Ben Kenney
September 4, 2024 10:00 am CT
Wisconsin opened the 2024 season with a pedestrian defensive performance against Western Michigan.
The team allowed 14 points, which is a higher total than expected, given the perceived quality of the opponent. The Broncos were able to sustain drives until the fourth quarter. Wisconsin didn’t seal the game until its defense finally forced a turnover on downs and an interception on the final two drives of the game.
Related: Updated game-by-game predictions for Wisconsin football after Week 1 win over Western Michigan
Luke Fickell and Mike Tressel’s defense figures to be the strength of the team in 2024. The unit was strong in 2023, but far from dominant. It finished the season ranked No. 21 in scoring defense and No. 39 in total defense. That came as the coaching staff worked to shift the program’s scheme, doing so mostly with personnel from the old regime.
Expectations are high for the defense in 2024 after Wisconsin’s busy offseason included reshaping its inside and outside linebacker rooms, bolstering its defensive line and adding to its secondary. On paper, the Badgers have one of the stronger defenses in the Big Ten. Time will tell whether the unit can live up to that expectation.
After a pedestrian Week 1 showing, here is where the Badgers defense ranks nationally in several key statistics:
To see where Wisconsin’s offense ranks nationally in key statistics, click here.
Scoring Defense: No. 57
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Western Michigan Broncos tight end Blake Bosma (86) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Points Allowed Per Game:14.0
Many of these numbers will quickly change once the sample size increases. There are 13 programs that didn’t even allow a point in Week 1.
Overall, 14 points per game allowed is a good benchmark for the defense. But it will be challenging to maintain that total once the gauntlet part of the schedule begins.
Passing Defense: No. 46
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Passing Yards AllowedPer Game:141.0
Western Michigan did surprisingly well through the air, completing 12 of 19 passes for 141 yards. The secondary is the strength of this Wisconsin defense. I’d expect this yardage total stays low throughout the season.
Rushing Defense: No. 66
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Anthony Sambucci (5) rushes with the football between Wisconsin Badgers defensive lineman Cade McDonald (96) and linebacker Leon Lowery Jr. (8) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Rushing Yards AllowedPer Game:120.0
Wisconsin’s weakness is along the defensive line, especially without veteran James Thompson Jr. That weakness was seen during Week 1. Western Michigan had far too much success on the ground. The yardage total isn’t high, but it was clear during the game that the Broncos were creating a push on the line.
Total Defense: No. 51
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Total Yards AllowedPer Game:261.0
Again, Wisconsin’s defense wasn’t nearly dominant enough against a poor MAC opponent. The good news is that the unit allowed nothing in the fourth quarter. But Week 2 will need a better all-around performance from the defensive side of the football.
Third Down Defense: No. 48
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell talks with linebacker Leon Lowery Jr. (8) during the second quarter against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Third Down Conversion Percentage:30% (3/10)
Wisconsin was strong on third down against Western Michigan, especially early in the game.
Red Zone Defense: No. 76
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Western Michigan Broncos quarterback Hayden Wolff (11) hands the football off to running back Jalen Buckley (6) during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Red Zone Conversion Percentage:100.0% (2/2 with two touchdowns)
Western Michigan RB Jalen Buckley finished each red zone drive with a touchdown. This is an area in which Wisconsin must improve moving forward.
Total Sacks: No. 83
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Western Michigan Broncos quarterback Hayden Wolff (11) steps up to evade pressure during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Total Sacks:1.0
Wisconsin’s pass rush gets a low grade for its performance against Western Michigan. The new-look linebacker room did not register a sack — the only one came from DL Elijah Hills once the game had been decided.
This is one area Wisconsin focused on during the offseason. It is a big area for improvement moving forward.
Tackles For Loss: No. 129
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Darryl Peterson (17) during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Total Tackles For Loss:1.0
Wisconsin’s only tackle for loss was its one sack, which came from Elijah Hills late in the fourth quarter. This is a significant area for improvement entering Week 2.
Turnovers Forced: No. 21
Aug 30, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Xavier Lucas (6) celebrates with cornerback Max Lofy (12) following an interception during the fourth quarter against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Total Turnovers Gained:2
Wisconsin escaped with a win thanks to a Western Michigan fumbled punt midway through the fourth quarter. The Badgers then added an interception to the tally, courtesy of star true freshman Xavier Lucas. This total should rise quickly as the linebacking corps creates more havoc.
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