Wisconsin fans could see the Badgers produce a proficient passing attack in 2021
When you think Wisconsin football, you think ground and pound offense that beats opponents into submission. It’s a style that’s a throwback to days before the spread and RPO offenses began dominating the sport.
That reputation still exists as the Badgers have not finished higher in passing offense than 59th since Paul Chryst took over the program. Most years the Badgers hover between 90 to 120 in terms of passing offense, letting their strong running game carry the way.
However, Chryst and his staff have worked hard to recruit and develop players who now may allow the Badgers to be a significant threat through the air, and it starts with the quarterback.
Graham Mertz
Wisconsin has been seeking a game changer at quarterback ever since Russell Wilson electrified Camp Randall during the 2011 season. After Wilson’s departure, the Badgers have experienced good to average quarterback play. Players like Alex Hornibrook and Jack Coan had their moments, but were never the main threat of the offense.
Paul Chryst and the rest of the Wisconsin staff never stopped searching for a recruit who could bring some of that electricity back to the position. Enter former 4-star recruit Graham Mertz.
Those who closely followed the program talked how Mertz may be the quarterback sooner rather than later, even with then starter Jack Coan playing at a solid level. That talk became reality when the Kansas native and top prospect out of the state in 2019 began the 2020 season as the Badgers starting quarterback.
Though the pandemic greatly impacted the season Wisconsin had, Mertz showcased a lively and accurate arm for the Badgers. Mertz ended the year putting up good numbers, throwing for 1,238 yards and nine touchdowns. His completion percentage was at 61.1, and had a passer rating of 125.2.
Still, not everything was rosy. Mertz did have moments when the defense either confused him or made him throw off target. In the seven games Wisconsin played he did throw five interceptions, and you know Chyst is going to work on cutting out those turnovers.
Moving into 2021, Mertz will have an off-season (something he did not have last season) to work on further mastering the Wisconsin offense. This spring and summer should allow Mertz to grow as a player, while perhaps building further chemistry with the receivers who will support him this fall.
The Receiving Core
Speaking of those receivers, Mertz is going to see some familiar faces when he drops back to throw this season.
Leading the way is senior tight end Jake Ferguson, who led the Badgers last year in receptions (30), receiving yards (305), and touchdowns (4). Ferguson electing to stay in school for his senior year will certainly be a boost to the Badger passing game.
Probably the biggest boost to the passing game though for 2021 will be the 2020 season. The Badgers saw the injury bug and Covid-19 disrupt the receiving core, thrusting younger players onto the field. Players like Chimere Dike gained valuable playing time while others like Jack Dunn, who returns thanks to the NCAA pandemic waiver, showed they can be counted on if needed.
Now the Badgers see the return of Kendric Pryor and Danny Davis III to the room, and suddenly the Badgers have some talented weapons that can cause defensive coaches in the Big Ten headaches. If either player can improve on their 2019 stats, Wisconsin will be in a good position at least at receiver.
While a long shot, one wonders could the experience of having to use younger players last season encourage the Badgers to play incoming freshmen like 3-star Markus Allen. If Allen proves he warrants that consideration, the Badgers will have yet another talented weapon to hurt the defense.
The Man Himself
I have heard it mentioned in other circles that Paul Chryst is one of the better offensive minds in today’s game, but isn’t talked about enough. The sentiment is one I agree with.
The 2020 season had plenty of excuses built into it concerning the 4-3 record as there were injuries, Covid, and young players pushed into playing. However, after the season ended, Wisconsin reviewed how things went and Chryst made the decision to take back play-calling responsibilities from OC Joe Rudolph.
For fans of the program, Chryst calling the plays ensures that the Badgers will have the best offensive mind on staff directing the unit this fall. Chryst possibly sees this season as a huge opportunity for Wisconsin to announce itself as not only a Big Ten title contender, but a contender for the College Football Playoff.
Now all this that was just said above isn’t predicting the Badgers become some air raid style offense. The running game will still lead the way for the Badgers in 2021. However, with a young and talented quarterback, a receiving core that looks dynamic, and a strong offensive mind orchestrating it all, the Badgers could very well end up Big Ten champions this fall.