The running game churned out a school-record 564 yards against Indiana and 467 yards against Purdue. But it managed only 19 yards against Michigan State and 35 against Oregon State.
In Big Ten Conference play, the Badgers averaged 42.3 points in their four wins and 18.5 points in their four losses.
Starting three quarterbacks and the turmoil in the offensive line — there were several injuries and a switch in coaches after two games — have been factors in UW's inconsistency.
Even Phillips, who has started the past three games, has fallen victim to the highs and lows. He has been dynamic in 2-minute situations late in the past two games but mostly ineffective as a passer the rest of the time.
UW's issues on offense can be traced to three areas: Mostly subpar play from its quarterbacks, other than a stretch when redshirt freshman Joel Stave began to emerge before breaking his collarbone against Michigan State on Oct. 27; the lack of a consistent threat at receiver behind Jared Abbrederis; and the erratic play of the offensive line.
