Locked On Badgers podcast host Ryan Harings joined us on Trojan Conquest live and we asked him about the playmakers on the Wisconsin Badgers team that will test USC’s defense on Saturday. One name which immediately came up: receiver Will Pauling.
“Yeah it’s not a long list unfortunately for Badger fans, but Will Pauling is a guy that you’re absolutely going to see a lot,” Harings explained. “He’s got 29 Targets this year for the Badgers that’s the guy who far and away leads the team in targets. He leads the team in catches and had 74 receptions last year — really explosive player, North and South. Undersized but tough, physical. He will go over the middle, will take a hit, hold on to the ball, then when he catches it he embodies that Kyle Shanahan type of mentality — get north-south immediately north-south quick.”
Harings continued:
“Bryson Green, the Oklahoma State transfer, is more of our big-bodied guy. You’re gonna see some of him. A young player that Badger fans are still waiting to break out is Trech Kekahuna. I’m curious, coming out of the bye, if they’re able to get him some looks. Coming into camp this year, a lot of hype (surrounded) the type of guy we’re going to get. He’s going to be explosive. Coming out of the bye that might be something to take a look at.”
Oddlly, Wisconsin has been run-heavy so far under new offensive coordinator Phil Longo, who everyone expected would install his air raid offense. The Badgers are averaging over 40 carries per game this year.
“You’re going to see a lot of the running game,” offered Harings about the Badgers’ offensive game plan. “You’re going to see Tawee Walker. It’s more of a running back by committee though. It’s not that traditional great Wisconsin running back; you’re not going to see a Montee Ball-type talent. Will Pauling’s the receiver to key on, and then it’s gonna be running back by committee for Wisconsin.”
https://www.youtube.com/live/7redR0k47bk?si=4aPC5jZ5j1QBbq6N&t=1741
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