We’re at halftime for Wisconsin vs. Miami, and the Badgers lead 37-0.
Superb defense: The defense forced three turnovers on a forced fumble on a punt by Sojourn Shelton, an interception by Leo Musso that was tipped by Michael Caputo, and an interception by wide receiver/safety/wildcat quarterback Tanner McEvoy. They only gave up 84 yards and 0 points. Notably, Caputo has made an impact in his return, as he has lined up at safety, in the box as a linebacker, and coverage in the slot when Shelton was injured. They’ve gotten good pressure on the quarterback.
Running game, right side of offensive line struggling: There’s no doubting that the running game has struggled in the first half. Without Corey Clement, Dare Ogunbowale and Taiwan Deal have combined for 18 carries and 54 yards (3.0 yards per carry). Much of the issue could be their talent, but the right side of the offensive line has really struggled in the first half. In fact, the Badgers took out starting right tackle Hayden Biegel in the middle of the second quarter after he gave up two hurries and had some poor run blocking, and Walker Williams moved over to right tackle from his starting right guard position. Redshirt freshman Micah Kapoi came in at the right guard position, where he played fine. Williams continued to struggle at right tackle, including a false start and countless missed blocks. NOTE: The original starting offensive line (including Biegel) started the second half.
Shelton injured, but returns: Shelton went down early in the game with an undisclosed injury. He went to the locker room, but returned in the second quarter. The team turned to Derrick Tindal to help out, and even had Caputo guarding the slot in their nickel formation. Tindal has played most of the half on the outside with Darius Hillary covering the slot, and Miami has thrown the ball his way a lot. At the end of the half, Tindal moved to the slot.
McEvoy everywhere and everything: Tanner McEvoy was the first Badger since 2003 (Brandon Williams) to have a reception and an interception in a game for the Badgers. He has two catches for 27 yards, one tackle, one pass deflected, and that interception. He even lined up in the wild cat formation (#TannerCat), and ran for two yards on the play.
Badgers controlling time of possession: The Badgers are really winning the time of possession. Wisconsin: 18:43, Miami (OH), 11:17. The first quarter was the real domination, as they controlled the ball for over 12 minutes.
Stave continues to play better, moves up ranks in history: Joel Stave had a solid first half, throwing for three touchdowns (three beautiful throws) and one interception (an ugly throw) on 17/27 and 225 yards. His passer rating is 162.2. I would expect him to sit out the fourth quarter in favor of Bart Houston and/or D.J. Gillins. He notably completed five passes to Wheelwright for 74 yards and two touchdowns, and threw three passes to Alex Erickson on the first drive for 53 yards. Stave also moved up to 3rd all-time in completions and 4th in pass attempts in UW-Madison history.
Deal, Traylor, Wheelwright (x2) get touchdowns: Taiwan Deal ran for his first touchdown, Austin Traylor caught his first touchdown of his career, and Rob Wheelwright caught his third and fourth career touchdowns (he only has ten career catches).
Rafael Gaglianone’s kicked three field goals in the first half.