With spring practice concluding, it is evident that new offensive coordinator Bobby Engram is running the show on offense. This will mean Paul Chryst will become more of a “CEO” head coach. While we don’t know the exact nature of the changes, one thing for certain is Graham Mertz looked way more comfortable. While there are many things the Badgers need to do to fix the offense, one way is to open up the offense and have multiple wide receivers on the field.
The pro-style offense isn’t an outdated offense despite the popularity of the spread. It can be argued that it has been becoming popular again. Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines went back to it last season, then went to the college football playoff. This time, schools that run have been adding multiple wide receiver sets to modernize it. This is because, in today’s game, a team must be able to throw the ball down the field to win.
Don’t Worry The Running Game Isn’t Going Anywhere
Wisconsin wouldn’t be abandoning their identity of running the ball. They are too deep in that position. There is no way they go away from Braelon Allen and the other solid running backs they have on the roster. All that would be happening is Wisconsin would simply have more receivers on the field and throw more pass plays. Running the ball was a big reason Wisconsin was just a Minnesota win away from getting back to Indianapolis. Engram has emphasized that running the ball will happen, but adding modern components should also be included.
Not A Lot Of Use Of Multiple Wide Receiver Sets
Last season, Wisconsin didn’t run very many plays with multiple wide receivers in them. They only ran pass plays with more than two wide receivers occasionally. This was partly due to the struggles of Graham Mertz and not having enough depth at the position. The presence of star tight end Jake Ferguson also made it harder to go to those kinds of plays.
More Reliance on Wide Receivers
With Jake Ferguson now gone and the tight end position still being determined, Wisconsin has to rely more on their wide receivers this season. The good news for the Badgers this season is that they have better depth at receiver than last year. The Badgers have a group of receivers on their roster that bring many skills to the table. Chimere Dike, Skyler Bell, and Dean Engram have speed. Markus Allen brings physicality, and Keontez Lewis presents a size factor as well.
Bobby Engram can easily open up the offense with all those tools available at the receiver position. Badger opponents can’t just prepare for just one skill, as Wisconsin has many different skill sets that can cause issues. Aside from maybe Ohio State, I can’t see any of the Badgers’ opponents being able to neutralize every wide receiver completely.
Nick Saban And Alabama Have Done It
If you want an example of a pro-style team modernizing, then look no further than the Alabama Crimson Tide. Everywhere he has gone, Nick Saban has recruited power-blocking offensive linemen and placed a heavy emphasis on the run game. Wisconsin carries a similar philosophy. Despite the popularity of the spread offense and throwing the ball everywhere, Saban stuck to this philosophy. Two of his running backs, Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry, won Heisman Trophies. It wouldn’t be until he had Tua Tagovailoa that he let his teams throw the ball more during a game.
Last season, Alabama passed the ball a little more than they ran. Bryce Young became the first quarterback ever under Nick Saban to win the Heisman Trophy. The season prior, wide receiver DeVonta Smith won the award as well. While Alabama is passing the ball more, they haven’t completely abandoned the run. All that has happened is the offense is more in tune with the modern game. Alabama hasn’t missed a beat and is still a major national championship contender.
Winning in modern-day college football requires teams to open up their offense and pass more. Nick Saban realized this and is now passing more than he ever has during his career without abandoning the run. Wisconsin must recognize that running pass plays with multiple receivers is one of the only ways to win in today’s game. While going to bowl games consistently is great, the Badgers now have their eyes set on attaining new goals.
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