It was a beautiful, fall afternoon in Piscataway, N.J. for a football game and the No. 21 Wisconsin Badgers (6-3 overall, 4-2 Big Ten) enjoyed the exercise and fresh air while pummeling Rutgers (4-5 overall, 1-5 Big Ten) in a fine pulp, 52-3.Here is what J.J., Tyler and Ryan had to say about the game, Graham Mertz performance, Paul Chryst play-calling and a brief look ahead to Northwestern next weekend.What did you like about Graham Mertz performance on Saturday?J.J.: This was the development we expected to see from game one! It happening! Rutgers defense obviously, to some extent, was very clearly broken by the second half but Mertz was allowed a longer leash than usual and played mostly mistake-free ball. His pocket presence has improved so much from game one. He didn look flustered when he had to face pressure on Saturday.Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty ImagesRyan: What wasn to like? Yes, he threw an interception, but I think that was largely due to Ferguson stumbling on his route https://www.wboutletstore.com/John_Torchio_Jersey-83. The coaching staff let Mertz air it out and I think that is what he needed after throwing the ball very little over the last few games. Mertz passes were crisp and you can tell he has progressed since earlier this season.Tyler: I think he threw the ball with zip and touch when needed. The tools are still very much there and I think you saw that here. Theye raw but they exist. I glad the coaching staff got some confidence in him as they move into November. Youe winning games right now without throwing all the much, but eventually, it needs to be at least a small threat. If Chez Mellusi is out for an extended period of time and Braelon Allen remains banged up...did you like what you saw from Julius Davis, Jackson Acker and ::double checks roster:: Grover Bortolotti?J Mike Jarvis Jersey.J.: Sure! Wel go back to the obvious caveat that there reached a point in the game where the Rutgers defense had kind of checked out and that limits the amount of legitimate takeaways you can get from this game, but overall, the running back stable looked talented and deep. Obviously the ideal scenario is to get Allen and Mellusi back ASAP though.Ryan: I did. I have been wanting to see Davis get some carries for a few seasons and I thought he did a good job in limited carries. Acker showed good burst and Bortolotti looked great to finish the game and honestly is there a more Wisconsin football name than Grover Bortolotti? No, there is not.Jackson Acker getting some carries as a true freshman! Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY SportsTyler: It was nice to finally see Davis and Acker get some touches and I liked what I saw from each. Tbh, I had four bets going in the 2:30 p.m. window (all winners) so I didn catch much of Bort, but sure! The way the line is playing in the run game I think they can tread water and keep fingers crossed that Mellusi can get back. Allen is the guy, but theye a good combo.How about that play call on fourth and goal to get John Chenal a touchdown?!? What did you think about the coaching staff on Saturday?J.J.: I say often that I think Chryst is a more clever play caller than he gets credit for. Yes, he conservative, but that only highlights how effective it is when he does go for something more deceptive like a play action when everyone expects the classic Wisconsin fourth and short smash mouth run up the cut. He not some wild gunslinging trick play extraordinaire, but he is subtly very good at those fourth and short situations. More FromBucky's 5th Quarter Badgers in the NFL: Jonathan Taylor and T.J. Watt are Pro Bowlers Wisconsin vs. George Mason: how to watch Cole Dakovich Jersey, game preview and open thread [UPDATE: game cancelled] Does your college town suck? George Mason University Bucky 5th Podcast, ep. 317: Answering your mailbag questions! Wisconsin football: depth chart released for the Las Vegas Bowl Wisconsin football: where might the Badgers look in the transfer portal?
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