Grading the Bucks: B1G Championship--Wisconsin

Offense: A+
What a game.  Cardale was absolutely fantastic based on the situation in which he was thrust.  Without regard to the situation, I'd grade him at a B+ (some of the deep balls were thrown into coverage), but he gave his receivers a chance.  This was by far the best the receivers have played all year.  Thomas, Smith, Smith, Spencer, and Marshall all ran crisp routes and won seemingly every 50-50 battle.  Oh yeah, there was also the ground game...200+ for Zeke.  I'd say that's pretty good.  The O-Line was outstanding opening holes and protecting the last remaining QB.  There is almost nothing not to like here.  If they keep up this level, watch out Bama (and we're going to be pretty good next year too).

Defense: A+
The best I've seen this defense look in 3 years...easily.  The D-line play above and beyond the already lofty expectations. Bennett, Bosa, Frazier, Miller, and Washington were all electric.  They took a major Heisman campaign and completely crushed it.  The pass D was no slouch either (although their task was miniscule).  The Vonn Bell interception was textbook.  I could see from the stands the way he baited the QB and broke on the ball the second it was thrown.  There was one bad play in pass coverage (about 3 plays from the end) in which a receiver was completely wide open...but those were the backups and Wisconsin sucks.  It all comes back to the line and linebackers.  I was very nervous going up against Gordon, and this team answered and destroyed the bell.  Fantastic job.

Special Teams: A-
I'm sorry Cameron Johnston. You are amazing and borderline MVP.  72 yard punt that checked up at the 1? Another bomb hit with a 9 iron that kicked back inside the 5? Are you kidding?  I just had to do something here because this is the only unit with any real blemish (and there were 2).  The blocked field goal wasn't fun (although it didn't matter) and, you know where I'm going, ANOTHER KICKOFF OUT OF BOUNDS!!  It was almost a point of pride to return to form on the last kickoff of the night.  I'm sorry, but it grinds my gears.  Cameron Johnston gets an A+++.

Coaching: A
Fantastic gameplan.  Keep Cardale clean and let him do what he does best: throw the deep ball.  The gameplan was essentially ride Zeke and bomb it.  Perfect.  Defensively, they clearly watched film and realized Wisconsin sucks.  Stop Gordon and watch the Badger QB's suck.  Bingo. I also love the mentality to jump on them early and show no mercy.  The energy was there from the opening kickoff and that is testament to coaching.  Never forget last year.  Eyes on the prize.

Overall: A
This was about as flawless a game as possible.  The crispness of execution was there and the hunger was definitely apparent.  Cardale was bailed out by excellent receiver play at times, but he gave his guy a chance.  The people in my section kept agonizing that more points were needed to impress.  The two most important numbers from this game were both 0:  0 points given up; 0 turnovers. There was no doubt in mind after the game (actually, no doubt since VT) that we were in.  I said the week before (and no one listened): win and jump TCU.  This team has a tough draw, but to be the best, you have to beat the best (as the Badgers found out).  Play like this and there's a real chance.

Go Ohio! Beat Bama!