While the Wisconsin Badgers lost a heavy (no pun intended) amount of talented offensive linemen, don’t expect a significant drop-off in the UW running attack in 2015.
The first thing folks may point to in citing a possible decline in Madison is the loss of Melvin Gordon, who ran for the second most all-time yards in a campaign last season. While the point is valid that Gordon will be impossible to completely replace, Corey Clement will have his say this fall.
Exclusively as a backup last season, Clement ran for nearly 1,000 yards on a crazy 6.5- yards-per-carry average. Clement showed some of the same qualities that made Gordon elite. Clement also had Gordon to watch day in and day out. He was able to see what is necessary to be successful in the program, the Big Ten, and college football. That experience is vital.
This year, Wisconsin’s front five returns only two starters. While this could also be cited as a source of a possible decline in the rushing attack, it is actually a perfect storm (if that is possible) of departures for the Badgers.
First off, both of the returning players are seniors: Dan Voltz and Tyler Marz. Both have played for a couple of years in the fierce Big Ten trenches at center and tackle. These are cornerstone positions, so the fact that Wisconsin has strong, experienced, battle-tested players in these spots should be able to anchor the line and help the two guards to develop with less pressure.
As was the case in the relationship between Clement and Gordon, Wisconsin has a new-and-old mix on the offensive front: Veteran starters can serve as examples for the younger or inexperienced offensive linemen the Badgers are trying to break in. The Voltz-Marz duo, at two important positions, can share wisdom and maintain the winning culture the Badgers have established. The speed of the learning curve for the new starters on the offensive line can be managed in a way that will help the whole unit.
The final change that could affect the Wisconsin offense is the change at the top, as Paul Chryst was named the new Badgers’ head coach after Gary Andersen abruptly left for Oregon State.
While the Panthers were not afraid to put the ball in the air over the past few seasons, don’t forget about the success that James Connor had in the backfield. Last season, Connor rushed for 1,765 yards and 26 scores. This shows that Chryst can stay balanced even if he has other weapons.
Also, keep in mind that Chryst was the offensive coordinator in Madison prior to making the move to Pitt for a unit that led the nation in scoring from 2009-2011. The Badgers’ offense thrived with the running game back then, just as it will attempt to do the same this upcoming season.
All of these factors, combined with a strong defense that will keep Wisconsin in games no matter what, point to a limited decline in the rushing attack in 2015. With the Big Ten West Division lagging well behind the East, the Badgers are in prime position to make another Big Ten Championship Game. The journey to Indianapolis is not a flight — it’s a drive, otherwise known as a journey on the ground, with a highway cleared for a fast moving vehicle named Corey Clement.
