CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2, 2015 ■ VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4

COVER STORY DAVID STLUKA

HIS TURN, HIS TIME Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: A talented Wisconsin running back is ready to step into the spotlight after learning the craft from great ones who’ve come before him.

FEATURES FOOTBALL IN [FOCUS] COORDINATED EFFORT The week's best photos

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KELLI GRASHEL Rudolph (left), the men who call the Facts and figures on UW shots for the Badgers on defense and offense, respectively. WHAT TO WATCH Where to catch the Badgers

ASK THE BADGERS LUCAS AT LARGE First day of school traditions

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS BADGERING Drew Connor (Men’s Soccer) Much will be made of Leo Musso’s

small size — he stands 5-foot-10 — DAVID STLUKA INSIDE FOOTBALL but the Wisconsin junior is focused Badgers embrace technology on his big opportunity at safety. INSIDE -SCROLLVOLLEYBALL FOR MORE­ Lessons to be learned Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711

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© 2015 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved worldwide. LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM Musso embracing his big opportunity fter accepted was memorable from the stand­ and fifth-year senior Peniel Jean. the University of Pitts­ point that it took place in front Musso ended up with more tack­ Aburgh’s head coaching of 105,826 fans at the fabled les on special teams (six) than at job, he brought three Wisconsin Horseshoe, Ohio Stadium, in defensive back (five). assistant coaches with him, in­ Columbus. The Badgers opened Reflecting on 2014, his third cluding , and hired a with five defensive backs against year in the program, Musso said, strength coach, Todd Rice, with the Buckeyes. Musso, then a “At end of the day my motto has strong ties to the Madison area. redshirt freshman, joined Sojourn always been to control what you Rice’s brother, Pat Rice, was the Shelton, Darius Hillary, Michael can control and make the most uber-successful at Caputo and Dezmen Southward of your opportunities. Whether I Waunakee High School. All of in the secondary. was getting reps with the ones, these local connections factored “I remember walking out of the twos or the scout team, I into Leo Musso’s decision-mak­ locker room and it was like a big knew I had to make sure that ing process as a recruit. valley,’’ Musso recalled. “I was I was doing the right thing and Musso seriously considered Pitt standing out there and it was like that was about being in the right but after UW coach Bret Biele­ one of those video games. I was place at the right time.’’ ma upped the ante with a full watching at quar­ Since then, Musso’s fortunes scholarship offer, he accepted terback and running have been tied to Tanner McE­ an opportunity to stay close to up the gut and you have to make voy, who started the first six home and play for the Badgers. a play and tackle him. That was a games at last year Musso was part of one of the crazy, crazy game. It was my sec­ before relinquishing the position smallest recruiting classes, 12 ond year of playing defense and to Joel Stave. When UW athletic tendered players, in recent mem­ I was still trying to figure things director took over ory; a class that was assembled out.’’ the team as the interim head by Bielema and just three as­ coach for the Outback Bowl, sistants: Chris Ash, Charlie Par­ “I LOVE GETTING INTO THE one of the first things he did was tridge and Thomas Hammock. BOX WITH THE FRONT SEVEN move McEvoy into a starter’s role at safety. And that’s where McEv­ The Badgers were in the GUYS AND TAKING ON A BIG, midst of a major staff turnover, a oy played the entire spring. common occurrence in college 333-POUND PULLING GUARD, “It was one of those things football. Ash was Musso’s first THAT’S FUN,’’ CLAIMED THE where you had to keep working ; Bill Busch was 5-10, 194-POUND MUSSO. and keep playing and wherever his second; Daronte’ Jones is his the chips may fall that’s where third. And, yes, Musso, the for­ The Buckeyes won, 31-24. they fall,’’ said Musso, who took mer Waunakee tailback, is finally Musso had five tackles, includ­ a pragmatic approach to how the going to get that chance to play ing a TFL. But his playing time Badgers were planning on uti­ for a Chryst-coached team. Mus- dwindled and he had only three lizing McEvoy, whether at safety so will be starting at safety when more tackles the remaining eight or wide receiver which is where Wisconsin takes on Alabama in games. At the beginning of last he has spent a majority of the its season opener Saturday. season, he was slowed by a ham­ practices during training camp. This will be his second start; string injury. That dropped him “Credit to him. He’s an awesome, the first came in 2013, and it behind freshman Lubern Figaro awesome player.’’

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 1 OF 2 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM BOB CAMPBELL

Because the 6-foot-6, Musso knows that he has plen­ smash-mouth football by featur­ 231-pound McEvoy, a former ty of help. “The front seven gets ing its one-two tailback punch prep receiver, is filling a need on great pressure,’’ he said. “The of (6-3, 242) and offense ― he’s still expected to corners are locking down and (6-1, 210). How get reps on defense, too ― it cre­ Mike (Caputo) is doing a great does Musso compensate for his ated an opening at safety. Figaro job communicating with me. lack of size? “I try to get as low had the first crack but he was Everyone else has a hard job and as I can and use it to my ad­ eventually beaten out by Mus- they’re making my job a lot eas­ vantage,’’ he said. “Being 5-10 so who had more , ier. Obviously, it helps with film definitely helps my cause in that by far, than anyone else during work to know where you have to aspect. In terms of people look­ camp. Prodded to explain his be at the right time, but I’ve got ing at me, they might think size ball skills, Musso shrugged and to give credit to the rest of the is a factor. But I don’t think it is.’’ said, “I really don’t know how defensive unit.’’ What about the physical mis­ to.’’ The Captain, in particular, has match between Musso and Al­ At Waunakee, he was used been influential. That would be abama’s receivers, specifically exclusively as a running back Caputo. “He’s awesome,’’ Musso 6-6, 242-pound tight end O.J. and “I came here not knowing said. “Anybody who works with Howard? “If it’s a bigger guy, a lick of defense’’ before find­ Mike is going to come out a bet­ there are different ways you can ing free safety to his liking. “I ter player … he’s pretty much handle the situation,’’ said Mus- love getting into the box with the always intense. We were in the so, suggesting it’s about position­ front seven guys and taking on DB room and he was drawing up ing and leverage “depending on a big, 333-pound pulling guard, concepts that our offense runs what kind of route is run, what that’s fun,’’ claimed the 5-10, and what to expect on certain kind of coverage you’re in’’ which 194-pound Musso. “I also love plays. He’s one of those guys “changes your alignment and being in the back end ― trying to that is wired and very passionate where you are on the ball.’’ read the quarterback and trying and I love him for it.’’ Find the ball and you’re likely to make a play.’’ Alabama plans on returning to to find No. 19.■

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 2 OF 2 BEHIND THE DESK BY BARRY ALVAREZ ■ UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Alabama game brings back memories ’ve got a picture in my office of We trailed 24-7 at halftime. balls, you have a chance to sell Alabama receiver . I thought was one your program and let people IIt shows Perkins running with of the greatest coaches of all- know what you’re all about. the ball and me and my bud­ time. But I can tell you that Bear People around here should dies Gordo Coleman and Wayne Bryant was the greatest coach already know what Paul Chryst is Meylen chasing him in the 1967 I’ve ever played against. He flat about, and what he stands for. Sugar Bowl. out-coached us in that bowl I like the way he manages his Someone gave me the picture game. staff. I like the way he communi­ and I wrote the caption, “Here I like the fact that we’re open­ cates with his players, and that’s are Nebraska jake-legs Barry Al­ ing up the season with Alabama not just with the , varez and Gordo Coleman along in Dallas. It’s an attention-grab­ that’s with everyone. with All-American Wayne Meylen ber. You had the players’ atten­ I like the way he tries to teach chasing All-American Ray Per­ tion in the spring and all summer his team about football and kins.” in preparation for this game. what’s expected of them ― They beat us 34-7. The late They know that they’re going to what’s expected in our program Kenny Stabler was their quarter­ be tested by a very well-coached and how we can be successful back and that’s when he could and talented Alabama team. and reach those expectations. really move around the pocket. They’ll know where they stand af­ I just think he communicates He was just so good. They were ter it, strengths and weaknesses, so well with all the people around far better than us that year. and what they have to work on. him, 24/7. It’s obvious ― and I’ve But the year before we had the It’s a prime-time game and know this for a long time about better team. That would have whenever you get on such a big Paul ― he loves football and he been my sophomore year at Ne­ stage, in front of so many eye­ loves to practice. braska and we were During training camp, unbeaten going into I’ve watched how he the 1966 has gotten his philoso­ against Alabama. phy and his way of do- With Michigan State ing things across to the losing to UCLA in the kids. When it comes to Rose Bowl and Arkansas practicing, the message losing to LSU in the Cot- is clear. ton Bowl, the winner of Quit counting how our game was going to many periods we’re be the national champi- working. Quit trying to on. They beat us, 39-28. pace yourself. We’re go- We were more talented ing to practice, so let’s than they were. On the concentrate on getting first series, we went right better and playing foot- down the field and fum- ball the way it’s sup- This photo of Alvarez (33), then a Nebraska line- backer, chasing Alabamabled inside All-America the 10 wide and receiver posed to be played. Ray Perkins ― whothey went came on to coachout throwing the Crimson Paul is teaching them Tide from 1983-86on ― almostin the 1967 every Sugar snap. Bowl how to get out of their hangs in Alvarez’s office at Camp Randall Stadium.

BEHIND THE DESK PAGE 1 OF 2 BEHIND THE DESK BY BARRY ALVAREZ ■ UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

comfort zone and how to prac­ They’ve lived what Paul is ers of quarterbacks that I’ve ever tice. He has made them work on teaching. They understand the been around. And I’ve already basic fundamentals. I don’t think formula that we have here to win. seen the difference that he has we spent a lot of time on that the They all believe in that formu­ made in Joel Stave. last couple of years. la and they’re trying to teach it I see Joel with more confi­ I’ve always been a stickler for themselves. dence. I see the ball coming out fundamentals. quicker which means the game To be honest, during all the I KNOW ONE THING, PAUL IS has slowed down a little bit for years I’ve been here, I don’t ONE OF THE BEST TEACHERS him. He’s seeing things better know if we’ve ever spent as AND DEVELOPERS OF QUARTER­ and he’s making decisions quick­ much time on special teams as er. BACKS THAT I’VE EVER BEEN this outfit has. And now you want Am I anxious for the opener? to see it pay off. AROUND. AND I’VE ALREADY I’m always anxious. I love this We have a lot of former players SEEN THE DIFFERENCE THAT HE time of the year. I’ve been looking that are involved with the pro­ HAS MADE IN JOEL STAVE. forward to the start of this season gram as coaches on the field and and I know Paul has been, too. in the weight room. I see it as a I know one thing, Paul is one of Hopefully our guys will play their good thing, a positive thing. the best teachers and develop­ best. ■

BEHIND THE DESK PAGE 2 OF 2 THE VOICE BY MATT LEPAY ■ VOICE OF THE BADGERS After a long wait, we get to the games t’s always good to get into game tinuing the process of figuring out on the tradition. week. Or is it Game Week? I who they are as well. How will the “We had it written on our wall Iprefer the latter. It stands out a first-time starters, or any player in the running backs room,” said bit more, and it signals the end who is seeing the field for the Ogunbowale. “The Standard is of the weeks, if not months, of first time, react on a big stage? the Standard.” In other words, no trying to figure out how good your How will the offensive line hold matter who has moved on, the favorite team will be this season. up against the Crimson Tide’s expectations remain as high as Probably similar to many pro­ front seven ― a group some be­ ever. grams across the country, the lieve could be the best in college “We don’t want to be that Badgers have dealt with their football? group that loses the standard,” share of training camp injuries. said Ogunbowale. “We are trying Other than left tackle Tyler Marz to make sure we uphold that.” MAYBE YOU HAVE HEARD THIS and center Dan Voltz, there Clearly, Saturday’s opener in has been plenty of mixing and BEFORE, BUT IN COLLEGE Arlington will be a very difficult matching along the offensive line. FOOTBALL OPENING GAMES test. Coach ’s team In certain spots, experience will ARE ALMOST ALWAYS TRICKY. will have several new starters be lacking. IN ADDITION TO PREPARING of its own on offense, including The inside linebacker positions FOR ALABAMA, THE BADGERS quarterback. Still, the Tide are also took a hit, but the recent ARE CONTINUING THE ranked No. 3 in the preseason return of projected starters Leon AP poll, and once again Alabama Jacobs and T.J. Edwards is en­ PROCESS OF FIGURING OUT could very well be in the mix for couraging. Also, defensive coor­ WHO THEY ARE AS WELL. a national title. dinator Dave Aranda has liked Going into last year’s opener what he has seen from some oth­ Badgers fans know about tail­ with LSU, I was hoping at the er young players, such as Chris back Corey Clement. While Mel­ very least that the Badgers could Orr and Ryan Connelly. As a mat­ vin Gordon was running wild last compete. I left the stadium think­ ter of fact, Connelly can now call fall, Clement wasn’t too bad ei­ ing they let one get away. But himself a former walk-on. Last ther, rushing for 949 yards. Now keep in mind last year’s group week the redshirt freshman from he is the man. Can Wisconsin went on to have a very good sea­ Eden Prairie, Minnesota, earned continue its tradition of having a son, earning a trip to the Big Ten a scholarship. So did defensive great running game? Championship Game, then go­ lineman Zander Neuville from That group would like to think ing on to win an overtime thriller Waupaca. so, regardless of experience, or against Auburn in Tampa. Every coach loves those team lack thereof. Moral to the story? Try not to meetings when he can surprise Last season, Dare Ogunbowale make final judgments after the a player or two with such good had some work in the Badgers’ first game. If the Badgers play news. backfield. To be exact, he had well and win, that is great. If they Maybe you have heard this 34 carries for 193 yards and a lose, so be it. It is simply the first before, but in . Now, he and redshirt chapter of the season. A season opening games are almost always freshman Taiwan Deal are vying that is ready to begin ― at long tricky. In addition to preparing for for opportunities behind Clement. last. Alabama, the Badgers are con­ It is a group that plans to carry Enjoy. ■

THE VOICE PAGE 1 OF 1 ASK THE BADGERS

WHAT IS YOUR ‘FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL’ TRADITION? ? JACK MCLAUGHLIN JACK MCLAUGHLIN JACK MCLAUGHLIN STEVE GOTTER

MARIAH WATTS VITTO BROWN MALAYNA JOHNSON MEGHAN LEDIN Sophomore ■ Softball Junior ■ Men’s Basketball Junior ■ Women’s Basketball Sophomore ■ Women’s Soccer

“Since my mom “Starting in high “Get a good night’s “Every year for the moved to New York, school my dad sleep, wake up early first day of class I she always calls would always tell my enough to eat a big get up and have to me the night before brother, Xavier, and breakfast and say a go to the Starbucks school to remind I to get up early and quick prayer for a on State Street. I go me to send her a do some push-ups good semester.” with my teammate picture of my first before you shower Brianna Stelzer day of school outfit. and get ready for and we kick off the So I have always school. We’d be semester with some gotten up early to like, ‘What?! We can iced coffees.” do it the next day.” barely get out of bed!’ But it got the blood flowing early and actually made us more energized in class, allowing us to focus better.” BADGERING EVAN HALPOP DREW CONNER

A senior team captain and talented midfielder, Drew Conner returns for ALL ABOUT DREW his final campaign with the Badgers. The Cary, Illinois, native is ranked Year: Senior as one of the best players in the Big Ten by TopDrawerSoccer and was Hometown: Cary, Ill. named to the 2015 Big Ten Players to Watch list. Conner was a Big Ten High School: Cary Grove All-Freshman team member in 2012, a second-team All-Big Ten hon­ Height / Weight: 5-11 / 164 oree in 2013 and was ranked as a top-100 player in the country last Position: Midfielder season by TopDrawerSoccer. He started 17 games last year and led all Badgers in minutes (1,608). QUICK Qs FOR DREW Age you started playing soccer? What’s changed for you as a leader of such a young team? “Three years old.” “Being a leader has forced me to focus more on the entire team’s performance rather than my own, which I think has Favorite emoji? “Heart eyes... Heart eyes, for sure.” made me a better player. Although the team is pretty young, it has been awesome to see the development in just one year Nickname? with some of these guys.” “Drewby, Scooby, 7 and, sometimes,

SCROLL D-Con $.” What makes the game of soccer so special to you? Most prized possession? “I think soccer is so unique because the game is constantly “My phone... isn’t that sad?” flowing and forces you to use creativity and a unique type of athleticism to pull off plays within a split second. I love the fact Best sporting event you’ve attended? “Chelsea vs. Manchester United in 2004.” that every player has complete freedom to make any decision they like when the ball is at their feet.” Favorite athletic memory at UW? “There are three or four games over the Do you have a bucket list of things to accomplish during your last three seasons that I’ll never forget, senior year? but scoring team-oriented goals at our “A few of my teammates and close friends have just creat­ home field is a feeling that will always mean a lot to me.” ed a student organization called We’re Better Than That: Men Against Sexual Assault. Our goal is to get some really cool vid- eos that include some of Wisconsin’s top athletes and hope- fully have them air at future sporting events here on campus.”

What are your plans post-graduation? Do you intend to con- tinue playing soccer? “Playing professionally has always been a dream of mine. There are a few different ways it could happen, so I’ll just have to wait and see what happens after this season.” ■ JACK MCLAUGHLIN

DAVID STLUKA The only thing that held Corey Clement back in his first two seasons at Wisconsin was his spot on the Badgers’ depth chart. Of course, it was that position behind the likes of James White and that helped him get ahead ― a hands-on education that pushed him to rush for nearly 1,500 yards as a backup. Now, Clement is taking a back seat to no one ― and he’s ready to grab the wheel.

he televised ESPY Awards show can inspire Kerr). Jones was up for the Breakthrough Athlete people in different ways. It motivated Wiscon­ (which went to Little Leaguer Mo’ne Davis). Tsin tailback Corey Clement into a late-night Miller, who was injured and didn’t play last sea­ workout at Camp Randall Stadium with his team­ son, and Perry were up for a trip to LA. mate Dare Ogunbowale. “Ohio State was my moti­ Clement wasn’t up for any of it. vation,” Clement explained. “Why am I watching?” he asked of himself. At the 2015 ESPYS, which were held in mid-June Whenever he saw one of the Ohio State players in at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, the nation­ the crowd, it was nothing personal. al champion Buckeyes were represented by head “They were a great team” he said, “and they coach and four players: U-back Brax­ earned it (the championship and recognition).” ton Miller, quarterback , tailback Eze­ But there’s only one way to get to that level, he kiel Elliott and linebacker . thought. And it’s not by sitting on your butt. With the V Foundation for Cancer Research as “I want to be in that (ESPYS) crowd someday,” he its lifeline ― the charitable organization was found­ said, “so I had to get some work in.” ed and named in honor of the late Jim Valvano ― UW strength and conditioning coach Ross the ESPYs annually recognize team and individual Kolodziej laughed at the recollection of Clement’s achievement with a heavy dose of ESPN self-promo­ summer epiphany. tion, red carpet hype and celebrity hoopla. “He got all fired up,” he said, “and he was here Ohio State was up for the Team of the Year (which trying to work out at 10:30 at night.” went to the U.S. women’s World Cup championship A powerful 5-foot-11, 217-pound junior from team). Meyer was up for the Best Coach/Manager Glassboro, New Jersey ― and the heir to the Mel­ (which went to Golden State Warriors coach Steve vin Gordon, James White and Montee Ball legacy DAVID STLUKA

COREY CLEMENT: HIS TURN, HIS TIME PAGE 2 OF 8 ― Clement has carried that momentum through the scenario is not unlike what he experienced in high preseason training camp and it has him itching for school and the numbers are comparable. Saturday night’s kickoff against Alabama. As a freshman and sophomore, he was the backup “It’s hard not to think about it (the opener) ― to the incumbent starter, Paul James. During those football is here and it’s two years, Clement had time to get going,” said 179 rushes for 1,412 Clement. “I was trying SETTLE ON CLEMENT: yards at Glassboro to be hard on myself “EVERY REP IS IMPORTANT FOR HIM, HE High compared to 215 (in camp). No matter APPROACHES IT LIKE “ A PRO, HE FINISHES EVERY rushes for 1,496 yards at the UW. “It has been how the play turned REP. AS A COACH, THAT IS THE ONE THING, THE ONLY out, I tried to finish in kind of like a repeat for the end zone because THING THAT YOU CAN ASK OF A PLAYER ― THAT HE me,” Clement said. that’s where I want to FINISHES EVERYTHING THAT HE DOES.” James was two class­ be most of the season. es ahead of Clement. So why not get used to it?” So after James graduated ― he went to Rutgers ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit nominated Clement as a walk-on ― Clement put his own mark on the for one of his preseason “Herbie” awards: Break­ tailback position. As a junior, he had 249 out Star of 2015. Joining Clement in the category carries for 2,510 yards (10.1) and 34 were Tennessee tailback Jalen Hurd, Ohio State TDs. As a senior, he had 191 carries linebacker Raekwon McMillan, Oklahoma State for 2,323 yards (12.1) and 33 TDs. quarterback Mason Rudolph and Baylor quar­ “I have to keep in mind that I’ve terback Seth Russell. been here before and I can’t feel In many respects, Clement and Rus­ new when I walk out there (against sell, who won the Herbie, are dealing Alabama),” said Clement, with the same expectations ― their who ran for 6,245 yards and own ― in replacing a marquee 85 as a prep. performer. For Clement, it’s “Melvin is in the NFL now. Gordon, who rushed I can’t look for him being for 2,587 yards and on the sidelines. I have scored 32 touch­ to get going on my downs. For Rus­ own. sell, it’s Bryce Petty, DAVID STLUKA “That’s how I did it who threw for 3,855 with Paul James (in yards and 29 scores. high school),” con­ Russell, a fourth-year tinued Clement, who junior, appeared in eight constantly reminded of 13 games with one start himself back then, “He’s not last season as the backup quar­ here anymore. The only player terback for the Big 12 champions. that the coaches are looking at is He completed 74 of 128 passes for 11 me to be a leader ― to be an example touchdowns. A year ago, Clement played of how to play this game the correct in 14 games with one start and rushed way.’” for 949 yards and nine touchdowns. Clement, thus, became his After languishing in the shadows of own man ― da man ― for the White and Gordon, Clement is ready for his Glassboro Bulldogs. Another turn as the “go-to” running back after aver­ South Jersey running back, Ron aging 7.0 yards per rush on his 214 carries Dayne, the pride of Overbrook, has with the Badgers. The tailback-in-waiting given Clement something to think

COREY CLEMENT: HIS TURN, HIS TIME PAGE 3 OF 8 ▲ TAP TO WATCH - Corey Clement Highlights about. And when a Heisman winner like Dayne, the tackles. And yet, he has got speed; he can outrun NCAA’s all-time leading rusher, talks, Clement lis­ people; he can make that one cut to break off a big tens. one.” “He told me, ‘Be you and nobody else,’” related Clement had his own interpretation of what a fin­ Clement, who will occasionally run into Dayne, a isher is; or what it means to finish a run. goodwill ambassador these days for the Badgers. “It’s a positive play,” Clement said. “If you can’t “He saw what I was going through last year with get back to the line of scrimmage, if it’s a bad play, Melvin getting all the praise and the hype and he don’t make it worse. I believe in finishing behind said, ‘You can’t be him, you can only be yourself.’” your pads. Alabama is very big up front, so I know In this context, who is Corey Clement? Why not I will have to have a forward lean on every run. Just ask Dayne’s college head coach? keep two hands on the ball and give it your all.” “Corey is one of the better backs in the country,” Clement went to school on Gordon, a valuable opined UW athletic director Barry Alvarez. “He has resource. “I’ve been learning as I’ve grown,” he bided his time for a couple of years and he’s follow­ said. “You see how Melvin finished all of his runs in ing some great backs here ― one (Ball) broke the practice and now I’m translating that into my game. NCAA scoring record and the other (Gordon) broke Hopefully it will work for me. It worked for him, why the single-game rushing record, if only for a week. not me?” “Now with them gone, it’s his turn. He’s a hard He has already answered some questions for first- worker. You see him every day at practice on every year running backs coach . run, when he gets out of the trash (the clutter of “Every rep is important for him, he approaches it bodies on the line of scrimmage), he’s going to get like a pro, he finishes every rep,” said Settle, who more yards out of the play by finishing the run. has coached in the NFL with Carolina and Cleve­ “I just think that he’s an exceptional running land. “As a coach, that is the one thing, the only back,” Alvarez said. “He’s physical; he’s built very thing that you can ask of a player ― that he finishes sturdy so he can run for tough yardage between the everything that he does.

COREY CLEMENT: HIS TURN, HIS TIME PAGE 4 OF 8

“I like his approach and the way he studies the He has rushed for 1,496 yards in 26 games. game. It’s important to him. He wants to be very “He was in the shadows but he was very success­ good. With Melvin, he’s following a guy that was a ful the past few years,” said senior wide receiver great example of what it takes to play this game,” Jordan Fredrick. “He has played and he has expe­ said Settle, a former 1,000-yard rusher with the At­ rience scoring touchdowns. But now, he’s the No. 1 lanta Falcons. guy and Corey wants to prove himself at that.” “I’m always reminding Corey of the details. No Given that Clement’s backups are so raw and matter how talented you are, not matter how fast you inexperienced ― Ogunbowale is a converted de­ are, the details, in most cases, are going to make fensive back and Taiwan Deal is a redshirt fresh­ the difference. If you’re off six inches on a run, that man ― Fredrick acknowledged, “It’s not the same could be the difference in making a big play or get­ two-headed and three-headed monster that we’ve ting hit for a one-yard gain.” had (at tailback).” Clement has made a favorable impression on an­ Not to worry, though. “He’s just a workhorse, that’s other detail-oriented, first-year UW coach. what he is,” added Fredrick, whose downfield block­ “First and foremost, if doesn’t take long when you ing has sprung the tailbacks for many long runs. watch him move or do anything, he’s pretty special,” “Some people might want to call him a darkhorse said Kolodziej, who oversees the weight room. “You for some awards this year. But he’s just a workhorse. love his work ethic. You love his desire to compete. That’s why he’s successful.” You can tell the game means a lot to him. He’s a The Badgers have had their share of workhors­ positive guy that brings great energy.” es. Most recently, it was Brian Calhoun. In 2005, It’s not like Clement is an unknown commodity. he had a monster season by rushing 348 times for

FREDRICK ON CLEMENT: “SOME PEOPLE “ MIGHT WANT TO CALL HIM A DARKHORSE FOR SOME AWARDS THIS YEAR. BUT HE’S JUST A WORKHORSE. THAT’S WHY HE’S SUCCESSFUL.” SHEFFIELD ON CARLINI: “FORGET ABOUT MALE OR FEMALE, FORGET ABOUT REVENUE OR NON-REVENUE“ SPORT, SHE’S TRULY ONE OF THE GREAT ATHLETES THAT I THINK THE COLLEGE GAME, IN ANY SPORT, HAS EVER SEEN. I’M INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE THAT SHE’S HERE.”

COREY CLEMENT: HIS TURN, HIS TIME PAGE 6 OF 8 1,636 yards (4.7 per carry, 125.8 per game) and 22 touchdowns. He had 279 more carries than the “I WELCOME THE CONTACT,” CLEMENT backup, Booker Stanley. Calhoun also had 53 catches for 571 yards and SAID. “ALL I NEED IS ONE GOOD HIT AND “ two scores. That was only six fewer receptions than I’LL BE RIGHT BACK INTO IT. AND I KNOW the team leader, Brandon Williams. Calhoun was THAT IS GOING TO OCCUR SOON.” just the second player in Big Ten history with 1,000 rushing and 500 receiving; only the second in NCAA history with 1,500 rushing and 500 receiving. Paul Chryst was a co-offensive coordinator that season. “He (Clement) has the capability to be that kind of workhorse,” Kolodziej said. Clement has actually tailored his game around an­ other Brian ― Brian Westbrook. A veteran of nine NFL seasons, eight with the , Westbrook was a hardnosed runner-slash-receiv­ er. He finished his career with 6,335 rushing yards (1,385 carries) and 3,940 receiving yards (442 catches). Calhoun (5-10, 209) and Westbrook (5-10, 209) were workhorses and about the same size as Clem­ ent. “I was an Eagles fan growing up and he (West­ brook) was one of the guys I admired,” Clement said. “He could do a lot of things; he could return kicks, run and catch the ball out of the backfield.” In 39 high school games, Clement had a career total of 12 catches. With limited playing time at Wisconsin, he has caught 15 passes, 14 last sea­ son. But he wants everyone to know, “I’ve got great hands. Hopefully the coaching staff will realize that and put me in the flat a lot more.” Settle has been accenting that aspect to his tail­ backs and fullbacks. “Everybody in the backfield can catch,” Clement said. “Coach Settle puts every­ one in a position to feel comfortable so when we get a pass play called, it’s not a shock. We’re out there for a purpose and that’s to catch the ball.” What’s important to Clement is the yardage after the catch or the yards after contact. “I pride myself on making people miss,” he said. “You can’t think too much about each play because that’s when you start to press and it tends to mess with you. But if a spin move occurs, it’s because it happened naturally, not because I thought, ‘Oh, let DAVID STLUKA me spin here.’” Clement has studied the moves of running back LeSean McCoy, a former Pitt star.

COREY CLEMENT: HIS TURN, HIS TIME PAGE 7 OF 8 DAVID STLUKA

The 5-11, 208-pound McCoy rushed for over 1,000 he describe his running style? yards in four of his first six seasons in the NFL with “I’m balanced,” said Clement who has rushed for the Philadelphia Eagles. “He’s one of the best play­ over 100 yards seven times. “Power. Speed. Elu­ ers at making somebody miss,” Clement said. siveness. I like to change up a lot. I’m not the strider His former teammate, White, also has that knack. like Melvin was. He’s got those long legs under him. Or skill. But my speed is top-notch as well. It may be deceiv­ “He will look defenders off; he will look this way,” ing to some people but I can pull away, too.” said Clement, turning his head to the right while Clement has quickly taken a strong liking to Settle moving his body to the left. “James has quick feet. because of his NFL background. He has a low center of gravity. If you’re lower to the “He has been through so much at the next level ground, you can cut better. You have to have a little and he has brought a lot of the knowledge and strat­ wiggle; it’s natural for a running back.” egy to us,” he said. “He has heled me grow spiritu­ You also have to enjoy taking on tacklers though ally within the game. He has shown how passionate collisions were limited during training camp. he is and I’m only feeding off him.” “I welcome the contact,” Clement said. “In prac­ The running backs have been bonding around tice, I will try to purposely run into defenders just to one theme: The Standard is the Standard. “When get that feeling. I know it’s different from complete you come out here, the expectations are to play the tackling. But all I need is one good hit and I’ll be game correctly,” Clement said. “Play it fast. Play it right back into it. And I know that is going to occur physical. And it be dependable. You want to do what soon (Saturday).” is asked and exceed the expectations.” So, who is Corey Clement? Better yet, how would And now it’s his turn.

COREY CLEMENT: HIS TURN, HIS TIME PAGE 8 OF 8 For the taking: Aranda focuses on creating turnovers Having established a stingy unit at Wisconsin, third-year eyes more takeaways BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM

ave Aranda is 20 years removed from an inju­ cracked and the ocean breezes would come in.” ry-checkered playing career at Cal Lutheran, Everyone has their own frame of reference, every­ D whose campus is in Thousand Oaks, 10 miles one does it a little differently, he concluded. inland from the Pacific Ocean. He still hasn’t forgot­ “I do love how we do it here (Wisconsin),” he said. ten what it felt like to go through a training camp as “We’re using our (campus) facilities which are some a player. It was no day at the beach. of the best in the country and we’re able to get the “I remember being in the dorms,” said Aranda, kids out of the stadium at an appropriate time so who’s entering his third season as Wisconsin’s de­ they can get home and rest. They’re able to deflate, fensive coordinator. “I remember having to share I guess.” bathrooms. I remember the food that we ate. And I This was not Aranda’s attempt at Tom Brady or remember forging some really good friendships.” humor. Nor does he answer After returning to Cal Lutheran years later as the to the nickname, the Deflator. But he did say of the defensive coordinator, he remembered the players players, “They’re all filled up with football and when were housed off-campus in Navy SEALs barracks they go home, they can let it out a little bit and we for training camp. That was “back in the day” of can fill them back up in the morning.” consecutive two-a-days when camps were far more Aranda is not blowing hot air when he outlines the strenuous than they are today. importance of this training camp. During a subsequent coaching stretch at the Uni­ “There are two keys for us on defense,” he said. versity of Hawaii, Aranda remembered the players “Number one, we have to become a team. Defen­ sleeping on cots in a dance studio above the lock­ sively, we have to see what our personality is. We er room during the preseason camp. “That was a made some strides in certain spots in the spring. unique experience,” he said. “The windows were But what type of defense are we?

SIDEBAR: DAVE ARANDA PAGE 1 OF 3 “Are we a big-play defense? Are we a grind-it-out defense? Are we a bend-but-don’t break defense? What are we?” posed Aranda, not yet knowing the ARANDA: answers. “We’ll coach it as hard as we can. But the “WE HAVE TO CREATE TAKEAWAYS. OF ALL THE THINGS players will make the decision (on what they want to THAT WE HAVE TRIED TO“ DO ON DEFENSE, I FEEL LIKE be). I’VE FAILED IN THAT CATEGORY. A YEAR AGO TODAY, WE “Number two, we need to improve where we were WERE TALKING ABOUT CREATING MORE TACKLES FOR in the spring with our run fits. We’d like to be able LOSSES AND SACKS AND WE WERE ABLE TO DO THAT.” to stop the run up front and we’d like to not allow big passes in the back (the secondary). We need to and we were able to do that.” get everything fitted up to where we feel comfortable That was a measurable positive. In Aranda’s first about playing defense.” year, the first of the 3-4 alignment, after years of lin­ What Aranda is seeking is “11 guys playing togeth­ ing up in a 4-3 scheme, the Badgers had 26 quar­ er with everybody having a role and doing their job. terback sacks and 64 tackles for loss. Last year, with In the back end, we have to keep things in front us. the players more in tune with the defense, they had That’s a big key. I looked back at some of our bigger 37 sacks and 93 TFLs, a notable upgrade. games and what has hurt us in the past has been “At least there was a lean in that area from the big plays.” first year to the second year,” said Aranda, whose Aranda listed a third key for camp. “We have to defense has given up an average of 18.6 points the create takeaways,” he said. “Of all the things that last 27 games; No. 5 among Power Five teams. “We we have tried to do on defense, I feel like I’ve failed have not made that same jump or lean in takeaways. in that category. A year ago today, we were talking What a big element we’re missing out on.” about creating more tackles for losses and sacks He could not help but sigh. “You look at the NCAA stats,” Aranda lamented, “and we’re on the fourth page.” Wisconsin ranked No. 92 nation­ ally in takeaways with 17 (11 fum­ ble recoveries, 6 interceptions). Indiana (4-8), California (5-7), UMass (3-9), Louisiana-Lafayette (9-4), Kent State (2-9) and Idaho (1-10) also had 17. The combined record of those teams was 24-47. The Badgers were 11-3. Aranda was astonished to have so much team success while gen­ erating so few turnovers on an oth­ erwise stingy defense that ranked No. 4 in the nation in total defense (294.1 yards), No. 4 in passing yards allowed (168.0) and No. 17 in scoring defense (20.8). “A lot of teams on the fourth page (turnover stats) are averag­ ing three wins,” he noted. The percentages are bound to catch up with a team so bereft of

SIDEBAR: DAVE ARANDA PAGE 2 OF 3

PAGE 3 OF 3 PAGE

Caputo, possibly “ THE DECISION. WE’LL COACH IT AS HARD AS WE CAN. ARE WE A BIG-PLAY DEFENSE? ARE WE A ARE WE A BIG-PLAY BUT THE PLAYERS WILL MAKE BUT THE PLAYERS GRIND-IT-OUT DEFENSE? ARE WE A BEND­ GRIND-IT-OUT BUT-DON’T BREAK DEFENSE? WHAT ARE WE? BREAK DEFENSE? WHAT BUT-DON’T “Upfront, we’ve got nine guys that could potential­ got nine guys that could “Upfront, we’ve Goldberg is the “closest” Aranda feels that Arthur Aranda and Bama offensive coordinator Lane Kif­ Aranda and Bama offensive of the same things we’re “They were doing a lot at inside linebacker. The Badgers graduated both both graduated Badgers The linebacker. at inside Last Trotter. Marcus and Landisch Derek starters, void, filled the Edwards and T.J. spring, early in were injured But they them. if not replaced thinner. position much leaving a thin camp really good like to feel Aranda said. “You’d ly play,” out the And we’re working on rounding about three. and pass de­ to have a complete run rough edges guy who can sub in and and not just a pass fender, can sub in.” a run guy who that level of the defense. to being a playmaker on contributions from The Badgers will need significant ― all of their difference-makers Shelton, Biegel, Schobert and possibly Goldberg ― Shelton, Biegel, Schobert Alabama. in the season opener against before. In the 2010 opener, fin have crossed paths head coach. debut as USC’s Kiffin was making his his debut as Hawaii’s Aranda, likewise, was making won a shootout, The Trojans defensive coordinator. 49-36, in Honolulu. seeing now (from Alabama) with the three-step game and putting the formation to the sideline,” he said. He (Kif­ going to see shots taken downfield. “We’re What a great fin) wants to score big and score early. challenge. It gets you energized for sure.”

that

Aranda’s ingenuity and creative skills will be tested Aranda’s “At the linebacker level,” said Aranda, “we have “At the linebacker level,” As a true freshman, Shelton had four picks. Last As a true freshman, Shelton “You have to look at Mike because of his experi­ have to look “You In the secondary, the Badgers definitely have one definitely have one the Badgers In the secondary, Opportunistic defenses generally have at least one least have at generally defenses Opportunistic “You have to be able to catch the ones they throw have to be able to catch “You But it wasn’t his fault that the Badgers dropped Badgers dropped that the wasn’t his fault But it “You just don’t want to go down that road again,” again,” road that down go to want don’t just “You

best players.” guys. We need to be creative in utilizing all of our need to be creative in guys. We (Schobert). We have to find ways to maximize those have to find ways (Schobert). We the two-headed monster with Vince (Biegel) and Joe the two-headed monster with Vince (Biegel) and at wide receiver. at wide receiver. are Caputo and Tanner McEvoy, who’s also doubling who’s McEvoy, are Caputo and Tanner career starts, Shelton has 24. Complementing them Complementing 24. has starts, Shelton career solid one-two punch on the corners; Hillary has 28 solid one-two punch on year, he had none. Shelton and Darius Hillary are a he had none. Shelton and Darius year, guy is a game-changer.” guy is a game-changer.”

just get the Sojourn from his freshman year ― just get the Sojourn from cracked open there for Sojourn (Shelton). If we can cracked open there for Sojourn ity,” Aranda said. “You also have to leave the door also Aranda said. “You ity,” ence, intelligence, savviness and playmaking abil­ ence, intelligence, savviness in safety Michael Caputo. in safety Michael

bona fide playmaker at each level. bona fide playmaker to you,” he allowed. “It’s a piece of it.” “It’s to you,” he allowed.

three potential interceptions against Auburn. Auburn. against interceptions three potential he said, “I need to do a better job.” do a better “I need to he said, recoveries and picks. picks. and recoveries fumble SIDEBAR: DAVE ARANDA ARANDA SIDEBAR: DAVE

DAVID STLUKADAVID STLUKA As player or coach, Rudolph rolls with the punches Wisconsin’s offensive coordinator working to put solid line on the field in face of injuries BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM

hen Joe Rudolph, a converted sophomore ing job someday as a football coach.” linebacker from Belle Vernon, Pennsylva­ Alvarez remembered having a conversation with W nia, took over as Wisconsin’s starting right , the former Ohio State coach, about Ru­ guard in the 1992 season opener, he was flanked dolph who got into the business as a graduate as­ by tackle Joe Panos, a UW-Whitewater transfer. The sistant with the Buckeyes. “Tressel told me how im­ bookend left tackle was Mike Verstegen, a Kimberly pressed he was with Joe,” Alvarez recounted, “and native. how he was going to be a good one.” Twenty-three years later, Rudolph is Wisconsin’s During an earlier tour of duty as Wisconsin’s tight offensive coordinator and O-line coach and one of ends coach ― mentoring such stalwarts as Lance his backup players is Panos’ son, George, a redshirt Kendricks, Travis Beckum and Garrett Graham ― freshman center. On top of that, Verstegen’s son, Rudolph laid the groundwork for his return to the Bret, is a walk-on freshman safety. Madison campus after spending the last three sea­ That Rudolph wound up in the coaching profes­ sons on Paul Chryst’s staff at Pittsburgh. sion was not a surprise to his former head coach, “The one thing I like about Rudy is that I don’t Barry Alvarez, the UW athletic director. It was prob­ see him complaining about anything,” said Alvarez, ably less surprising than Panos becoming an NFL who has seen how Rudolph has dealt with a string agent, a good one, at that. Travis Frederick, Kevin of training camp injuries that sidelined his projected Zeitler and Rick Wagner are among his clients. right tackles (Hayden Biegel and Beau Benzschaw­ “Rudy was very smart, very competitive and he el) and their replacement (Walker Williams). loved football; he was a very good leader as a play­ “I left town for a few days and I’m thinking to er for us,” Alvarez recalled. “There was never any myself, ‘You’ve got two young tackles (Biegel and question in my mind that he would do an outstand­ Benzschawel) competing for the starting assignment

SIDEBAR: JOE RUDOLPH PAGE 1 OF 5 and between the two of them, you’re going to be in as much of a decision as anything. You just have good shape at that position.’” to choose to do it when it comes to communicat­ Alvarez also liked the competition at guard with ing and talking in and out of the huddle; those little freshman Jon Dietzen pushing fifth-year senior Ray last-second things that you say on the way to the line Ball. “At those two positions,” he said of right tackle sometimes mean everything.” and left guard, “where they’re competing, eventual­ The Badgers are rebuilding their offense line ly, you’re going to have a good player there and have around two dependable returning starters: redshirt a little depth.” junior center Dan Voltz, So it seemed, howev­ who has started the last er briefly. “The next thing ALVAREZ ON RUDOLPH: 19 games; and fifth-year I know all of them are in­ “RUDY WAS VERY SMART, VERY COMPETITIVE AND HE senior left tackle Tyler jured,” Alvarez said after LOVED FOOTBALL; HE WAS“ A VERY GOOD LEADER AS A Marz, who has started 27 Dietzen and Ball got hurt straight. Voltz was sec­ PLAYER FOR US. THERE WAS NEVER ANY QUESTION IN and missed practice time. ond-team All-Big Ten last “But I didn’t see Rudy MY MIND THAT HE WOULD DO AN OUTSTANDING JOB year; Marz was honorable flinch. You have to stay SOMEDAY AS A FOOTBALL COACH.” mention. positive and keep coach- “I love him, I love be­ ing your guys because that’s all you can do. ing around him,” Rudolph said of Voltz, a 6-foot-1, “A lot of coaches will show it in their body lan­ 301-pounder from Barrington, Illinois. “He’s tough guage; you’re frustrated because it’s not the guys and he epitomizes what a Wisconsin O-lineman is. you expected to be playing with. But Rudy just moves It’s great to have him back out there healthy and forward. I see him out there after practice working working. It means everything.” with the guys that he’s going to have to play with. In 2011, Chryst was UW’s offensive coordinator, He’ll have them as ready as he can.” Rudolph was the tight ends coach and recruiting co­ Heading into Satur­ ordinator and Bob Bost­ day’s opener with Ala­ ad was the offensive line bama, Rudolph and UW coach. Marz was influ­ head coach Paul Chryst enced by all three coach­ were able to put togeth­ es. That was about 45 er a depth chart that lists pounds ago when he was Biegel, at tackle, and Wil­ a true freshman out of liams, at guard, as the Springfield, Minnesota. starters on the right side. “He works, man; he Rudolph was unbowed works to get better and as a player; he was first- he fights his tail off all the team All-Big Ten and time,” Rudolph said of team captain. So far, Ru­ the 6-foot-7, 325-pound dolph has been undaunt­ Marz. “I’m excited for ed as an O-line coach by him, I think he’s going the things that have been to have a great year. He out of his control; name­ leads by reminding peo­ ly the graduation loss of ple of the (O-line) histo­ three starters and the in­ ry, how things were done, juries that have led to a and I love him for that.” lack of continuity upfront. Chris McIntosh helped “Cohesiveness starts write that history. In with communication,” 1999, he was a consen­ Rudolph said. “That’s sus All-America left tack-

SIDEBAR: JOE RUDOLPH PAGE 2 OF 5 le for the Badgers and a finalist for the Outland Tro­ Another redshirt freshman, Micah Kapoi, has been phy. McIntosh, a first-round draft pick of the Seattle a pleasant development. Seahawks, is now working for the athletic depart­ “Micah came out of nowhere,” Rudolph said of ment in the area of business development. the 6-3, 330-pound Kapoi, a native of Kapolei, Ha­ McIntosh spoke to the team last week. “He talked waii. Kapoi, like Deiter, is flexible enough to play ei­ about his time here and he referenced our group ther left or right guard. “Throughout the spring, you (the offensive line) and how it’s a fraternity,” said didn’t seen anything where you thought he would be Rudolph, whose graduate assistant is Bill Nagy, a ready. You liked him and his potential. member of that frat. A three-year letterwinner, Nagy “But he didn’t show you anything where you could play either center or guard. thought, ‘Geez, this guy is someone that we can , a redshirt freshman, has exhibited have ready to be in the two-deep next year.’ And he similar flexibility. In fact, he opened camp at right has done that. He has done that in this camp. There guard and has been switched to the left side be­ are some things that come natural and that’s for me tween Marz and Voltz. “I liked the way him and Tyler and him to keep pushing that level.” interacted,” Rudolph said. “I liked the way him and Rudolph had hoped to see more of Dietzen, a true Dan interacted. That should be a solid trio.” freshman from Black Creek who late last week re­ What prompted Rudolph to make the move with turned to practice; and Benzschawael, a redshirt Deiter, a 6-6, 314-pounder from Curtice, Ohio? freshman from Grafton, who’s not back yet. “With “You’re trying to find the matches and the right guys like Jon and Beau,” he said, “they don’t have mix,” he said. “The one thing that Michael struggled any reps under their belt and these practices are with on the right side was some of his footwork. I was huge. kind of picking his brain and he told me he used to “They’re huge for everyone,” Rudolph stressed, play left tackle through high school and he was pret­ “but especially those guys; we’ll keep trying to ty natural when we moved over there.” get them back … Guys like Walker (Williams) and DAVID STLUKA DAVID STLUKA

SIDEBAR: JOE RUDOLPH PAGE 3 OF 5 manner that Bill Callahan did with him in the mid-’90s at Wisconsin. Callahan, a former head coach at Nebraska and with the Oakland Raiders, is now the O-line coach with the Washington Redskins. “That was a true blessing having him as an offensive line coach,” Rudolph said of the 59-year-old Callahan. “He gave you the tools that you needed to be successful. But you had to own them and you had to apply them. But he gave you the chance to do that and I’ll always be grate­ ful.” As UW’s offensive coordi­ nator, Rudolph is entrusted Hayden (Biegel) will be back. They missed valuable with sorting out the puzzle. After a Thursday prac­ time but at least they are guys who have reps and tice where “we were all over the place” he was much been through it before.” more pleased with how the offense looked on Friday. Biegel, a redshirt sophomore and the young­ “We made some strides,” he said. “And we definite­ er brother of linebacker Vince Biegel, is a 6-7, ly have more work to do.” 299-pound right tackle from Wisconsin Rapids. Wil­ But he later conceded, “We’re getting closer.” liams, a 6-7, 321-pound redshirt junior from Taco­ The partnership between Chryst and Rudolph has ma, Washington, offers even more flexibility; he can also grown closer over the years. play guard or tackle. “Paul is all about the When Biegel and Wil­ relationships that he has liams were inactive, it RUDOLPH ON CHRYST: with people, his appre­ created an opening for “AS WE’VE WORKED TOGETHER, WE’RE PRETTY GOOD AT ciation for the game and Jacob Maxwell, a 6-6, his willingness to put all THROWING IDEAS BACK “ AND FORTH AND WE CHALLENGE 309-pound redshirt of that, including his staff, EACH OTHER IN THAT RESPECT. IN SOME WAYS, WE SEE freshman from Green- in front of himself; it’s all dale. “He’s really talented THE WORLD THE SAME, AND THAT’S A GOOD THING. OTH­ about his humbleness,” and he’s still gaining his ER TIMES, WE DON’T SEE IT THE SAME BUT WE WORK Rudolph said. “It’s pretty comfort level,” Rudolph THROUGH IT. WE’VE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH THAT.” remarkable. said. “When he gets “As we’ve worked to­ there, he’s going to be really good.” gether, we’re pretty good at throwing ideas back and Although he has taken most of the snaps lately at forth and we challenge each other in that respect. In right tackle, he’s just not there yet. “And that’s our some ways, we see the world the same, and that’s battle,” Rudolph went on. “We have to get him to a good thing. Other times, we don’t see it the same that point where he can kind of let it go and just play but we work through it. We’ve never had an issue because he has the toolbox. He has some tools that with that.” will help him (someday).” Rudolph shared some thoughts on some of the Rudolph has been putting his players, young and key skill players going into the 2015 season. Besides old alike, in a position to have success in the same senior wide receiver Alex Erickson ― also a key and

SIDEBAR: JOE RUDOLPH PAGE 4 OF 5 a gritty former walk-on that led the offense with 55 on the opposing sideline in , the Tide’s catches last season ― these are the three individu­ assistant head coach and secondary coach. als who have gotten the most public scrutiny. Tucker was a senior safety for the Badgers when On quarterback Joel Stave, he said, “I see him Rudolph was a junior. Tucker has worked for Saban growing in his ownership of the offense. He works at two other schools: Michigan State and LSU. He at it. He’s up here (Camp Randall Stadium offices) also coached in the Big Ten at Ohio State. The last and he grinds late at night; he’s always on the film. two seasons, Tucker was the defensive coordinator That’s where you see his growth. You see the true for the . confidence developing.” There’s no underestimating the challenge of facing On tailback Corey Clement, he said, “He’s a very Alabama, a tradition-rich program that has flourished talented football player. He also brings a great en­ under Saban with three national championships and ergy and focus. He’s fun. When he turns it on, the an 84-11 record over the past seven seasons. For guys feel it. He’s a little bit electric with the group. Rudolph, though, it’s about Wisconsin establishing I’m excited to get this season going with him.” its own offensive identity or personality. On wide receiver Tanner McEvoy, he said, “He’s “I think it’s still developing, it’s still to come,” he still growing in that role, but he’s very talented. He said. “Our players have to put their stamp on it. But can make plays on the ball; he’s a big target; and that’s OK; they’re going to have that opportunity. he can go, he can run. He means a lot to the of­ We’ll continue to grow through the first few weeks fense. That group of receivers play off each other. As (of the season). That doesn’t mean when we won’t a group, I like them.” be at our best in Dallas. The Badgers will open the season against No. “But we need to keep getting better and it will be 3-ranked Alabama, whose front seven on defense a group that will continue to grow.” has already been hailed as the best in college foot­ And at some point, he promised, “There will be a ball. Rudolph will recognize an old UW teammate defining moment.”

SIDEBAR: JOE RUDOLPH PAGE 5 OF 5 INSIDE FOOTBALL BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM

Technology gives coaches new perspective Badgers gain insight on their training with GPS-based tracking system

n 2013, a Forbes.com article detailed how Jason Kidd, then a TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE 40-year-old guard with the New York Knicks, was outfitted with Ia GPS monitoring device to register his acceleration, agility and force after he had been sidelined with a basketball-related injury. The data was matched against a preseason reading on Kidd to determine his readiness to resume playing. In 2014, an ESPN.com article documented how such technol­ ogy had been implemented by a Florida State football program that was coming off a national championship. By that time, as many as 17 NFL teams and 13 NBA teams had adopted the GPS-based system from Catapult Sports, an Australian firm spe­ SCROLL cializing in analytics. Fast-forward to 2015 and the appearance of a Catapult repre­ sentative on the Wisconsin football team’s practice field in Mad­ ison. She was working through the ins and outs of the system ― which can be monitored in real-time on a laptop on the sideline

― with the Badgers’ strength and conditioning staff. INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS Before the GPS monitoring technology had gotten its toehold in the United States, it had exploded world-wide. Catapult report- SOCIAL edly has over 500 clients. Its earliest and heaviest concentration MEDIA: was in Australian and European soccer, rowing, rugby and Auss- ie-rules football. “In the last five years,” said Wisconsin football strength and conditioning coach , “it has gained traction in .” Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher told ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert that soft-tissue injuries, muscle pulls and tears, had dropped by 88 percent over a two-year period while using the information from the GPS system. Fisher said that practice scheduling, play- er maintenance and training analysis had been enhanced. He also told another interviewer, “The results talk to you as if it’s a doctor.” Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst and Kolodziej were intro- duced to the GPS system last season at the University of Pitts- burgh. Kolodziej was also the Panthers’ strength coach. “We were next door to the Steelers,” Kolodziej said of their office space in Heinz Field, which is also Pitt’s home turf, “and we both got the system at the same time. INSIDE VOLLEYBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS GREG ANDERSON

Loss gives lesson for Badgers to learn from Wisconsin dropped season-opening match but rebounded with pair of wins

t’s a cliché that many coaches use ― you have to learn from a TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE loss. The 13th-ranked Wisconsin volleyball team is doing just Ithat after dropping its season-opening match to Western Ken­ tucky, which is currently ranked 20th in the national coaches’ poll. Wisconsin, which was ranked fifth when it hosted the HotelRED Invitational last weekend in the UW Field House, fell to the Lady Toppers 3-1 on Friday before rebounding to defeat Colgate and College of Charleston on Saturday. UW takes a 2-1 record into this weekend’s ACC/Big Ten Challenge in Louisville, Kentucky. “We’re learning how hard you’ve got to play to be an elite team,” SCROLL UW head coach Kelly Sheffield said. “We’re learning how hard you’ve got to be able to go every single point. We’re learning how to communicate at a level that is effective and make your team­ mates better.” The Badgers will have to learn quickly, as they take to the road

for the first time this season and face their first ranked opponent INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS in No. 18 North Carolina. UW also takes on Louisville on its home court at the KFC Yum! Center. SOCIAL “This coming weekend we’ve got a heck of a challenge with a MEDIA: North Carolina team, one of the top programs in the country, and then Louisville, who we are expecting to be another elite team,” Sheffield said. INSIDE MEN’S SOCCER BY BRANDON HARRISON ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS EVAN HALPOP

Coach Trask and Badgers growing together Wisconsin took steps last weekend in its continued maturation process

he group is talented, there’s no doubt about that. But in TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE order to reach its potential, this year’s Wisconsin men’s T soccer team must grow together. After welcoming in 12 true freshmen to the program last sea­ son, the 2015 still feature six underclassmen in their starting XI this season. Wisconsin officially kicked off its new season last weekend with games against Butler and No. 19 Xavier at the McClimon Soccer Complex. Friday night’s opener was anything but ideal weather-wise, as

SCROLL UW endured a rain-drenched game against Drake. A scoreless and tight battle throughout, the Bulldogs were finally able to break through in the 66th minute and score the game-winning goal in a 1-0 triumph. Wisconsin showed its bounce-back ability Sunday against a ranked opponent in Xavier. The Badgers looked sharp through­

out the first half but Xavier found its footing after halftime and INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS scored two goals to secure the 2-0 win. While Wisconsin walked away from its opening weekend with a SOCIAL pair of home losses, head coach John Trask remained adamant MEDIA: that this young group of talented players will find its footing in time. Two players who have been called on this season to play con- siderable minutes for the first time in their careers are sophomore Alex Masbruch in the midfield and freshman Sam Brotherton on the back line. Both have impressed Trask and the coaching staff thus far, and when considering the prospects of pairing them with the young core already in place in Madison, things continue to look up. INSIDE WOMEN’S SOCCER BY BRANDON HARRISON ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS STEPHEN WANDZURA

Effort on display during challenging trip Wisconsin played back-to-back games against top-12 opponents last weekend

onsidering the Wisconsin women’s soccer team just con­ TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE cluded one of its most challenging road trips in recent Chistory, the Badgers shouldn’t return home hanging their heads. UW was tasked with facing No. 10 Pepperdine in Malibu, Cali­ fornia, on Friday, and then taking on No. 12 UCLA just two days later in Los Angeles. While the Badgers were unable to steal a road win in either contest, they showed great effort on short rest in Sunday’s game against the Bruins. After Gabbi Miranda scored a long-distance goal in the 28th SCROLL minute, many may have wondered if UW was headed for a tough road loss. That was not the case, however, as Rose Lavelle re­ sponded just over three minutes later with a goal of her own to tie things up at 1-1. Lavelle’s score against UCLA not only marked her team-leading

third goal of the season, but it also matched her tally from all of INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS last year. The game remained tied until the 74th minute, when Amber SOCIAL Munerlyn put in a late goal and helped UCLA edge out a 2-1 MEDIA: home win over Wisconsin. Caitlyn Clem came to play on a big stage for UW and provided another bright spot in the loss. The redshirt sophomore goalkeep- er made a career-high seven saves and allowed only two goals despite facing 18 shots and six corner kicks from the Bruins. Losing a pair of road games over one weekend wasn’t a feeling the Badgers were accustomed to. The last time Wisconsin lost back-to-back road games was Oct. 24 and Oct. 27 of the 2013 season. Slipping to an even 2-2-0 record on the season, the Badgers get the opportunity to return home to fine-tune things before tak- ing to the road again. UW has a five-game home unbeaten streak dating back to last season, when their only loss at the McClimon Complex came at the hands of No. 7 Penn State. Wisconsin will also work in freshman Victoria Pickett, after she was officially announced and joined the team last week. The mid- fielder is a member of the Canadian youth program and played with new UW teammate Kinley McNicoll over the summer at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. She also played for Can- ada with McNicoll at the 2014 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup. The Badgers look for bounce-back results against Loyola on Friday at 7 p.m. and Illinois State on Sunday at 1 p.m. at McCli- mon. Friday night will be a great chance for students to cheer on the team, as it’s Back to School with the Badgers night. All UW stu- dents receive free admission to the game with a valid WisCard, and there will also be free pizza and drinks for all students in attendance. ■ INSIDE CROSS COUNTRY BY A.J. HARRISON ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

UW enjoys final week of summer ‘Up north’ Badgers spent a week training and growing as a team in scenic Door County

n the final week before classes resumed on the University of TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE Wisconsin campus, the Badgers’ men’s and women’s cross I country teams spent a week in Door County training and par­ ticipating in team bonding activities. A group of 38 student-athletes spent six days running in Penin­ sula Park and spending time together as a team on the beaches in Door County and at their lodge “The whole trip was very fun,” UW senior Molly Hanson said. “Door County is a beautiful area and it was sort of clarifying to get away from campus for the week and be with the team. I think ev­ eryone had a really great time. We bonded over making dinners SCROLL and doing fun weird team activities and had a blast up there.” The team arrived in Door County on Tuesday and started the trip off with a team meal. After running on Wednesday and Thursday, the Badgers enjoyed the various beaches in the area, including Whitefish Dunes State Park.

“I had a blast playing whiffle ball with the boys on the beach,” INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS junior Russ Sandvold said. On Friday night, the Badgers turned in their cell phones to the SOCIAL coaches to help facilitate team bonding over dinner. MEDIA: “Everyone was actually talking and truly listening to each other instead of focusing on their digital lives,” Hanson said. “There was hesitation at first but by the end of the night everyone was talking and laughing and getting to know one another through weird conversations.”