Madison, Wis. –  It’s no secret that Wisconsin’s offense struggled mightily in 2021. While quarterback Graham Mertz’s play didn’t help matters, you could argue that the offensive line’s struggles in pass protection also played a role in the dysfunction. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Wisconsin’s offensive line graded out as the No. 98 pass-blocking unit in the country last season (55.5).

When you consider that there are only 130 division one programs, that’s a pretty glaring issue for a team that prides itself on offensive line play.

To rectify their shortcomings, the Badgers coaching staff moved All-Big Ten honorable mention right guard Jack Nelson out to left tackle this offseason, a more natural position for the former four-star recruit.

In a corresponding move, Bob Bostad shifted multi-year starter Tyler Beach inside to left guard – a switch that allowed the Wisconsin native to play in a phone booth rather than in space.

Let’s unpack how those decisions have played out for Wisconsin thus far:

New offensive Line coach Bob Bostad, works with his players the during the University of Wisconsin spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on Thursday. Uw Spring Football Practice 4354

Albeit a small sample size, UW’s re-tooled offensive line under coach Bostad hasn’t dominated as a run-blocking unit, at least not by Wisconsin’s standards.

According to Pro Football Focus, Wisconsin’s offensive line has graded out as the 30th best run-blocking unit in division one so far.

This development is disappointing but not unexpected. The Badgers’ O-line traditionally takes a few weeks to gel before hitting its collective stride as the season wears on.

However, UW has looked especially good in pass protection through the Badgers’ first two games, grading out as the 18th-best pass-blocking unit in the country – a refreshing change of pace from years past.

Thus far, the decision to shift Nelson and Beach around during the offseason has paid off in spades.

Each player has started two games, playing 129 snaps in those contests. Of the 59 snaps where they’ve been in pass protection, neither Nelson nor Beach have allowed a single pressure coming from the left side of the line, per PFF.

pic.twitter.com/nw9FSUPw7X

— Badger Film Clips (@Badgers_Film) September 12, 2022

The offensive line has looked much improved in pass-pro and that deserves recognition. But the play coming from Graham Mertz’s blind side has been especially imposing.

Nelson and Beach have been UW’s two best linemen and have played a significant role in Wisconsin’s balanced offensive attack to begin the 2022 season.

Mertz has improved; that much is evident. But some of his newfound confidence can be attributed to his ability to remain in the pocket and step into his throws without constantly facing pressure.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 30: Offensive linemen Tanor Bortolini #63, Jack Nelson #79 and Cormac Sampson #62 of the Wisconsin Badgers walk to the line of scrimmage during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Allegiant Stadium on December 30, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Badgers defeated the Sun Devils 20-13. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Against Illinois State, an FCS school, Wisconsin’s starting offensive line didn’t allow a single pressure. Although UW expected success against a lower-level opponent, the results are still important.

In week two against Washington State, the offense struggled. However, Wisconsin’s offensive line allowed just one pressure (Michael Furtney) and had four players that graded out as either elite or high-quality in pass protection. Signaling that week one might not have been an anomaly.

For Wisconsin’s offense to take a visible step forward under OC Bobby Engram, the Badgers will need the threat of a passing attack to keep teams from stacking the box against the run.

If Mertz can get the ball out quickly and the offensive line continues to hold up in passing situations, taking that step doesn’t seem all that unrealistic.

Wisconsin’s real test comes in two weeks when they travel to Columbus to play the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes in a primetime matchup. That game will be a litmus test against one of the nation’s truly elite programs.

Two games aren’t enough to make any overarching proclamations; I understand that. And while it’s important not to overreact, it’s also important to react to what we’ve seen on film.

Nelson and Beach are doing their jobs on the blind side and doing them damn well.

As the great T.C. Williams linebacker Gerry Bertier once said, “left side, strong side.”

Contact/Follow us @TheBadgersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Dillon Graff on Twitter @DillonGraff.

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