Tag: badgers football

FAU fires potential Wisconsin Badgers offensive coordinator candidate

FAU fires potential Wisconsin Badgers offensive coordinator candidate

Florida Atlantic fired coach Tom Herman on Monday.

Herman, who led the Owls to a 6-16 mark since he took over in 2023, was let go after losing in gut-wrenching fashion to Temple on Nov. 16. The loss dropped FAU to 2-8 on the season and 0-6 in AAC play.

The news, however, is notable for those invested in Wisconsin’s offensive coordinator situation. After firing offensive coordinator Phil Longo on Saturday, the Badgers are in the market for a new play-caller.

That’s where Herman can step in. The former Texas Longhorns coach served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Ohio State from 2012-14, the same years Fickell was the co-defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes.

It’s safe to say Herman’s recent resume with Florida Atlantic sells himself short. At Ohio State, he earned the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach. He made the jump from Ohio State’s OC to the Texas top job in just three years. While his tenure since that point has trended negatively, he remains one of the well-thought-of offensive minds in the sport.

If hired by UW, Herman’s relationship with Fickell could prove the catalyst. As of Nov. 18, Wisconsin is reeling and in desperate need of rejuvenation. Herman could bring that type of spark if awarded the opportunity.

Former Wisconsin linebacker snatches first interception of 2024 NFL season

Former Wisconsin linebacker snatches first interception of 2024 season

Former Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Edwards recorded his first interception of the 2024 season on Sunday vs. the New England Patriots.

The play arrived on a first-down sequence early in the first quarter of the Chicago Bears’ game vs. New England. When Patriots quarterback Drake Maye rolled to his right and tossed a jump pass to tight end Austin Hooper, Edwards leaped, snagged the attempt and skillfully got both feet down to secure the interception.

The play flipped possession in Chicago’s favor, but the Bears were unable to orchestrate a scoring drive and punted after three plays.

Nonetheless, the play encapsulates Edwards’ versatility. At 6-foot-1, 241 pounds, Edwards is excellent outside of the hashes. Whether it be making a tackle in the open field against a dynamic running back or defending a play-action pass, Edwards has the ability to alter the course of a game.

The former Badger led all defenders with 13 total tackles, including seven solo. Through nine games this season, the UW alumnus is responsible for 73 total tackles, 42 solo tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception, two pass deflections and four tackles for loss.

After spending three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Edwards has become nothing short of a game-changer in Chicago He posted 155 total tackles and a career-high 2.5 sacks in 17 games during the 2023 season.

Edwards will again suit up at linebacker next week alongside Tremaine Edmunds and Jack Sanborn in the Bears’ tenth game of the season against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 17.

Wisconsin out of latest US LBM Coaches Poll after Penn State loss

Wisconsin out of latest US LBM Coaches Poll after Penn State loss

After thumping Purdue, Rutgers and Northwestern in three straight weeks, Wisconsin fell to No. 3 Penn State 28-13 Saturday at Camp Randall. The loss moved the Badgers to 5-3 on the season and 3-2 in Big Ten play.

After being listed in the ‘receiving votes’ section of last week’s US LBM Coaches Poll, Luke Fickell’s team failed to make the cut for this week’s hierarchy. A panel of head coaches at Football Bowl Subdivision schools construct the US LBM Coaches Poll, a weekly list composed throughout the college football regular season.

While Wisconsin did receive three votes ahead of Week 9 and appeared to move itself into top 25 consideration, UW’s loss to Penn State has altered its likelihood of landing anywhere near the list for the remainder of the season.

Oregon remains the No. 1 team on the US LBM Coaches Poll, followed by No. 2 Georgia, No. 3 Penn State, No. 4 Ohio State and No. 5 Miami-FL. A total of five Big Ten squads cracked Oct. 27’s installation of the list.

Here’s a look at the full Week 9 US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports:

Rank Team Record Points
1 Oregon Ducks 8-0 1,349 (53)
2 Georgia Bulldogs 6-1 1,270 (1)
3 Penn State Nittany Lions 7-0 1,239
4 Ohio State Buckeyes 6-1 1,160
5 Miami Hurricanes 7-1 1,136
6 Texas Longhorns 7-1 1,096
7 Tennessee Volunteers 6-1 987
8 Clemson Tigers 6-1 942
9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 7-1 853
10 Iowa State Cyclones 7-0 846
11 Texas A&M Aggies 7-1 806
12 BYU Cougars 8-0 786
13 Indiana Hoosiers 8-0 741
14 Alabama Crimson Tide 6-2 619
15 Kansas State Wildcats 7-1 533
16 LSU Tigers 6-2 530
17 Pittsburgh Panthers 7-0 495
18 Ole Miss Rebels 6-2 475
19 Boise State Broncos 6-1 459
20 SMU Mustangs 7-1 346
21 Army Black Knights 7-0 278
22 Washington State Cougars 7-1 160
23 Missouri Tigers 6-2 114
24 Illinois Fighting Illini 6-2 89
25 Memphis Tigers 7-1 76

Schools Dropped Out

No. 24 Navy; No. 25 Vanderbilt

Others Receiving Votes

Colorado 75; Tulane 27; Louisiana 14; Vanderbilt 13; Navy 10; UNLV 7; Arizona State 5; Virginia Tech 3; Duke 3; Arkansas 3; Louisville 2; James Madison 2; Michigan 1;

The Badgers will face the Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City, Iowa, on Nov. 2. A win on the road would certainly bolster Wisconsin’s case to land in a respectable bowl game this winter. Two weeks later, the No. 1 Oregon Ducks will be in Madison on Nov. 16.

Wisconsin’s game vs. Iowa is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT on Nov. 2. The game will be aired on NBC.

WATCH: Wisconsin’s best plays from 42-7 win over Rutgers

WATCH: Wisconsin’s best plays from 42-7 win over Rutgers

The Wisconsin Badgers dominated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 42-7 in Piscataway, New Jersey, on Saturday.

A week after demolishing the Purdue Boilermakers 52-6 in Week 6 at Camp Randall, the Badgers rolled to a 42-7 triumph for their fourth win of the 2024 campaign. UW registered 557 total yards on offense and allowed Rutgers to only 273.

Wisconsin’s first pair of highlights came on the team’s first drive of the opening quarter when quarterback Braedyn Locke tossed a 34-yard dime to wide receiver Vinny Anthony II before hitting veteran pass-catcher Will Pauling for a 16-yard score just two plays later.

UW running back Tawee Walker would find the end zone on Wisconsin’s next scoring drive in the first half to push the Badgers ahead 14-0. Walker would add a 55-yard rush to his Saturday afternoon output en route to 201 total yards and three rushing touchdowns to spearhead Wisconsin’s rushing attack.

After failing to add to their total before the half, Luke Fickell’s squad added 28 more points in the second half to seal the deal. Anthony II reeled in a 47-yard catch, running back Cade Yacamelli was responsible for a 45-yard rush and freshman running back Darrion Dupree scored his first career rushing touchdown in the blowout.

Wisconsin will look to build off its momentum in its next test against the Northwestern Wildcats in Evanston, Illinois, on Oct. 19. If the team continues to blend its splash plays through the air with its dependable rushing unit, they should secure their third conference win in a row next weekend.

Wisconsin legend dominates for Steelers in Week 6 vs. Raiders

Wisconsin legend dominates for Steelers in Week 6 vs. Raiders

Wisconsin defensive legend T.J. Watt registered another monster performance in a 32-13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

A week after posting eight tackles, one tackle for loss, three quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble in a narrow loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Watt forced a pair of fumbles and notched five solo tackles against the Raiders this weekend.

Watt, who turned 30 years old on Oct. 11, is as dominant as ever in his eighth season as a member of the Steelers. His first forced fumble arrived late in the second quarter when he executed a perfect punch against Raiders’ running back Dylan Laube.

https://twitter.com/steelers/status/1845573353312268487

Fellow former Badger Keeanu Benton recovered the fumble to flip possession back in Pittsburgh’s favor. The ensuing possession resulted in a three-yard rushing touchdown from Justin Fields and pushed the Steelers ahead 12-7.

Watt’s second forced fumble came within 30 seconds of the fourth frame when Ameer Abdullah attempted a one-yard rush to bring the Raiders within one score. The former Badger, however, had other plans.

Here’s the full sequence:

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1845591785474584891

On the season, Watt has accumulated 25 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. The three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year recorded his 100th sack of his career a week ago. He and the Steelers will continue their 2024 campaign against the New York Jets on Oct. 20.

Former Wisconsin star nose tackle flashes potential in Steelers’ preseason finale

Former Wisconsin star nose tackle flashes potential in Steelers’ preseason finale

Former Wisconsin Badgers nose tackle Keeanu Benton flashed his defensive brilliance in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason finale vs. the Detroit Lions on Saturday.

While Benton logged 0.5 sacks and an assisted tackle, his one game-wrecking play personified what he can bring to Pittsburgh’s defensive table this season.

Lined up just inside the right hash, the 2022 third-team All-Big Ten member manhandled Lions’ offensive lineman Duke Clemens to reach quarterback Hendon Hooker.

After being initially denied, Benton fakes right before tossing Clemens off him and bursting down the middle of the line to get a hand on Hooker before his Steeler teammates finished the sack.

As a 309-pound tackle, Benton’s nimbleness in open space is excellent. With that type of strength, his quickness with his cleats and ability to evade opposing lineman make him a devastating defensive presence in front of all-world linebackers T.J. Watt and Patrick Queen.

In total, the Janesville, Wisconsin native logged four tackles and one sack during Pittsburgh’s preseason.

Benton is listed as the Steelers’ No. 1 option at nose tackle ahead of the platoon’s 2024 season. Pittsburgh opens with an away contest vs. the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 8.

How Wisconsin starter Tyler Van Dyke compares to Graham Mertz in PFF’s 2024 QB rankings

How Wisconsin QB Tyler Van Dyke compares to Graham Mertz in PFF’s 2024 QB rankings

ProFootballFocus ranked Wisconsin starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke at No. 15 and former Badger leader Graham Mertz at No. 21 on its 2024 Power Five QB ranking list on Wednesday.

Van Dyke will start under center for the Badgers in 2024 after transferring in from Miami this offseason. Mertz, meanwhile, will do so for the second consecutive season with the Gators. He was previously Wisconsin’s starter from 2020-22.

Surprisingly, Big Ten rivals Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) and Drew Allar (Penn State) were the only two Big Ten quarterbacks to land above Van Dyke on the outlet’s latest list. PFF ranked Gabriel as the No. 2 quarterback in the country behind Georgia’s Carson Beck and budding star Drew Allar as the 13th-best QB in the sport.

USC’s Miller Moss (No. 23), Ohio State’s Will Howard (No. 27), Washington’s Will Rogers (No. 30), Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke (No. 36), Purdue’s Hudson Card (No. 43) and Illinois’ Luke Altmyer (No. 47) were included in the top 50 as well.

Mertz enters his second season at the helm in Gainesville, Florida after recording 2,903 yards and 20 touchdowns a season ago. He and the Gators will square off against Texas, LSU, Georgia and Florida State in a loaded SEC conference this fall. With a few big victories, Mertz can leapfrog several of these quarterbacks with a strong showing in marquee SEC games.

For UW, Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo named Van Dyke, who transferred from Miami (Florida) to UW in December, the platoon’s 2024 starting quarterback last week.

At Miami, he served as the Hurricanes’ starter for three seasons, including a 2021 campaign that netted him an ACC Rookie of the Year award. With nearly 7,500 passing yards under his belt, Van Dyke will look to sling it in the air-raid style offense during his first season as a Badger.

Van Dyke will receive his first opportunity against Western Michigan on Aug. 30 in front of what will surely be a raucous home crowd.

In total, 70 Power Five quarterbacks were included in PFF’s hierarchy — representing the new Power Four of the Big Ten, ACC, SEC and Big 12. Other notable names above Van Dyke included Shedeur Sanders (Colorado), Quinn Ewers (Texas), Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss), Jalen Milroe (Alabama), Brady Cook (Missouri), Conner Weigman (Texas A&M) and Cam Ward (Miami).

Former Wisconsin OL named ProFootballFocus’ ‘Offensive Player of Preseason Week 2’

Former Wisconsin offensive lineman named ProFootballFocus’ ‘Offensive Player of the Week’

Former Wisconsin offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen earned ProFootballFocus ‘Offensive Player of the Week’ honors for NFL Preseason Week 2 on Monday.

The nod arrived following Van Lanen’s stellar NFL preseason output against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 17. In two preseason contests as the Jacksonville Jaguars starting right tackle, the former Big Ten standout has yet to allow a single pressure in 112 offensive snaps. That also includes zero pressures on 63 pass-block snaps, per Jaguars analyst Daniel Griffis.

Van Lanen was also the highest-graded Jaguar following the team’s 20-17 victory over the Buccaneers. His 91.0 overall grade bested linebacker Tanner Muse (90.3), cornerback Tre Flowers (86.6), wide receiver Parker Washington (85.7) and left tackle Walker Little (83.2), per PFF.

Following his multi-year career in Madison with the Badgers, the Green Bay Packers selected Van Lanen in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Green Bay shipped him to Jacksonville ahead of the 2022 slate. Through two seasons with the Jaguars, the Wisconsin native logged just 71 offensive snaps.

He is currently listed at No. 3 on his platoon’s left tackle depth chart, but his preseason performances suggest otherwise. If provided the opportunity, Van Lanen is a serviceable replacement at tackle.

Green Bay Packers release former Wisconsin Badgers long snapper

Green Bay Packers release former Wisconsin Badgers long snapper

The Green Bay Packers released former Wisconsin Badgers long snapper Peter Bowden last week, according to the Athletic’s Matt Schneidman. 

This marks the second occasion the Packers decided to part ways with Bowden. The UW alumnus was released just two days into Green Bay’s training camp to open a roster spot for quarterback Jacob Eason.

Despite being re-signed a few days later, Green Bay ultimately elected to release the former UW specialist to open up roster spots for linebacker Chris Russell and running back Nate McCrary.

Both Russell and McCrary landed with the Packers as depth pieces following injuries on the 90-man roster. Still, Green Bay’s 53-man roster deadline is slated for Aug. 27 at 3:00 p.m. CT.

Bowden had been competing with former Super Bowl champion Matt Orzech for the starting long-snapper position. This move could signal the end of that battle.

The San Diego, California native served as Wisconsin’s starting long snapper from 2021-23. In 2023, his fifth year on campus, he was named a finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award (for the nation’s best long snapper) after starting all 13 of UW’s contests.

He will continue to fight for a roster spot within the next week.

WATCH: Every touch from Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen in second preseason game with Jets

Braelon Allen had another strong showing in NFL preseason Week 2:

Former Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen suited up for his second NFL preseason game with the New York Jets against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday.

The three-year Badger notched eight carries for 27 rushing yards and reeled in two catches for 12 yards through the air. In his Jets debut last week, the Fond du Lac, Wisconsin native tallied six carries for 54 yards (9.0 yards per carry).

Allen did all of his damage in the first half of New York’s 15-12 win over Carolina with fourth-string quarterback Andrew Peasley under center. The rookie from Wyoming targeted the first-year running back from Wisconsin on four pass attempts, a welcome sight after Allen’s no-catch output in week one.

As opposed to what transpired in the debut vs. Washington, Allen couldn’t find much open space against the Panthers’ rush defense. He did manage to push for a few extra yards towards the end of several plays, however, something Wisconsin fans were accustomed to witnessing when he trampled defenders at Camp Randall.

Here’s what Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh had to say about Allen’s performance on Saturday:

“We picked him for a lot of reasons, because he’s actually really good out of the backfield and route-running, he’s really good in protection, too. We think he’s an all-around good back and he’s a very powerful runner, too, and he’s displaying that, down in and down out.”

Allen remains No. 2 on the Jets’ running back depth chart behind star Breece Hall. Barring any injury complications or serious blunders on the gridiron, he will remain in that position headed into New York’s first regular season test against the defensing NFC champion San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 9.