Wisconsin improved to 2-0 on the season with a 42-10 win over Middle Tennessee on Saturday.
The final stats tell the story of a blowout triumph. Wisconsin out-gained Middle Tennessee 436 to 241, held the opponent to just 33 rushing yards and 1.2 yards per carry and connected on four major explosive touchdowns.
While that story applies to the second half, a frame the Badgers won 28-0, the team was far from dominant during the game’s first 30 minutes. Wisconsin led just 14-10 at the halftime break, with the two teams having produced equal offensive output (Wisconsin with 154 total yards, MTSU with 146). That game script was eerily similar to that of Wisconsin’s Week 1 win over Miami (Ohio), during which it led 3-0 at halftime before pulling away with a 14-0 second-half margin. Through two weeks, the Badgers have outscored their opponents by just seven points in the first half and an impressive 42 in the second.
With that game script in mind, here are some notable takeaways from Wisconsin’s Week 2 win:
Explosive plays were key to Wisconsin separating
Wisconsin scored touchdowns of 14 yards (Vinny Anthony end-around rush), 17 yards (Danny O’Neil to Lance Mason), 58 yards (O’Neil to Ballard) and 61 yards (Trech Kekahuna end-around rush) in the second half. Those explosive plays built separation that Middle Tennessee could not overcome. More notably, they showed Jeff Grimes’ impact on the offensive scheme.
Those explosive plays should lead the list of reasons Wisconsin fans have to be excited after the contest. They displayed the unit’s top-end potential.
Wisconsin again started slow in the first half
Wisconsin’s second-half explosion can’t be considered without the context of the first half. Yet again, the team came out of the gates flat on both sides of the football. Middle Tennessee is one of the bottom-ranked teams in college football, which allowed Wisconsin time to find its groove.
The Badgers will need to deliver start-to-finish performances starting next week at Alabama, then especially during Big Ten play.
Danny O’Neil showed major flashes
O’Neil looked comfortable in his first start in a Wisconsin uniform. The San Diego State transfer finished with 283 yards (program record for the most in a debut) and three touchdowns on 85% completion. That production included the mentioned explosive plays, as well as several great throws in critical situations. His first-quarter touchdown pass to Tyrell Henry on 4th-and-goal fits that description.
With Billy Edwards Jr.’s injury status an unknown entering Week 3, O’Neil’s strong play is even more important.
Wisconsin’s defensive line was fantastic yet again
Wisconsin’s defensive line backed up its strong Week 1 performance with another terrific showing. The front seven combined for five sacks and seven tackles for loss, plus held MTSU to just 33 rushing yards on 1.2 yards per carry.
Luke Fickell’s offseason transfer haul on defense, specifically up front, has already paid major dividends. Now, that unit will look to continue its strong play against Alabama, a popular preseason pick to win the national title.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Takeaways from Wisconsin’s big win over Middle Tennessee
Reporting by Ben Kenney, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
