Wisconsin’s open practice at Camp Randall Stadium on Tuesday night offered a clear snapshot of where things stood halfway through fall camp: the defense was making life miserable, and the offense was fighting to find any rhythm at all.
That’s not to say the offense was completely shut down. It did hit on a few bigger plays later in the session. But the early part of the night belonged to the Badgers’ defense, which piled up takeaways, broke up passes and consistently got the better of the offense in the trenches and on the back end.
The defensive line set the tone first. After an offseason that brought plenty of turnover up front, there’s been real curiosity about how the rotation would come together.
Hammond Russell and Junior Poyser arrived through the portal, and Charles Perkins is back after missing most of last season with an injury. On Tuesday, Russell and fellow transfer Jake Anderson were among the players making noise on the interior, while the pass rush kept showing up around the quarterback.
“The Badgers’ gallery at defensive line imposed their will with Hammond Russell, Jacob Anderson and more making an impact on the interior,” Blazevich wrote. “Outside linebacker Nicolas Clayton issued a violent pass breakup right in quarterback Deuce Adams’ face, while Sebastian Cheeks and Liam Danitz brought pressure in the pass rush.”
Taylor Schaefer added to the havoc by forcing two turnovers, giving the front seven a productive night overall.
The offense, though, was rough for long stretches. Wisconsin opened the session out of sync, with timing problems, missed connections and defensive pressure keeping the ball from moving very far.
The issues weren’t limited to the passing game, either. Erratic snapping continued to show up, and that’s not exactly the kind of detail that puts a staff at ease.
“Wisconsin’s offense opened the session completely out of sync with timing issues, misfires and some stout defensive play preventing the ball from progressing far beyond its original spot,” Blazevich reported. “But the unit showed signs of life later in the night with a few necessary connections.
“Misread coverages, timing issues, erratic snapping and more defined a slow start for Wisconsin’s unit. Quarterback Colton Joseph surrendered an easy giveaway during seven-on-seven action, while Danny O’Neil threw a pair of interceptions on a go-ball and out-breaking route.”
Even with the rocky start, there were a few flashes as practice went on. The tight end group, in particular, popped a bit more than it had in the spring. Jacob Harris came down with several big catches, Emmett Bork turned in a huge downfield grab along the sideline, and Eugene Hilton connected with Colton Joseph on a deep ball down the sideline with two defenders closing in.
The secondary also had a strong say in how the night played out. Donovan Dunmore and Grant Dean each picked off passes, and other defensive backs added breakups as the unit repeatedly got hands on the football.
“Wisconsin’s back line took advantage of its chances to make plays with several pass breakups and a few takeaways on Tuesday night,” Blazevich wrote. “The unit consistently played the ball, limiting and disrupting opportunities for the passing game to find its step.
“UW’s young defensive backs teed off in the early going with interceptions from cornerback Donovan Dunmore and safety Grant Dean. Dunmore notched a deflection near the sideline, while cornerbacks Cai Bates and Jai’mier Scott crashed for pass breakups of their own. The secondary fit its gaps and got hands on the football, forcing the offense to play around the pressure and capitalizing on opportunities to snatch the ball when presented.”
For one night at least, Wisconsin’s defense was the unit in control.
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