Official Badger '07 Season Thread

Bernini · #1 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 02:06 AM

I was personally thrilled with the Badger's performance in week 1 v. Washington State. Are fans still questioning whether Evridge should be the starter OR whether QB will be position of liability? When I watch Tyler Donovan, I see a player with an uncanny feel for the game. He has ability to sense the rush in the pocket (or lack thereof in this game), subtly shuffle his feet to avoid it, all while keeping his eyes downfield surveying all the potential targets. He goes through his different reads very quickly and then makes decisive decisions. Some may point to his lack of arm strength and accuracy as red flags to projected failures later in the season. I actually think part of his savvy is knowing his limitations, and the supposed lack of accuracy is rather a compensatory tactic to combat his lack of arm strength. DB's can close very quickly on a straight line and exploit a QB's lack of arm strength. But ask them to leap and break up the pass and it makes that task a little more difficult. I think Donovan throws the ball 2-3 feet over receiver's heads, or at their feet, because he knows they have virtually the sole opportunity to catch the ball. He's intentionally limiting the possibility to throw an interception and trusting his receivers. Donovan was the player of the game with the assist from his trusted receivers.

As aforementioned, the O-Line did an outstanding job of pass protecting. Gabe Carimi covered the blind side quite well. Another questionable position going into the season checked off. And I thought the safeties were solid. The only struggles came from already proven assets (front 7, punter, Hill). Therefore, I think Badger fans should be very optimistic about the season leaving this game.

Bernini · #2 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 02:29 AM

I accidentally deleted HeavyStarch's post, but I'll try to address the spirit of the question he posed anyways.

I think the gist was:

How will the events which transpired in this weekend's games, like the impressive victory for Wisconsin and embarrassing upset of Michigan, for example, effect the Badger's chances at prospective recruits?

First off, the game which may resonate the most in recruit's minds is the Minnesota game. I think their shameful loss to Bowling Green at home further de-legitimizes them as a viable option in state and elswhere. The most pertinent players that benefits for Wisconsin are probably Keanon Cooper and Willie Mobley. The Gophers seemed to have major momentum for their football program with the plans for a new stadium, and many were drinking the Brewster kool aid. Up and coming teams don't lose to Bowling Green at home though. I don't know why Keanon Cooper would move a couple thousand miles away from home to invest his time and future into a mockery of a team. If he wants to play in the big ten and move close to his estranged father, Wisconsin would be his best option. Willie Mobley might have an affinity for the in state program, but ultimately he's too big time for the Gophers. That gives us a better shot at his services. Don't be surprised if there are a couple Gopher decommits once again at the end of the season.

Wisconsin would probably have to make a BCS bowl game first, or at least beat OSU/Michigan on national TV before we make a dent in the perceptions amongst recruits. The Badgers didn't get much attention for their win, and recruiting is more about perception than reality.

The Michigan game I feel like has very little impact on their own recruiting or big ten recruiting. Both organizations have great tradition and one game isn't going to severely erode that.

Heavystarch · #3 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 04:10 AM

After watching the game (albeit from a drunk students viewpoint) I noticed a few things that I liked/disliked

1. True Freshman. I thought several performed very well, especially Aaron Henry. While he should have probably batted the interception down, it was still a heads up play that BB seemed proud of. Henry also played well during significant minutes as the nickel/dime corner.

Gilreath gave a spark to last years lackluster return game, but he did muff/fumble one punt. BB stated that a fellow Badger made have contributed to it, possibly not making it totally his fault. All in all, I really liked his performance.

2. Donovan. Personally I am still not sold on him. He did look OK, but this was a very young and inexperienced secondary he was up against. He was errant on several rather routine throws, but also made some nice throws. Do not get me wrong, I think he is a decent qb. However, if the Badgers want to get to "the next level", I do not see him as capable to do form what I have seen out of him. This is just my opinion.

The only real time I seen Evridge was the spring game, where he shown a far superior arm. I realize there is a lot more to being a QB than just an arm, but he does have more ability. However, I still think Donovan should be the starter at this point, but I would like to see Evridge throw more than once in the next game to see if he would be that guy to give us that little bit extra.

3. Safety situation.

Definitely had cold feet starting the game off, but looked pretty good later in the game. Not near Rod/Joe level yet, but if they continue to improve I think it will be a non issue by year end

4. Big Ten

I am afraid to watch ESPN tomorrow, because it will be a steady diet of Big Ten haters. While Minnesota is pathetic, and it may help with recruiting, I am concerned about the Mich loss. This could sway Major and Brandon Smith to other conferences. At the end of the day, I guess a Big Ten title is best for UW, but I would rather have Michigan lose to Big Ten bottom feeders/risers like the Zookers than a DIAA team.

I believe we had Cromartie in on an official, and I think it would be tough for him not to be impressed. I thought the atmosphere was good, especially for a season opener against a non-conference foe. Hopefully we can really put on a show for Major later in the year.

Heavystarch · #4 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 05:34 PM

I got details from an inside source as to why Cooper was kicked off the team. While this should still be labeled as speculation, I would say that it is very likely to be correct. With that said, here goes.

Cooper showed up to practice drunk one morning. BB then told Cooper that he was suspended from the team. After practice, Cooper then went up to BB's office. He then picked a fight with coach, which could obviously lead to no good. BB then kicked him off the team for good.

It is a shame that a starting DE would behave in such a way. I wish Cooper luck, but conduct such as this has no place on the Badgers. I just thought I would post this to inform RP's readers as to the reasons of Cooper's absence. I do not believe this has been officially reported or anything, and details may have been omitted/exaggerated. But I am pretty sure an event like this occurred and got Cooper booted from the team.

Bernini · #5 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 11:44 PM

My understanding was that he cussed out Bielema at practice while he was drunk. I didn't realize he carried the tirade to his office.

I think plenty of Badger fans have watched Tyler Donovan....but few have SEEN him. He's a special competitor.

Gilreath and Brown have an outstanding 10 yard burst of speed. Both should bring an element to our offense/special teams that was non existent last year. Useable game speed. I missed Henry at cornerback, but I loved the alertness on the fake punt. That fake punt was pretty obvious to me, but it seemed like few Badgers outside Henry were expecting it.

Heavystarch · #6 (**permalink**) 09-23-2007, 11:38 PM

I went to the game (student section) this past weekend and all in all walked away pleased. The game was close, maybe closer than it should have been, but I will take a win over Iowa anyway we can get it. I thought our defense played better, but there were still some secondary issues. Christianson missed multiple passes to open receivers that a better quarterback would have capitalized on. I thought our run defense looked better, mostly due to the emergance of Hodge. He lived up to his potential, and lived in their backfield when he wanted to. He was able to do so because Hayden had a strong push all game.

It has become clear to me that our offense has limitations. Iowa is a good defense, but ultimately there were plenty of missed opportunities. Donovan missed several open receivers, and it appears that it will be hard to get to the "next level" with him starting. He doesn't apply enough pressure to keep the safeties out of the box, which will catch up to us when we play better teams. I am not saying that Evridge is the answer or is even necessarily better, but I am saying that it will be hard to go into Ohio and Penn and pull out victories.

All in all our visitors had to have been impressed. The students were loud, very loud, and for the most part cheered at the right times. If they stayed for the fifth quarter, the atmosphere was simply amazing and it would make any prospective Badger think hard about Wisconsin. Let's hope it had a good impact on all of them.

Heavystarch · #7 (**permalink**) 09-24-2007, 12:38 AM

Badger post game audio

JS Online: Audio: UW-Iowa post-game interviews

Bernini · #8 (**permalink**) 09-28-2007, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavystarch

I went to the game (student section) this past weekend and all in all walked away pleased. The game was close, maybe closer than it should have been, but I will take a win over Iowa anyway we can get it. I thought our defense played better, but there were still some secondary issues. Christianson missed multiple passes to open receivers that a better quarterback would have capitalized on. I thought our run defense looked better, mostly due to the emergance of Hodge. He lived up to his potential, and lived in their backfield when he wanted to. He was able to do so because Hayden had a strong push all game.

It has become clear to me that our offense has limitations. Iowa is a good defense, but ultimately there were plenty of missed opportunities. Donovan missed several open receivers, and it appears that it will be hard to get to the "next level" with him starting. He doesn't apply enough pressure to keep the safeties out of the box, which will catch up to us when we play better teams. I am not saying that Evridge is the answer or is even necessarily better, but I am saying that it will be hard to go into Ohio and Penn and pull out victories.

All in all our visitors had to have been impressed. The students were loud, very loud, and for the most part cheered at the right times. If they stayed for the fifth quarter, the atmosphere was simply amazing and it would make any prospective Badger think hard about Wisconsin. Let's hope it had a good impact on all of them.

I concur with your analysis for the most part. However, I disagree that Donovan doesn't have the potential to allow the Badgers to beat elite opponents. We beat comparable teams to this year's PSU in the last two years (Auburn and Arkansas) with Stocco at the helm. Stocco was basically resigned to throwing intermediate balls in the pocket, because he wasn't mobile, couldn't throw on the run, nor throw the deep ball. Donovan is certainly much more mobile, can throw on the run, and has been lauded for his ability to throw the deep ball (although outside of Wazzu that hasn't been evident this year). He has more potential than Stocco. He needs to keep his feet quieter in the pocket, stop birddogging Swan, and settle for some throws underneath. It also wouldn't hurt if Carimi ate a Reuben sandwich and we developed some receivers/playmakers. The latter is the biggest issue that needs to be rectified prior to the OSU game at least, and preferably earlier. Jefferson is an insufficient route runner at this juncture. We'd be better served developing Moore and DJ in games because they would provide the occasional easy score.

On defense I think the Badgers showed their ability when they match up against a traditional offense, or anything other than the spread. That projects well against our Big 11 opponents. But we need defenders to make more plays as well. Levy should have had an INT, and we've legitimately forced one TO this year.

Recruiting wise the game was all that was expected and more.

Bernini · #9 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 02:04 AM

Heavy, I think we were wondering why the Badgers were recruiting so many DB's. I think that question has been answered emphatically over the first few games. Keanon Cooper could start as a college senior for the Badger's. For our sake in his recruitment, let's hope that's a positive.

Hodge and Langford looked terrible as well. Hodge supposedly had a minor injury, but I'm not sure what Langford's excuse is. Both Ike and Langford look like different players this season. That might have to do with the downgrade and inexperience at safety. They are being asked to play passive in order to cover up their liabilites.

I still don't see too many issues with Donovan. He's as good or better than most Badger QB's in recent years. Smith needs more opportunites, although he won't be an option at home.

The Badgers better tighten things up quickly because the schedule gets much tougher. It's paramount for the elite potential this season as well as momentum in recruiting. Some are watching to see if we reach that next level.

Bernini · #10 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 01:29 PM

Disappointing loss against Illinois, but I knew this was going to be tough even before the season.

A couple of the Badger commits (Jones and Hubbard) from Illinois had offers from the Illini. Hopefully one game doesn't sway their decisions. Those are solid players I'd prefer the Badgers keep.

Illinois is going to be a team to be reckoned with for a long time with their impressive young players like Benn, Wilson, and Brent. Hopefully our stars from the last class like Clay, Oglesby, Toon, and Henry; pan out similarly. But the Badgers typically have taken a more patient approach than other schools. I believe that Daven Jones and Nick Toon, for example, are better than the true freshmen being currently favored. Bielema is seeking something very specific in Jefferson and Gilreath ala Xavier Harris in '06. Where is Xavier now? Toon will be a fixure in the next couple years, but I still say right now, free the playmakers like Maurice Moore and Daven Jones. We could really use the easy scores from 70 yard RACs.

Ikegwuonu and Beckum returned to form. Those are two positives.

Good thing for our defense we face a traditional offense with an impotent QB in Tony Morelli.

Now that our fringe MNC hopes are dashed, we have to look to win the Big Ten. Although it will be very difficult with the road ahead.

On Wisconsin

Heavystarch · #11 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 12:34 AM

We need to learn that arms are essential in tackling. While the loss is disappointing, hopefully we turn the season around a lot like last years loss to Michigan.

If our defense doesn't get fixed soon, look for Hankowitz to get axed and Doeren promoted

wadc45 · #12 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 09:04 AM

Arms are essential to tackling?

Heavystarch · #13 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wadc45

Arms are essential to tackling?

we seem to prefer the "shoulder lean" instead of wrap up tackling

Heavystarch · #14 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 02:19 PM

Swan sidelined for the remainder of the season - Badgers Blog

Swan out for the season

I am curious as to who will be filling in. They say Gilreath is the frontrunner, but I think Moore and Harris both could get more attention

Bernini · #15 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 06:44 PM

It's a lot more than the technique the players are using when attempting to make a tackle. Like Bielema said in his post game presser, players are tentative, or over-aggressive. Both are going to lead to overpursuing plays, and not being in position, which are the real problems. We should be playing zone defenses against spreads. That way everybody covers an area, and can move laterally, instead of chasing players and running upright.