It may not have always been evident, but Wisconsin running back Montee Ball saw a big change in the play of the offensive line under newly appointed interim coach Bart Miller.
“Huge difference, I’m not saying anything against [Mike] Markuson, hopefully he finds a place for himself, but I believe there was a huge difference,” Ball said. “We weren’t expecting them to come in and be completely different with one wee of preparation with a new coach, but we’re going to make sure we build off of it.”
Ball carried a season-high 37 times for 139 yards and a touchdown against Utah State. He credited some of his success to the play of the men up front.
“One thing I can say about the offensive line today, is they created a lot more one-on-one opportunities for me today,” Ball said. “As a running back, you love to be out in space…the offensive line, they were doing that in practice and we knew they were going to do it today.”
Though Saturday marked the second time Ball eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark this season, he was disappointed in his effort in short yardage situations, especially 3rd and 1, where he rushed five times for 0 yards.
“It’s frustrating for myself, as a running back, because coach Hammond always tells us, no matter what, always get the first down, at least fall for one yard, so it’s on me,” Ball said. “I believe we’ll be better than that. We’re going to really focus on it in practice.”
After managing just three points in the first 30 minutes the senior back saw something different from the team in the second half.
“Urgency, we played with urgency,” Ball said. “Everyone looking around for someone to make a play and Kenzel Doe to that up on his shoulders.”
Ball was encouraged by how the Badgers responded to more adversity in the second half.
“Honestly what I can say from this game is, you can see that our offense, we had a little identity, found our identity a little bit in the second half. Honestly we were tested, we’re really strong in playing the fourth quarter games and that what we really focus on.”
As the old adage goes, a win’s a win. But, that does not mean that there is no room for continued improvement heading into the non-conference finale against UTEP.
“We’re 2-1, I mean, obviously not a perfect record, but we’re, 2-1,” Ball said. “It’s an ugly win, but we got the win. So right now, we just trying to make sure we build off of it and make sure that we back the defense up.”
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