Observations on the loss to Wisconsin, 24-45!

Box Score Player Participation

1--Wisconsin completely dominates the second half, and finishes the game with 38 points in 6 red zones (4 in the second half) while we manage 10 points off 3 red zones (1 in the second half).

2--Forcier finished 20 of 26 for 188 yards, 2 sacks, 2 TDs and one interception. We gained 265 yards in total offense, 15 first downs (5 in the second half) and 7 of 18 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Chris Borland had 11 tackles to lead the Badgers as they easily contained the Michigan offense.

3--Our rushing game was non-existent in the second half! We netted only 71 yards for the game. Great adjustment by the Wisconsin defense and coaching staff for the second half.

4--Defense gives up 45 points, 469 yards in total offense, 28 first downs, 7 of 12 in 3rd and 4th down conversions, and nearly 13 minute time of possession advantage as the Badgers held the ball for 23 of 30 minutes in the second half. Tolzien was 16 of 24 for 240 yards, 4 TDs, 1 interception and two sacks. Nick Toon grabbed 5 for 98 yards and 2 TDs over Donovan Warren. John Clay had 151 yards in 26 carries. Brandon Graham led the defense with 11 tackles, 4 for loss including a sack and a forced fumble that resulted in a TD scamper by Ryan VanBergen. Mike Martin had 10 tackles as did Jordan Kovacs. I just can't see this same group of guys minus Brandon Graham, Stevie Brown and Donovan Warren improving enough in 2010 to be a great "Michigan defense."

5--Special teams was a non-factor in the second half, and we forced only one Badger punt the entire game because of the running into the punter penalty and two turnovers.

6--Michigan fans must unfortunately accept the fact that our last place Wolverines will finish 5-7 following a 3-9 season with two years in a row without a bowl game, and we all must accept that as long as we have a head coach that doesn't emphasize defense we'll continue to be the door mat of the Big Ten with a continuance of losing seasons. Wisconsin scored more points today against Michigan than any other Badger team in their history. Our football program and team resemble the Northwestern program in the 1970s, and we are the laughing stock of the Big Ten especially defensively. We have the 3rd best Division I football program in the State of Michigan.

7--I wonder if Jim Tressel will go for two next week if faced with the dilemma of following 7 touchdowns and 48 points, like Woody in 1968, of really trying to "rub it in." Of course, maybe he won't have to because the Bucks should easily score 8 touchdowns against this defense.

Observations on the first half with Wisconsin, 17-21!
1--Wisconsin gets 14 points off two red zones, we manage 3 points off two red zones. We convert 10 points off two Badger turnovers.

2--Forcier was 15 of 18 for 139 yards with 2 sacks and a fumble that Koger recovered. We gain 159 yards in total offense, 10 first downs and the two turnover advantage provided us 4 minutes in time of possession advantage. Chris Borland is having a big game for the Badger defense with 7 tackles, 2 for loss including a sack,a forced fumble and a quarterback hit.

3--Vincent Smith comes in to give us a spark! Smith gets 15 yards on 4 carries plus 6 catches for 55 yards including a 21 yard TD reception. Brandon Minor has 7 carries for 26 yards. Net rushing was 20 yards in 23 attempts.

4--As well as the defense played with two turnovers and a defensive score, we still give up 21 first half points. Tolzien as 8 of 14 for 130 yards and two TDs. Wisconsin gets 13 first downs, 183 yards of total offense, but only 53 on the ground. This defense continues to give up big play after big play. Brandon Graham leads the defense with 6 tackles, 4 for loss including a sack and a forced fumble that resulted in a TD scamper by Ryan VanBergen. Brandon Smith got the start at Free Safety over Michael Williams. Jordan Kovacs gets a nice interception.

5--Special teams really let us down. Olesnavage converted one of two field goals with a block in the red zone. A penalty for roughing the punter results in a TD drive for the Badgers. Mesko punts twice, Stonum has two returns, but advantage to Wisconsin on special teams.

6--Badgers get the ball first. The only way we'd have a chance is if the defense comes up big in the second half so I'm not going to hold my breath. Our pass defense is too bad to have any confidence whatsoever.