Wisconsin DC Jim Leonhard addresses Badgers' offensive struggles, how defense can adjust vs. Michigan
Wisconsin is preparing for a huge game vs. undefeated Michigan on Saturday.
The Badgers have already lost twice this season, falling at home to Penn State and Notre Dame in September. Wisconsin’s offense has struggled to put points on the board, which is something that Badgers’ DC Jim Leonhard is aware of as he prepares for the Wolverines.
“It sucks and you don’t want to point fingers, it’s the way it works,” Leonhard to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg. “You look around college football and there’s more games won 31-28 than low scoring. It’s a situation where you’re overly critical. You’ve got to find ways to make plays and change games.
“Our guys accept that challenge. They understand what their role is. We’ve got to get possessions for our offense right now, we’ve got to get short fields, we’ve got to do whatever it takes. That’s football. Don’t feel sorry for yourself.
Talked with #Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard about keeping his group focused amid the offense’s struggles and what he wants to see going forward, beginning today against #Michigan. pic.twitter.com/BoHAwvd4PO
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) October 2, 2021
Wisconsin enters this game averaging just 5.03 yards per play, which is 10th in the Big Ten. The Badgers rank dead last in scoring offense at just 19 points per game and have -7 turnover margin on the year.
Paul Chryst’s team entered this season with big expectations, but it will need to make a statement on home on Saturday to avoid dropping its third game of the year in the first five weeks.
Kick off is at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday.