Wisconsin determined to prevent Leonard Fournette from making new highlight reel
Wisconsin doesn’t want to contribute to LSU star Leonard Fournette’s growing highlight reel during its season opener at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Sept. 3. The Badgers have been studying game film and are aware of the challenge the Heisman favorite brings, but have a plan.
“If we come out technically sound, do our gap responsibilities and everybody executes at a high level, we’re hoping to put ourselves in not a highlight film position,” Wisconsin linebacker Vince Biegel told ESPN. “We’re not going to be on his highlight. We’re going to go out there and play good, Wisconsin-style defense. He’s a great runner, but are we scared of him? Absolutely not.”
Wisconsin has identified several keys to slowing down Fournette, which are based heavily on executing basic principles. Head coach Paul Chryst believes the most important factors will be having multiple players sticking to their pursuit of the ball and preventing Fournette from angle risks which compromise the entire defensive scheme.
“He’s known as a downhill runner,” Badgers defensive end Chikwe Obasihsaid. “But he’s pretty impressive coming around the edge. We’re making sure we have guys to funnel that back into the inside. You can’t arm tackle him, so we’re practicing good form. We’re making sure we all gang tackle.”
However, stopping Fournette will be easier said than done. The junior rushed for 2,986 yards through his first two seasons, including 1,953 during 12 games in 2015.
By his standards, Leonard Fournette needs just an average year to make (more) #LSU history https://t.co/RtkN4RO2qZ pic.twitter.com/3yZMAbzmN9
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) August 23, 2016
Fournette is on pace to break several LSU rushing records in 2016 and the Wisconsin game could be his coming out party, regardless of what the Badgers have planned to stop him.