Scott Paxson did not mince words when describing Wisconsin's offensive line.
"Big. Physical," the Penn State defensive tackle said quickly. "Last year they ran all over us and that's what we think they're going to do again this time."
Actually, "ran all over us" might be putting it a bit lightly. The Badgers had a capable veteran quarterback in Jim Sorgi, and a first-round NFL draft pick at receiver in Lee Evans, but it was the run game that killed the Nittany Lions last season.
Feature back Anthony Davis went down early in that game last year, as did Backup Dwayne Smith. So third-stringer Booker Stanley stepped in for 24 carries and 119 yards. That menagerie combined for a total of 234 rushing yards and took over an otherwise close game in the second half. This time around, Davis may again miss some, if not all of Saturday's game with an eye injury.
"We'll know a little bit more at the end of the week," Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez said of his running back situation. "He's going to have an exam later this week and next week. Ultimately I believe it's going to have to be Anthony's decision."
Last year's second-string back Dwayne Smith was kicked off the team before the season began.
Leading just 23-16 near the end of the third quarter, the Badgers ran the ball 13 straight plays for 80 yards and a touchdown, with Stanley getting nine of the carries and a score. The drive took nearly 7 minutes off the clock and broke the Lions' collective back in Wisconsin's 30-23 win.
Regardless, the Lions now have to be prepared to face both tailbacks.
"We've gotta fear both backs, gotta be ready for both," Paxson said. "One's a little stronger [Stanley] than the other, the other's a little more nifty. Once that line opens up a hole we'd better be able to fill it or we're gonna have problems."
Paxson believes the defensive line is more up to the task of stopping the Badgers up the middle, after being steamrolled last season. He also recognizes what will happen if the front four is not up to par.
"I feel we're much more stronger up front, much quicker," Paxson said. "It's gonna be, as a D-line, if we don't show up this week, there's no chance for us to win. They're the best O-line we've faced so far. They get off strong, they get off quick."
The Badgers' passing offense has fallen to last in the conference. Wideouts Jonathan Orr and Brandon Williams return, but strong-armed sophomore John Stocco hasn't been getting the ball to either of them.
"They might not be throwing as well as they're running right now," linebacker Paul Posluszny said. "So that's a goal for us, to get them in second-and-long, third-and-long, and try and force them to pass."
