Wisconsin Badgers Offensive Line Displays Excellent Play During Big 42-7 Win

While much of the talk surrounding the Wisconsin Badgers has been the quarterback play, the offensive line truly shined against Rutgers.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have not been known to have an incredible defense this season, however they have a tenacious team. Coach Greg Schiano knows how to motivate individuals, and has done just that, elevating the play of athletes like quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. However, motivation does not work as effectively as technique does, and the Wisconsin Badgers ultimately outclassed the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

USATSI 24473493 168400517 lowres — Oct 12, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) celebrates after a rushing touchdown with teammates during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Perhaps the true key to the success of Wisconsin against Rutgers came in the form of the offensive line, who were nearly perfect. Quarterback Braedyn Locke has played under a microscope as many fans and analysts believe the quarterback is not capable of being the starter. However, Locke continues to impress and the time the line is giving him has allowed for some of that success to occur.

Locke had just eight incompletions against the Scarlet Knights and had plenty of time behind the powerful offensive line. The quarterback did have an interception, however he was not rushed during the play and rather it was just an accuracy error. Rutgers did manage to record a sack, but what the offensive line did in the rush game outweighed the sack.

Wisconsin Badgers Offensive Line Allows Running Back Tawee Walker to Open Up

USATSI 24473656 168400517 lowres — Oct 12, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) rushes for a touchdown against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The real success for the offensive line was not in pass protection, but rather in the run blocking that was provided for Tawee Walker.

After the unfortunate departure of starting running back Chez Mellusi, who stepped away from the program, Walker was the man who stepped into the same role. Wisconsin had been giving the bulk of the carries each game to whoever looked the best during the game and practice. However, Walker would now be solely responsible for the bulk of the touches out of the backfield for Wisconsin.

Walker did not hesitate against Rutgers, recording 24 carries, 198-yards, and three touchdowns for the Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin has long had a strong offensive line, but recently went away from utilizing heavy running sets. The Badgers staff did the opposite with Walker and the offensive line against Rutgers, and the results were magnificent for the team.

Wisconsin was winning blocks left and right, and opening massive holes for every person running the football. Walker was not the only one with success, as running backs Cade Yacamelli and Darrion Dupree both had success running the football against the Rutgers defense.

Much of the success of the offensive line this season is thanks to recent hire and offensive line coach AJ Blazek. The coach has changed how the line approaches blocking and also offered changes to the practice regiment of the line. Not only has the team embraced Blazek, but offensive line recruits have also loved meeting a coach who is both passionate and easy-going at once.