Published on Thursday, October 18, 2007

Wisconsin Offensive Breakdown

By BEN GROSS

Most NIU fans may think Wisconsin’s offense is based on tailback P.J. Hill. That’s not wrong, but it’s not entirely correct.

With 825 yards this season, Hill ranks as the No. 15 rusher in the nation. And those yards have come against some of the best rushing defenses in the nation.

The sophomore rushed for 75 yards against Penn State last week. That’s 53 yards below Hill’s average per game. However, the Nittany Lions’ rushing defense ranks No. 9 rushing in the nation.

Hill has also earned his yard total against the No. 24 and No. 27 rushing defenses in Michigan State and Illinois, respectively.

But the tailback isn’t the only offensive weapon for the badgers.

Tight end Travis Beckum is the national leader at the position. The junior has 46 catches for 555 yards this season.

Beckum has become a recent favorite for senior quarterback Tyler Donovan. The tight end and Donovan have connected 26 times for 362 yards in the last three games.

Donovan has struggled in his last three games though. The quarterback has thrown two interceptions in each game since Sept. 29th.

To compare, the senior started the first four games of the season by throwing seven touchdowns to one interception. In his last three games, Donovan has thrown four touchdowns to six interceptions.

However, the senior has seen his passing yard totals increase in the last three games. Against Illinois, Donovan threw for a season-high 392 yards.

Three wide receivers and Beckum have been catching most of Donovan’s passes. However, leading wide receiver Luke Swan is out for the season with left torn hamstring.

The loss of Swan is a loss of 451 yards and two touchdowns in six games. Still, the Badgers are finding production at the position.

Last week freshman Kyle Jefferson had 124 yards on six catches. The 6-foot-5-inch wide receiver has two touchdowns on the season.

Overall, the Badger offense has found itself in control most of the time. Wisconsin is fourth in the country in time of possession, as it holds the ball on average for 33:11.

Grade: A