 |
| QB Russell Wilson looks down field against UNLV |
Many eyes were on NC State transfer Russell Wilson and how he would perform under the bright lights of Camp Randall stadium and he did not disappoint. After shaking his first quarter jitters overthrowing a couple wide open receivers he went 10-13 for 225 yards and two scores. Last season, Wisconsin rode their tandem of Ball and White all the way to the Rose Bowl and they look primed to do it again. Only, there is a difference maker under center. With 1:14 remaining in the first half, Wilson dropped back to throw, the pocket held and seeing daylight; the veteran signal caller scrambled out of the pocket. 48 yards, and Nick Toon's great down field block later Wilson was in the end zone on a play that felt like it would put it away right then and there. By that point Wisconsin had gone up 34-3 and it wasn't that close.
The added element of a running quarter back could give Wisconsin the edge it needs to return and possibly win the Rose Bowl for this next year. It's never easy breaking in two new starters on the offensive line, but knowing your quarter back has the ability to break free has to be of some comfort to the newest members of one of the NCAA's finest units. Wilson gave them a glowing review; himself, "I don't think I got touched at all today, which is pretty unbelievable. The offensive line did a great job. They're tremendous up there. Got to keep getting better, but they really are special up front."
UNLV scored late to get the game within 35 but by that time Wisconsin was already taking a look at their second stringers. Sophomore Caleb Harring gave a valiant effort against the size and power of Wisconsin's front 7 but at the end of the day the Runnin' Rebels got ran over, around and through.
Nice recap, but two quick corrections: It's Bret (not Brent, lest you cause the friendly people of Wisconsin to have Brent Fullwood flashbacks), and while Wisconsin has to replace two starters, everyone on that offensive line had already logged multiple starts before last night's game.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input, I fixed the typo and I could tell that the OL wasn't totally green. They are a talented group who will do a lot of damage this year. I'm honestly hoping to not run into you guys in the Rose Bowl this year.
ReplyDeleteOne more thought on the O line. The 6th lineman from last year is starting for the Dallas Cowboys this year. That means this years line has 4 linemen determined to be more apt to start (no dis to Nagy he is awesome) then a NFL starter. Just sayin.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I hope we don't see anyone in the Rose Bowl this year. It wouldn't be the worst consolation prize, but I have very high hopes for this squad.
ReplyDelete