Maryland vs. Wisconsin: Game Grades, Analysis for the Badgers
In a performance that can only be described as dominating, the University of Wisconsin Badgers blew past a shell-shocked Terrapins team from the University of Maryland, 52-7. With the usual solid ground attack, Wisconsin put up big numbers against the Terps. But the passing attack also got in on the act, as the coaching staff attempted to sift through their options at quarterback.
But perhaps the most impressive part of today's performance—or at least the most unexpected part—was the dominating defensive play from the Badgers.
We'll sort through all of the expected and surprising information in our weekly game grades for the Wisconsin Badgers.
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Pass Offense
All together, the Wisconsin passing game put up 216 yards on a combined 15-of-23 performance. The Badgers also had two passing touchdowns. But perhaps more importantly, they didn't turn the ball over.
Joel Stave finished 9-of-15 for 155 yards, and he threw both of Wisconsin's passing touchdowns. Tanner McEvoy, while not throwing as often, was accurate and judicious with his throws, going 5-of-7 for 44 yards.
Just for fun, we'll also throw in the one pass thrown by punter Drew Meyer, which went for 17 yards and a first down on a fake punt.
In the end, Wisconsin's passing attack wasn't dynamite, but it didn't need to be. It was, however, very solid, and Wisconsin fans should rest easy with the knowledge that there really isn't a "bad" option at quarterback moving forward.
Run Offense
One of the reasons we're confident Wisconsin will be OK at the quarterback spot is McEvoy's ability to create big plays with his feet. Among his 84 yards on four carries was a 60 yard TD scamper that involved bobbing and weaving through defenders en route to the end zone.
Beyond the quarterback position, Wisconsin was its usual self in the run game. Despite a slower-than-expected start (91 yards on 24 carries in the first half), the Badgers finished with a whopping 311 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
| Pass Offense | B+ | B+ |
| Run Offense | B+ | A |
| Pass Defense | A | A |
| Run Defense | A+ | A |
| Special Teams | B | B |
| Coaching | A | A |
As usual, Melvin Gordon led the way with 122 yards and three scores, while Corey Clement added 90 yards and a score.
Pass Defense
Here is where things get really impressive for Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin offense gets the lion's share of the praise, but the defense should be lauded after today's performance. The front seven pressured Maryland quarterback C.J. Brown all day and limited the Terps to 129 passing yards—most of which came on the last series of the game for Maryland.
Brown finished just 13-of-29 and never looked comfortable in the pocket. Additionally, the Badgers locked down star wideout Stefon Diggs, limiting him to a single reception on the day—a touchdown in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter.
This is exactly the kind of defense the Badgers will need to win down the stretch this year and chase down a West Division crown.
Run Defense
Don't think it was all about the passing defense, either. In the first half, Wisconsin held the Maryland running game to just three yards. Yes, three. On 12 carries, too. The Badgers also forced a fumble that directly led to a Badgers touchdown early.
Things opened up a bit in the second half for the Terps after the game was well in hand, but the Badgers still limited the Maryland ground game to just 46 yards on 28 carries.
That's worthy of some well-deserved praise—not to mention a high grade.
Special Teams
Nothing great, but nothing horrible here. The Badgers managed to muff one punt. But since it didn't result in a turnover, we won't penalize Wisconsin's special teams too much.
Rafael Gaglianone was 1-of-1 on field goals and a perfect 7-of-7 on extra-point attempts. Drew Meyer and Bart Houston combined for an average of 36.8 yards on five punts.
Kenzel Doe averaged 11 yards on three punt returns.
Like we said, it was not spectacular, but not worth a punishing grade, either.
Coaching
Gary Andersen and his staff came into the game looking to determine which quarterback would give the Badgers the best opportunity to chase a divisional title down the stretch this season. The answer might end up being surprisingly simple: both.
The coaches rotated two quarterbacks, and we learned that Stave gives the Badgers a nice bump in the passing attack, while McEvoy gives the Wisconsin ground game an extra dimension.
We also learned that Dave Aranda's defense is capable of shutting down teams even with top-tier players like Diggs. A solid defense definitely helps Wisconsin's championship aspirations.
With such a dominating performance on both sides of the football today, we have to commend the coaches for the preparation (over the bye week), and we'll hand out an "A."
Unless otherwise noted, quotes or references to quotes were obtained firsthand by the writer.
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