Big Ten West Power Ranking: Iowa Hawkeyes Falling Quickly
By Jeremy Karll
No. 1 – Wisconsin Badgers 4-1 (1-1)
Last Week: 1
If a team has had a tougher schedule than the Wisconsin Badgers this season, please let me know. If there is a better defense in the nation this year, please let me know.
Despite losing to the Michigan Wolverines, which is a very acceptable loss, Wisconsin held them to 14 points. We’re talking about a Michigan team who hasn’t scored fewer than 45 points in a single game all season prior to their meeting with Wisconsin.
Even though they’ve played LSU, Michigan State and Michigan, Wisconsin still ranks sixth in the nation by only giving up 12.2 points per game. Teams are averaging just 3.1 yards per carry and T.J. Watt is leading the Big Ten with 5.5 sacks in 2016. As a team, Wisconsin has recorded 15 sacks in five games thus far.
Their problems have come from the lack of any support on offense. Corey Clement has found the end zone five times this season but he’s averaging a mere 3.9 yards per carry. Plus, a week removed from being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week, Alex Hornibrook completed only 36 percent of his passes against Michigan and also threw three interceptions to only one touchdown.
Their offense ranks 87th in the nation in points per game this season. They have a week off to try to figure out an effective game plan against Ohio State, however heading into a very important matchup with Nebraska at the end of the month might decide the Big Ten West if the Badgers fall to the Buckeyes.
When it comes down to it, their defense did just enough to hold off LSU, but their offense didn’t show up against Michigan. Either way, the 11th ranked Wisconsin Badgers are exceeding all expectations this season, and their defense is a thing of beauty to watch.
Next: Three Takeaways From Loss to Northwestern
The Badgers would have a chance of being the best team in the nation with even a respectable offense, but, for now, their defense will have to continue carrying the load.