BadgerExtra football reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin discuss the impact of sophomore starting safety Hunter Wohler out and preview the Wisconsin-Washington State matchup this weekend.
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Wisconsin fans on Twitter cautiously optimistic after victory over Illinois State
What a difference a year makes
Defense is green, but plenty talented. Graham was far better in going through his progressions and hitting the open man rather than forcing stuff. O-Line needs a bit of work, but they already look better than last year. Braelon is Braelon. Overall, good game!
— Eli (@ElijahJ1997) September 4, 2022
Cooking with gas
Jim Leonhard’s defense pitched a shutout while Graham Mertz looked locked in with his receivers. Best performance since his first start in 2020 against Illinois. Two Badger records set for run from scrimmage (96 yds.) and interception for 100 yards. A great start!
— Jeff Ostach☮️ (@jeff_ostach) September 4, 2022
Labor of love
That’s the Mertz we all knew and loved (so briefly). Keep it up! Lots of guys got PT. Some nice offensive sets and play calls. D special again. Biggest concern - Wohler’s injury. 2nd biggest? Mahlman injury.
— Chris Davis (@cdavis20000) September 4, 2022
Going along for the ride
— Spenser Williams (@SpenserWilliams) September 4, 2022
Playing it close to the chest
I also feel like the coaches left a lot of things in the playbook on offense. A Leonhard defense is what it is but no reason to show your hand on offense against an FCS team.
— Swagula420 (@LordFrakula) September 4, 2022
Shifting strategy
Felt like Engram stole Chryst’s clipboard at some point and we had a really nice run/pass mix from that point on. And an in-rhythm Mertz is a good Mertz.
— Lundar (Jason) (@MadCityViking) September 4, 2022
Not afraid to shake it up
Did what we were supposed to do. Better play calling. More different concepts. Bend but don’t break defense. ISU is not the same caliber of team that we will see in B1G, but still nice start. #OnWisconsin
— Dan Tombasco (@Tombasco) September 4, 2022
Finding their stride
Was impressed with the offensive play design in the passing game, felt like the receivers were wide open on almost every pass. Loved the crossing routes to the TE’s too. And credit to Mertz for making the throws, best he’s looked in a long time!
— Greg Gard Stan (@dcjorgenson) September 4, 2022
A mixed bag
Played a much better 2nd half. Thought they were mediocre in the trenches considering the competition but some big play surprises as well. Defense solid but has the same weakness. Offense slow to wake, some nice pieces.
— ryebadger (@ryebadger1) September 4, 2022
How sweet it is
Fun first game, a beautiful night to be back at Camp Randall.
— David Roelke (@droelke) September 4, 2022
Not out of the woods yet
2nd Half was one of the better stretches in recent memory. Passing game concerns still remain, but a lot to like. Allen looked tremendous in limited usage. Defense was dominant once the Pick 6 happened.
— Tim Shovers (@tshovers) September 4, 2022
Taking care of business
Mertz learning how to play QB at UW. Don’t lose the game and hit the throws that are open on play action. Good start but need to see continued improvement.
— kb1236ogy (@kb1236ogy) September 4, 2022
Just getting started
Thank God it was Illinois state to start…
— Fred Ehle (@FredEhle) September 4, 2022
Not naming any names
Took care of business as expected, unlike some other teams wearing red in the B1GTEN west….
— adamlj (@adamlj) September 4, 2022
You love to see it
Mertz looked more confident/better judgment. Mellusi looked slimmer, and Allen remains a monster. Liked the few little new wrinkles we saw. Overall exactly what you’d hope for with a game like this.
— Dan D. (@One_Punch_Dan) September 4, 2022
Still cause for concern
Very encouraging! Mertz, Allen and Dike looked very good. Injuries to Wohler and Mahlman are concerning as is pass defense. Kickers were perfect too! 😁😂
— Vitaly Pisetsky (@VodkaAndWiscy) September 4, 2022
A king's ransom
Good win. New section was a little embarrassing. Have to lower prices if they want to fill it.
— Zach Kirchenwitz (@zkirchenwitz) September 4, 2022
Finishing strong
Total domination after the 1st quarter. Mertz had a really good game and looks to have settled down. Allen should have a great year.
— ksagendo (@ksagendo) September 4, 2022
Areas for improvement
They were supposed to look dominating. They kind of did. I think they look promising but need some improvement on the O line and in the secondary.
— David Koller (@DavidBKoller) September 4, 2022
Don't stop now
A lot to work on. Allen is a different breed
— LaFlamaBlanca (@Mitch96726942) September 4, 2022
Simon says 'celebrate'
— Wade U (@wadeinWI) September 4, 2022
Take what you can get
Yes it was against lesser competition, but I was happy with Mertz’s performance
— John Husmoe (@JohnHusmoe) September 4, 2022
Full speed ahead
Offense finally woke up after sleepwalking last year
— Mike T (@badger2k) September 4, 2022
Following in fast footsteps
Allen is JT 2.0
— Relyt (@TLueds85) September 4, 2022
Missed opportunity
Good start to the season. Some things to shore up but that’s to be expected. Disappointed that they ran out the clock at end of 1st half. Would have been good experience running a 2 minute drill.
— Brian Bruhn (@bcbruhn) September 4, 2022
