about how the Badgers could potentially find themselves before the end of the season.

Alliegro currently leads the Badgers’ defense with 38 total tackles and is tied with Mason Reiger at two sacks a piece for the lead. The linebacker has been a key part of the defense and the Wisconsin locker room especially, but the linebacker has also been part of the problem. Alliegro has ten missed tackles this season which leads the defense by a wide margin.

Much like the linebacker, the Wisconsin Badgers have been unable to do everything right this season. However, the difference between Alliegro the team as a whole is that the linebacker has still managed to produce. Wisconsin has been unable to produce anything worthwhile on the field as the team cannot hang their hat on any one aspect of play.

The Wisconsin Badgers are 92nd in the FBS with 54 pass first-downs, which is the highest ranked offensive category the team has at the moment. Wisconsin is also 13th in the FBS with just 126 sack yards lost but that does not say much given the total offensive product on the field.

On defense, the Badgers have a few bright spots as the defense is ranked 19th in total rush yards and 4th in total rush attempts. However, that is heavily outweighed by a 5.7 yard per play average (93rd) and a 7.9 yard per pass attempt average (111th). Additionally, Wisconsin only has 11 sacks (83rd) and 1317 passing yards allowed (61st).

The defense is a little better than the offense, but the Wisconsin Badgers still currently have a net ranking of 112th in the FBS. Dominant games against Middle Tennessee and Miami (OH) have inflated some rankings that likely will dip farther after this weekend.