Wisconsin Badgers' Defense Struggles on Third Downs Against Michigan State

The University of Wisconsin football team's defensive players yell out "money down" to remind each other how important third downs are. However, on their Big Ten Conference opener against Michigan State, the Badgers struggled to perform on these crucial downs, leading to a 34-24 loss. Defensive coordinator Dave Doeren attributed the problems on third downs to a lack of execution, particularly in the third-and-medium situations where the Spartans converted six of the nine third-down opportunities. Doeren also pointed out that the defense missed linebacker Chris Borland, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury two weeks earlier, and praised Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins, who played a good game despite being hit several times.

Key Takeaways:

• The Badgers' defense struggled on third downs, allowing Michigan State to convert 9 of 18 third-down chances, including six third-and-mediums.
• Defensive coordinator Dave Doeren attributed the problems on third downs to a lack of execution and not getting off the field, rather than the loss of linebacker Chris Borland.
• Doeren praised Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins, who played a good game despite being hit several times.
• The Badgers' defense forced a season-high three turnovers, including two interceptions and a forced fumble, but it was not enough to overcome the struggles on third downs.
• Doeren believes that too much attention is focused on the Badger package, a scheme to bring blitzers from a variety of different positions, and that it's not as complex as people make it out to be.
• The defense will need to improve its execution and find ways to get pressure on Cousins, who had a big game on third downs.

Statistics:

• Michigan State converted 9 of 18 third-down chances, including 6 of 9 third-and-mediums.
• The Badgers' defense allowed too many third-and-mediums, 6 of which were third-and-6 yards or less.
• The defense forced a season-high three turnovers, including two interceptions and a forced fumble.
• Kirk Cousins completed 10 of 12 passes for 137 yards on third downs.
• The Badgers managed two sacks in the game on back-to-back plays in the third quarter.

Sources:

• The Wisconsin State Journal, October 4, 2010
• Dave Doeren, Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator (statements made in the article)