Baggot: ‘Three-headed monster’ gives Badgers’ run game wealth of options
September 15, 2021 | Football, Andy Baggot
Handing to Mellusi, Berger, Guerendo and freshman Allen, Wisconsin showcased depth at tailback in win
BY ANDY BAGGOT
UWBadgers.com Insider
MADISON, Wis. — Isaac Guerendo was in mid-sentence, giving a thoughtful answer to a run-of-the-mill question, when he was interrupted by a man carrying a briefcase, pulling a roller bag and wearing a mischievous grin outside the Wisconsin football locker room.
This was after Guerendo had a big hand in helping guide the Badgers to a 34-7 non-conference victory over Eastern Michigan at Camp Randall Stadium. In a Saturday night fight otherwise dominated by body blows, the junior running back landed an electrifying clock cleaner. His 82-yard touchdown run in the second quarter provided a 24-point lead and brought an extended gasp from the crowd of 70,967.
Guerendo was talking about that play — one of the top 10 longest runs in program history — and his place on a crowded depth chart when UW coach Paul Chryst stopped by.
"It's not that complicated," Chryst told the questioner. "He's really fast."
Indeed.
For the first time in his injury-plagued college career, Guerendo was able to show why he's one of the most intriguing pieces to the Wisconsin puzzle and why its offensive backfield is so deep and dangerous. He took a handoff from sophomore quarterback Graham Mertz, found a crease created by blocks from senior tight end Jake Ferguson and senior right tackle Logan Bruss, zoomed around right end and down the sideline. Guerendo hit a top speed of 22.15 mph just before he reached the end zone.
The fact Guerendo is listed as a backup — he was the third running back to see action for the Badgers against Eastern — suggests there may be weekly adjustments to the two-deep going forward.
Chez Mellusi, the junior transfer from Clemson, has opened with consecutive 100-yard rushing efforts. He had 121 on 31 carries in the season-opener vs. Penn State and followed up with 144 yards on 20 attempts vs. Eastern.
Guerendo was the only other running back used during the season-opener, totaling 56 yards on 13 tries, but sophomore Jalen Berger was the second man up against Eastern Michigan. Berger, who led the Badgers in rushing as a true freshman in 2020, picked up 62 yards on 15 carries.
Mellusi, Guerendo, Berger and true freshman Braelon Allen, who had 30 yards on seven attempts, all accounted for a touchdown and helped No. 18 Wisconsin finish with 352 rushing yards, its best showing since piling up 403 in an overtime victory over Purdue in 2019.
UW fans have seen this before. Just as there have been recent seasons with one undisputable starter getting the vast majority of the carries — think Jonathan Taylor in 2017, '18 and '19, Melvin Gordon in 2014, Montee Ball in 2011 and '12, P.J. Hill in 2006, Brian Calhoun in 2005, Anthony Davis in 2002, Michael Bennett in 2000 and Ron Dayne from 1996 to '99 — there have been instances where the workload has been largely shared by two running backs.
In 2013, it was James White (40 percent of carries) and Gordon (37 percent).
In 2007, it was Hill (40 percent) and Zach Brown (21 percent).
Then there were those times, like now, when more than two running backs were involved.
Think 2010 when John Clay (32 percent), Ball (28 percent) and White (27 percent) shared the rock and came within four yards of producing the first trio of 1,000-yard backs in NCAA history.
Think 2003 when Dwayne Smith (29 percent), Booker Stanley (23 percent) and Davis (20 percent) split time.
Mellusi is OK with being identified as the No. 1 back.
"If that's what people want to say, fine," he said. "I just do what I'm told. I do what's asked of me and if that's what comes with it, that's what comes with it."
Does Mellusi feel like he's being chased?
"We feed off each other," he said. "We try to make each other better. I feel like we complement each other very, very well. I think everyone in that room is kind of different in their own way."
Mellusi defined Guerendo as the speedster, while he and Berger are "finesse runners."
Mellusi said a "three-headed monster" in the backfield gives Chryst, who doubles as the offensive coordinator, and Mertz a lot to work with on a given possession.
"The way we run the football, whoever has the hot hand has the hot hand," Mellusi said. "I think all the guys have that same attitude."
Guerendo said having four or five backs in the mix — including redshirt junior Brady Schipper — is an advantage for the Badgers.
"One thing we have is diversity in the backfield," he said. "It's an amazing thing. Teams have to prepare for more than one back and that's a blessing for us.
"At the end of the day, we're all trying to be scheme runners, trusting the run, where the blocks are going to hit and where the holes are going to open. As of right now, that's where you see the similarities. But once you get to the second level, we have different mentalities honestly."
Guerendo said speed is his best asset once he clears the first layer of defenders. He said Mellusi and Berger "have a lot of moves in their inventory."
Mellusi peeled off a 60-yard run on his second carry, but was hauled down from behind at the Eastern Michigan 7-yard line. He blamed himself for not preparing the right way physically before the game.
"I went into the game tight," he said. "That's on me. That should have been a touchdown. I was real tight."
Mellusi said he should have eaten more and perhaps spent some time on a stationary bike to loosen his legs before taking the field. He smiled at the notion that there would be laughter in the meeting room when video of the play is reviewed.
"They're going to clown me a little bit for that," Mellusi said.
Watching Guerendo wow the world with his TD run was a treat for Mellusi.
"I know what he has and I know what he's capable of," Mellusi said. "He's like a brother to me already. When he gets to do something great, it puts a smile on my face."
Until further notice, it looks like Mellusi is the first option when it comes to the UW running game. Behind him are guys who are both supportive and opportunistic.
"I think I made a good impression on the coaches," Berger said of his 2021 debut. "I just can't wait for the future."
Allen has a tantalizing mix of size, speed and power, a combination that could warrant a bigger workload as the season evolves.
"I wouldn't say that I'm chasing the other guys," he said, "but obviously you want to work yourself up to that starting role."
Guerendo said the depth at running back represents a welcome challenge for all.
"We all push each other," he said. "We love each other. It's a brotherhood. I think we all chase each other in that sense, so it's not like there's any negativity in there. We're chasing each other, trying to make each other better."
