It's just six days away, of course we are talking about the annual Badgers spring football game, and with that a lot of storylines have developed since we previewed each position group heading into spring. So with that, welcome out our 1st annual "Spring Game Week."
We'll be getting you ready for the spring game on Saturday with a look at the biggest storylines unfolding over the course of the past month or so an give a look at what we'll be watching for and what you should be watching for as well.
First up is a position group that hasn't gotten a lot of play in my discussions with fans. Normally it's all about what's happening with the QB's and who's standing out at running back and the two sets of lines too. However, one of the things that hurt this team the most last season was a lack of development of another option at wide receiver outside of former walk-on Jared Abbrederis.
As we enter the final few practices before the spring game, what has gone on? Has there been an option emerging or will it be a mystery unsolved until the fall or even into the season?
Background:
Last season wasn't exactly a ringing endorsement for the wide receiving corp. outside of Abbrederis as the rest of the wide receivers combined to catch 48 balls last season from UW quarterbacks. That number is one less than the total for leading receiver Jared Abbrederis.
Someone clearly needs to step up and become a weapon other teams have to respect in the passing game or Abbrederis is going to become a less than useful weapon as teams can key coverage on him more and more. Luckily there is a slew of tight ends, led by 2nd leading receiver last year, Jacob Pederson, who could also be used to help free up Abbrederis at times.
What's happened this spring:
Head coach Gary Andersen made sure to put wide receiver at the forefront of his thoughts form the very first practice on, something we highlighted in his comments following the 1st practice.
Since then there have been a few highlights from the group outside of Jared Abbrederis' ability to catch the deep ball. There have been some highlight moments from the likes of Kenzel Doe and A.J. Jordan, but neither have been consistent according to reports.
What to watch for in spring game:
Someone, anyone that can be consistent. As we've said, dropped balls from this unit has been an issue all spring again according to reports. If anyone – and the likely top candidates are A.J. Jordan, Kenzel Doe, Reggie Love, and Jordan Fredrick – can step up on Saturday it could go a long way to helping secure a major spot in the rotation. So, we'll have our eyes on their play and more importantly if any of them can become a standout against a new secondary scheme.
We'll also be watching a new set of formations that were rolled out after spring break and we're talking about a 3 tight end formation that could be something that is a real wrinkle for both the rushing and passing game. It's something new and how that formation proceeds and works in the passing game will be worth paying attention to as well.
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