The Badgers haven’t performed up to standard defensively under Mike Tressel.
The Wisconsin Badgers did not have the year they’d hoped for defensively in 2024, as they especially struggled against the run.
Dealing with a revamped front seven, the Badgers performed below expectations, giving up 168.8 rushing yards per game (90th in NCAA) and 4.6 yards per carry (88th in NCAA).
Both metrics were especially highlighted in some of Wisconsin’s biggest losses, with the worst coming in a rivalry matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes. In a 42-10 beating, the Badgers gave up 329 rushing yards and five touchdowns, struggling to stop Kaleb Johnson.
Wisconsin gave up over 100 rushing yards in every game but one (99 yards against Purdue), leading to a disappointing effort across the season.
The Badgers clearly felt their run defense was a problem, as they brought in seven new faces along their defensive front, hoping to get bigger up front and on the edges.
Now, it’s on defensive coordinator Mike Tressel to right the ship, as Wisconsin changes its defensive scheme for the third straight season. Coming into Madison, Tressel had a certain vision for the team, predicated on winning with athleticism and in space.
However, that plan quickly changed as the Badgers didn’t have the personnel to best match that style of play. Now, Wisconsin is changing again to a bigger front, operating with jumbo outside linebackers to set the edge better, while having more size on the interior.
That, of course, will create more pressure on the defensive backs to win in 1-on-1 situations, while the defensive line will have to figure out ways to create pressure in addition to stopping the run.
Tressel has certainly had his moments in Madison, showing ways of stopping some elite offenses. But, there have been struggles, especially with starting games, questioning his game plans, and how effective he can be as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator.
Is he officially on the hot seat entering Year 3?
In our weekly reacts poll, 90 percent of fans believe Tressel is facing more pressure than his coordinator counterpart heading into 2025.
And that’s a fair assessment. Head coach Luke Fickell has made tough changes along his coaching staff when needed, and the Badgers defense has to be better than it’s shown so far.
Tressel has gotten the most out of players like Hunter Wohler and Ricardo Hallman during their best seasons, but he needs to find ways to adjust better to his personnel to match Big Ten offenses.
If Wisconsin disappoints again on the defensive end, questions will be raised next offseason about where the Badgers go from there.