COMING TO OUR CITY Chris Fowler, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and company brought ESPN College GameDay to Madison for the highly-anticipated Big Ten opener between the Badgers and Nebraska on Oct. 1. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA IN FOCUS COUNT IT It was easy to lose track of how many push-ups Bucky did during the course of a season that saw them average 44.6 points per game — including the 59 the Badgers scored on South Dakota (pictured). PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA IN FOCUS
DECEMBER 22, 2011 CONTENTS VOLUME 2, ISSUE 20
20 LOOKING BACK ON THE SEASON
DEPARTMENTS
10 LUCAS AT LARGE “Going through all by Mike Lucas the emotions of that 12 BEHIND THE DESK by Barry Alvarez loss (in the Rose Bowl) and know- 16 BY THE NUMBERS Facts and figures on UW ing we had a lot of those guys back, 18 5 THINGS TO WATCH we knew that we 62 MEN’S BASKETBALL Badgers’ evolving offense could become a 30 64 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL » THE MOMENTS tremendous foot- Kelsey offers self-evaluation From Russell Wilson’s coming out ball team.” party vs. UNLV to a big win over 66 THIS WEEK IN HISTORY — Aaron Henry Hanging from the rafters Nebraska to their win in the first-ever Big Ten championship game, a look 68 THE VOICE back on the games that defined the by Matt Lepay Badgers’ season.
EDITOR’S NOTE It’s been an experience Varsity is published weekly by: Wisconsin Athletic Communications n light of the roller coaster ride that followed, it feels like Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., ages ago now. In truth, it’s been less than three months. Madison, WI 53711 I Nothing felt bigger at the time, but Wisconsin’s win over Nebraska in one of the most-hyped games of the season Subscribe to Varsity turned out to be just one of the moments to savor from the Badgers’ football season. View All Issues Several games became just as important as the schedule played out, but nothing matched the electricity in and around Camp Randall Stadium on Oct. 1. It was simply fantastic. Brian Lucas That’s why I’m excited that Varsity could serve as the ve- Director of Athletic Communications hicle for the debut of The Wisconsin Football Experience — a film that, while representative of just about any game day at Brian Mason UW, was produced specifically around the events of the Bad- Editor gers’ Big Ten opener against the Huskers. You can find it on
page 14 of this issue. Mike Lucas The behind-the-scenes access provides Lead Writer you with a countless number of great scenes from before, during and after the Matt Lepay game, while the cinematography will Columnist leave you saying, “Wow.” Drew Scharenbroch The film is also a perfect fit within our Video Production year-in-review issue, which looks back on BRIAN some of the key moments from the sea- Drew Pittner-Smith MASON son and puts a bow on the 13-game slate Advertising that amounted to Wisconsin’s road back to the Rose Bowl. Contributors With Russell Wilson and Montee Ball commanding an of- Karl Anderson, Paul Capobianco, fense that ranks fourth nationally at 44.6 points per game and Charlie Healy, Patrick Herb, Chris Borland and Mike Taylor anchoring a defense that ranks Ross LaDue, Diane Nordstrom, No. 6 by allowing an average of just 17.0 points, the Badgers Anna Poulter-Hendrickson made quick work of most of their opponents. A couple of those instances — UW’s home wins over UNLV Photography and Nebraska — are featured in this week’s issue as we look David Stluka, Greg Anderson, back on some of the season’s pivotal performances. Neil Ament, Bob Campbell, Of course, the moments that will live on long after the cal- Icon SMI, Southcreek Global endar has turned were those in which the Badgers were faced with more of a fight. The back-to-back heartbreakers in East Lansing and Columbus fit the bill, and we revisit those low Problems or Accessibility Issues? points of the season here, too. [email protected] Low as they were, however, those setbacks steeled the Bad- gers’ resolve for a stretch run that included hard-fought wins over Illinois and Michigan State to set up a second-consecu- © 2011 Board of Regents of the tive Big Ten title and another Rose Bowl berth. University of Wisconsin System. All together, it added up to one amazing experience. And it All rights reserved worldwide. isn’t over yet. We’ll talk to you next week from Pasadena. LUCAS AT LARGE MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM
Play of the year? One Hail of a decision lay of the Year? Can it be any On his game-changer gry’’ to open the 2011 season. That other than Russell Wilson’s qualified as a loaded question for Pclutch fourth-down pass against MSU, Wilson someone who had lost 20 pounds. to Jeff Duckworth, who fought said of Duckworth, “Very hungry,’’ said Ball, who through two Michigan State defen- “I had a feeling that weighed 210. “I really want to see sive backs to make the reception? how I feel at this weight in a game. It was not just ANY play because he was going to come I feel a lot more elusive.’’ it was not just ANY game. It was down with it. That’s why The rest is history — Big Ten his- the fourth quarter of the inaugural tory for TDs scored — leaving him Big Ten Championship Game. And I went to him.’’ two shy of NCAA history. it was definitely a game-changer. “Montee looks like one of those The 36-yard pitch-and-catch LA Weight Loss commercials,’’ set up Wisconsin’s game-winning On that game-changing toss said backup tailback Jeff Lewis in touchdown. Maybe the least against the Spartans, Wilson said, late August. “People are going to surprised observer was offensive “I had a feeling that he was going be surprised and they will love it — tackle Josh Oglesby who said, to come down with it. That’s why I the new Montee.’’ “Duckworth has been making plays went to him.’’ Which has been more productive all year. He makes them every Wilson’s instincts were pretty than the Full (sized) Montee. week in practice.’’ reliable. So was he. Defensive play of the year? How Duckworth will be preserved in Wilson had a bunch of game- about Mike Taylor’s interception the Big Ten record book as the first changing plays; none more defin- of Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez that player to score in the first league ing than runs of 20 and 19 yards reversed the momentum of the Big title game. He caught a 3-yard slant in the second quarter against Penn Ten opener late in the first half. pass from Wilson at 10:04 of the State that led to a touchdown and a The Huskers were clinging to a first quarter, his first career score. commanding 21-7 lead. 14-13 lead. Taylor’s pick was part of At least he remembered running “The guy put on a show,’’ said a 20-point second-period haymak- that route, unlike a slant against UW safety Aaron Henry. “His er that flattened the conference South Dakota.Wilson’s throw and a moves were out of a video game.’’ newbie. But it wasn’t the biggest defender arrived at the same time Montee Ball had some pretty “blow’’ struck this year. on the goal line — he didn’t catch nifty moves, too; especially on a Taylor’s tag-team partner, Chris the pass but caught a blow to the twisting 4-yard touchdown run Borland, “blew up’’ 314-pound head resulting in a concussion. against Nebraska. Just ask All-Big Penn State guard Johnnie Trout- “The ball came and everything Ten linebacker Lavonte David, who man — knocking Troutman into went black,’’ Duckworth said. whiffed on the play. tailback Silas Redd, who fumbled As it did for the Spartans in Minnesota safety Kim Royston the ball on contact. Indianapolis. knows what that feels like. Royston In the Big Ten title game, Bor- Duckworth was also involved in made the perfect read and was land also “blew up’’ Michigan the longest pass play of the year waiting in the alley for Ball, who State’s Keshawn Martin who lost for the Badgers — covering 66 planted a foot and had Royston his helmet and skull cap. That re- yards against Purdue. Duckworth tackling air on a 14-yard TD run. leased a lot of pent-up frustrations got open on wheel route and was Before facing UNLV, Ball snick- for Badger fans everywhere. dragged down on the 5-yard line. ered when asked if he was “hun- Hail yes.
10 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 LUCAS AT LARGE BEHIND THE DESK BARRY ALVAREZ • UW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Badgers’ satisfying season continues on ooking at the team that we They put up 63 on Toledo and 51 good we could be. had coming back, I thought on Western Michigan. I liked Bret’s approach after Lthat if we could keep our two We held them to seven points. back-to-back losses at Michigan linebackers healthy — Chris Bor- Going into the Big Ten season, I State and Ohio State. Those type land and Mike Taylor — the only knew the opener was going to be a of games are hard to get out of the question mark was quarterback. big game. We made it a big game. system. After watching one practice in Nebraska made it a big game. Think back to 2004 when Kyle training camp — after seeing Rus- When College GameDay shows Orton was the quarterback at Pur- sell Wilson — I knew that we had up, it’s a big game. due and we flip him upside down a chance to be a very good team. When Penn State came into our in the closing seconds and Scott When you get someone of his abil- Starks picks up the ball and scores ity, he makes everyone better. and we steal the win. I had watched Russell on film Bret’s focus has never Purdue was unbeaten when we at NC State and I thought he was got there and wound up losing four pretty good. changed. It’s the 1-0 straight. Some believe Purdue still But when you watch him in prac- mantra. And the kids hasn’t recovered. tice, you see how intense he is; you Bret’s focus has never changed. see his accuracy, you see how quick buy into it. That’s why It’s the 1-and-0 mantra. And the the ball comes out, you see his foot we were able to refocus kids buy into it. speed and how he can run. after those two heart- That’s why we were able to refo- That’s all pretty easy to recognize cus after those two heartbreaking because he’s the complete package. breaking losses. losses. I thought Montee Ball looked I was thrilled for our players and different in training camp, too. The coaches after winning the first Big first time I saw him this season, he league, a lot of people thought they Ten championship game. ran different. That weight loss af- would dominate. That was a heavyweight fight. fected him in a very positive way. That hasn’t been the case. Some Both teams were ready to play and When you watched him scrim- Nebraska people thought the same went toe-to-toe. mage, he still had his power and thing. Our commissioner, Jim Delany, finished runs, but he was able to Over the summer, I heard how put it in perspective afterward accelerate and get through the they were going to teach us how to when he said, “Wow.’’ holes quicker. It looked like he had play football. This entire season has been very another half- step getting in and Going into the Nebraska game, satisfying. We had a chance to out of traffic. we hadn’t been turning it over. run the table, but that’s very dif- As a team, we weren’t really We turn it over, they capitalize ficult; especially going on the road challenged in our non-conference and we fall behind. for back-to-back Saturday night games. But our guys stayed with it and games. Northern Illinois was dangerous you saw how we can be a quick- But we won the division, we won because of what they do on offense. strike offense. the league title game and we’re Their quarterback — Chandler Har- We scored 14 quick points in less playing in the Rose Bowl. nish — was very good but I really than two minutes before halftime. Now we’ve got to cap it off with liked the way we defended them. That spoke volumes on how a win.
12 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 BEHIND THE DESK EVERY DAY MATTERS, BUT ONLY 12 DAYS COUNT
Members of the Wisconsin football program will tell you that there is no rest on the way to winning a Big Ten championship — every day matters. Still, no days are more important than the 12 game days the Badgers are guaranteed each season, including the seven in front of their home crowd. Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at what goes into game day at Camp Randall Stadium and everything that comes together to make up
THE WISCONSIN FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE
BY THE NUMBERS
With men’s basketball at No. 13, UW is one of two schools with top-15 programs in both football and hoops.
FOOTBALL & BASKETBALL WOMEN’S Wisconsin is just one of two schools BASKETBALL 2 in the country to have both its 13.7 Wisconsin has recorded men’s basketball and football 16 or fewer turnovers in teams ranked in the latest AP Top 25 polls, its last three games, including a season-low along with Baylor. The football Badgers are 12 turnovers against Saint Louis on Dec. 5, ranked No. 9 while the Bears are 15th. In to average just 13.7 giveaways its last three basketball, Baylor is No. 6 while Wisconsin games. is 13th. FOOTBALL WOMEN’S HOCKEY With 16 passing The Badgers finished 3,000 yards in the Rose .950 the first half of the sea- Bowl, UW will go son with a 19-1 record, over 3,000 passing yards for the first season good for a .950 winning percentage. In in school history and would finish the year their four national championship-winning with both 3,000 yards rushing and 3,000 years, Wisconsin had a winning percentage yards receiving. The only Big Ten team in above .900 in the first half of the season just history to top the 3,000-yard mark in both once, when UW was 18-0-2 in 2008. categories was last year’s Michigan team.
16 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 With men’s basketball at No. 13, UW is one of two schools with top-15 programs in both football and hoops. 5 THINGS TO WATCH
FRIDAY • 4:30 PM • BTN From Mississippi to Madison After an eight-day break, the men’s basketball team hits the court for its final non-conference game of the season by welcoming Mississippi Valley State to the Kohl Center on Friday. The Badgers have won four in a row and their game against the Delta Devils signals the end of finals week and the 2011 semester.
FRIDAY • 6:30 PM • BTN The original ‘Return to the Roses’ With a Heisman Trophy, Big Ten championship and a return to the Rose Bowl, Wisconsin’s 1999 season was certainly memorable. In the “Grand- daddy of Them All” Ron Dayne won his second-straight MVP and the Badgers became the first Big Ten team to win back-to-back Rose Bowls. Catch a replay of Wisconsin’s 17-9 win over Stanford on BTN.
FRIDAY • 7:30 PM • InsideBadgerSports.com Playing for bragging rights The Badgers close out the non-conference portion of their schedule as they host in-state rival Green Bay at the Kohl Center in the late game of a hoops doubleheader on Friday. Green Bay, ranked 15th in the country, will provide a tough test for Wisconsin as the Badgers prepare to open the conference season.
SATURDAY • 11 AM / 9 PM • BTN Replaying the repeat Many have tabbed the 2011 Big Ten Championship game as one of the best of the year. After losing an early lead, the Badgers outscored the Spartans 14-3 in the fourth quarter and got a crucial defensive stop to se- cure back-to-back Big Ten titles and a return to the Rose Bowl. BTN will replay the Badgers’ big win Saturday at 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.
TUESDAY • 8 PM • ESPN2 Huskers make their hoops debut Nebraska’s first football game in the Big Ten came on a memorable night at Camp Randall Stadium in October. The basketball Cornhuskers will have their chance at revenge as they host the Badgers in their first-ever Big Ten game. Nebraska will have some momentum, too, after opening the season 7-3 in non-conference play.
18 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011
BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM A SEASON WORTH SAVORING LOOKING BACK ON 2011 DAVID STLUKA 2011 SEASON IN REVIEW
ports Illustrated’s Andy Staples put a lyrical spin on his preseason Top 25 by ranking each team with a corresponding musical group. Staples had Oregon ranked No. 3 and suggested that if head coach Chip Kelly “wanted to match the beats per minute of his breakneck offense” then he would “fire up the Ramones.” SThe Ramones were the precursor to punk rock. Opined Staples, “The Ducks and Ramones agree on one thing: pure speed.” Meanwhile, the Badgers were ranked No. 13 in the SI.com preseason poll. Their musical link? AC/DC. With the graduation of quarterback Scott Tolzien, who helped lead the UW to a share of the Big Ten title and the Rose Bowl, this was a team without a “dynamic frontman” according to Staples. The actual reference was to Ronald Belford “Bon” Scott whose death in 1980 left AC/ DC without a proven signalcaller -- or lead singer and lyricist. “Enter Russell Wilson in the Brian Johnson role,” Staples wrote. Johnson replaced Scott and AC/DC went on to record “Back in Black” -- a mega-suc- cess. Concluded Staples, “It may be Wilson who gets the Badgers back to the Rose Bowl.” Hells Bells, he nailed it. So did Matt Hayes of The Sporting News. The Badgers were ranked No. 25 in the preseason magazine. That was before Wilson made his decision to attend Wisconsin. After Wilson opted for the Badgers, Hayes bumped the UW to No. 10 in the country. “Wilson is an elite quarterback,” Hayes said. “I don’t think people realize how good this kid is.” They do now.
How long did it take for his UW teammates to Besides Tolzien, the Badgers also had to re- figure that out? place three All-Americans on offense: left tackle “I knew that he was special after the first time Gabe Carimi, the Outland Trophy winner; left I threw with him,” Nick Toon said. guard John Moffitt; and tight end Lance Kend- That was in July shortly after Wilson arrived ricks. on campus. The loss of tailback John Clay was tempered One of their first throwing sessions was mem- with the return of Montee Ball and James White. orable, too. On defense, there was simply no replacing de- “We had just got done throwing and we were fensive end J.J. Watt. messing around,” Toon recalled. “Obviously some key guys left, but that’s part “Russell said, ‘Watch this.’ of college football,” Toon said. “But we also had “He was probably on the 30-yard line and he some key guys coming back.” hit the crossbar with a throw. (That included Toon, who was hoping to “From there on out, I was sold.” bounce back after an injury-riddled junior sea-
22 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 A SEASON WORTH SAVORING
son.) “Going through all the emotions of In general, the returning play- ers had the proverbial “chip on their that loss (in the Rose Bowl) and know- shoulder” after losing to TCU in the ing we had a lot of those guys back,” Rose Bowl. That was powerful moti- said senior safety Aaron Henry, “we vation during the off-season. “Going through all the emotions of knew that we could become a tre- that loss (in Pasadena) and knowing mendous football team.” we had a lot of those guys back,” said senior safety Aaron Henry, “we knew that we could become a tremendous have the opportunity to be great.” football team. So did offensive lineman Travis Frederick, “We really didn’t know who was going to be who was coming off a redshirt year. the quarterback. We knew Jon Budmayr had “You could see the chemistry growing through- a great chance to be the starter. Once he went out camp,” he said, “and that let me know that down and Russell came in, it was a great fit.” this team was going to be something special. Wilson raised the bar immediately. Toon saw many of the same things during “At the first team meeting, I told the guys, ‘I two-a-days in August. want to be a part of something special,”’ Wilson “One of the things that allowed us to have so said. “Everybody fed into that, and believed in much success last year was the way we worked that. together as a team and the chemistry,” Toon “I believed in that. said. “I knew in training camp that we were going to “The people are different so obviously the per-
23 2011 SEASON IN REVIEW
sonality of the team is generally going to be dif- “It was pretty evident after ferent. But overall there are a lot of similarities between last year’s team and this one. the first few days of practice “We get along well, and we play efficiently to- that Russell was a special gether. The chemistry that we had this year was player,” Nick Toon said. as good as or better than last year. And that’s a big reason why we had so much success. “Obviously he had to com- “It was pretty evident, too, after the first few pete and earn the starting job days of practice that Russell was a special player. and he did that convincingly.” Obviously he had to compete and earn the start- ing job and he did that convincingly.” Wilson left a positive first — and lasting — im- “Throughout the summer we had great chem- pression on everyone. istry and worked extremely hard,” he said. “I remember when Russell got here,” Ball said, But there was one moment during training “and I saw how hard he worked and how well he camp that shed more light on Wilson. threw the ball, I thought to myself, ‘We can be This was a defining moment, at least -in Bu pretty good this year.”’ trym’s eyes. Defensive tackle Patrick Butrym was im- “We were scrimmaging and really compet- pressed by the early signs. ing,” he still remembered vividly. “It was going
24 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011
2011 SEASON IN REVIEW
“It was kind of a learning curve, and learning experience,” Travis Frederick said of UW’s non-conference schedule. “But it helped propel us into the Big Ten season.”
back and forth and I was thinking, ‘Man, we’ve The Badgers subsequently rushed for 267 got a good offense and a good defense.’ yards against Northern Illinois and 267 against “That’s when I saw Russell’s personality start South Dakota. Moreover, they had 621 and 612 to come out. We were in the red zone and he yards of total offense, respectively. threw a touchdown pass and he started running “It was kind of a learning curve, and learning his mouth a little bit.” experience,” Frederick reflected. “But it helped An animated Wilson pumped his fist and ran propel us into the Big Ten season.” to the end zone to celebrate with his teammates. The hype surrounding the conference opener “I saw that go-getter mentality,” Butrym said. was extraordinarily high. “I saw his competitive attitude come out which I Understandably so. hadn’t seen at first. That’s when I thought, ‘This This was the Big Red of Nebraska taking on guy is a leader. We’re going to be pretty good.”’ the Big Red of Wisconsin. The Badgers opened the 2011 season by crush- This was the Cornhuskers’ first game as a ing UNLV, 51-17. member of the Big Ten. “After going back and watching the film of that This was Barry Alvarez’ alma mater. game,” Ball said, “it really showed how good we This was under the lights at Camp Randall were going to be as long as we did what we were Stadium. coached to do.” This was over before Jump Around. There was little or no resistance — nor much The suspense was gone after the Badgers competition — during the nonconference games. scored 34 unanswered points. The Badgers outscored their four opponents, What was a 14-7 Nebraska lead in the second 194-34. quarter became a 41-14 UW lead in the third. A potential Pac-12 vs. Big Ten matchup fizzled “I definitely think with all the hype going into because of a down year for Oregon State. the Nebraska game,” Henry said, “and for us to Wisconsin won, 35-0. play the way we did and beat them the way we “Anytime you win convincingly,” Toon con- beat them … tended, “it’s good for the program.” “That reassured me that this team could be That was echoed by Frederick. special.” “Each of those nonconference games showed Chimed in Wilson, “To do what we did to a us something different,” he said. “We went out great team like Nebraska — to play at such a high and played well against UNLV, but we weren’t level on such a big stage — that kind of told me, quite where we needed to be. ‘Hey, we’re going to have a good team.”’ “We did some good things against Oregon That was still the mindset even after mind- State but we didn’t play as well as we wanted. numbing back-to-back road losses. Our running game kind of developed each week.” Was Michigan State more gut-wrenching than
26 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 A SEASON WORTH SAVORINGTITLE
Ohio State? ter what we went through (in East Lansing and Was Ohio State more heart-breaking than Columbus). Michigan State? “To play well against Purdue put us back into “We had some adversity during that two-game the mindset.” stretch,” Toon allowed. “But as difficult as that That was critical because the Badgers had to stretch was for our team, it helped build char- go back on the road to Minnesota and Illinois. acter.” “It was a culmination of the team leaders and Purdue was the next game on the schedule captains stepping up,” Henry said of the per- and that was the focus. severance the players showed, “and letting the “I can tell you that each week it was about the guys know that we have a special football team. game at hand,” Frederick said. “But just because we’re special, it doesn’t The players had been programmed accord- mean anybody is going to give us anything. ingly by UW coach Bret Bielema. “We had to go out and work for it.” “I would say Purdue obviously was a big Before the Badgers played Penn State in the game,” Frederick continued, “because it would regular season finale, Wilson decided to go back have been easy for a lot of teams to collapse af- and read Drew Brees’ book, Coming Back Stron-
27 TITLE2011 SEASON IN REVIEW
“It was a culmination of the team leaders and captains stepping up and letting the guys know that we have a special football team,” cap- tain Aaron Henry said of the perseverance UW showed. “But just because we’re spe- cial, it doesn’t mean anybody is going to give us anything. We had to go out and work for it.”
ger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity. So did the Badgers — faith in Wilson, and faith Wilson had first read the book two years ago. in who they were — despite those two road loss- “It kind of brought everything back into per- es. spective again for me,” Wilson said. The win over Penn State on Senior Day culmi- That’s because Wilson has always viewed nated their drive to Indy and the inaugural Big Brees as a role model. Ten championship game where they would get “The guy is an extremely good competitor,” an opportunity for redemption against Michigan Wilson said. State. Alvarez has compared Wilson to Brees in They would not be denied against the Spar- terms of their quarterback personality, whether tans, either. it’s the ability to extend plays by staying alive in “Guys made plays when they needed to,” Hen- the pocket or the knack for finding passing lanes. ry said. “Everything worked itself out. “ Neither Brees, nor Wilson fits the classic drop- Considering the reward — another trip to back passer mold because of their height. the Rose Bowl and a matchup against Oregon Wilson has always been a believer in Brees for — Henry sized up the journey and noted, “This another reason. truly can be a special story when this is all said “He has extremely strong faith,” he said. and done.”
28 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 TITLE WISCONSIN 51, UNLV 17 ‘HELLO, RUSSELL WILSON!’ Transfer quarterback makes major impression in his Badgers debut by leading 51-17 rout of UNLV on opening night
BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM
he ESPN film crew did something in camp,’’ agreed UW wide receiver Jared Abbre- the 2011 opener that the UNLV de- deris. “After practice you just want to go home fense couldn’t do. and take a nap or go watch some film. They stopped Russell Wilson. “But he (Wilson) always has people following Since the start of training camp, him around and asking for interviews. It’s been TESPN had been tracking Wilson — and his every really impressive how he has handled himself. movement on and off the field — for a quarter- But I’m not really surprised. back special (“Depth Chart’’) that aired in Octo- “That’s just the kind of guy he is. He can han- ber. dle it. He’s one impressive guy.’’ As soon as Wilson stepped outside of the lock- Throughout the season opener, the 22-year- er room after the UW’s 51-17 win over UNLV, he old Wilson took care of business on the sidelines was stopped and “miked’’ by the ESPN producer by communicating with each of his offensive in charge of the project. teammates; especially the skill position players. They exchanged pleasantries and went about “He’ll come over and talk to you about the their business — all of which fell under the head- route depth or something like that,’’ Abbrederis ing of business as usual for Wilson, who has said. “If he sees something in the defense, he handled every media situation with a calm pro- might say, ‘Get ready for this play, it might be fessionalism. coming.’’’ Such 24/7 attention would normally be a dis- Because of Wilson’s running ability, the UW traction to most players. receivers are always on alert. “Most definitely, especially during training “If you’re running a pass route,’’ Abbrederis
30 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 DAVID STLUKA YEAR IN REVIEW: ‘HELLO, RUSSELL WILSON’
said, “it (a pass) might be coming or he might be to get a first down,’’ said Wilson, who finished taking off and running. If he is, you’d better get with 317 yards of total offense. “I got some great on your guy and block him. blocks downfield and I just kept running. “But blocking is one of the things we do a lot “I just go through my progressions. I’m always just because of the running backs we have. It’s trying to throw the ball first. But if something is a tradition here. Coach stresses that every day. not there, I want to make something positive out Put two hands on your target. of it (the play).’’ “You saw that with Nick who was on his guy UW offensive center Peter Konz never saw for probably five seconds when Russell scored.’’ Wilson leave the pocket. That would be Nick Toon who tied up a de- “I didn’t even know he was running until he fensive back on the goal line during Wilson’s 46- was already 10 yards down the field,’’ he said. yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Tight “You feel like you’re passing blocking for six end Jacob Pederson also got a huge block. seconds and then you have the feeling that he’s “Blocking is a big part of the game of football gone.’’ especially here at Wisconsin,’’ Toon said. “We By his own admission, Wilson was not perfect. pride ourselves on being able to run the ball. He did overthrow a couple of open receivers. “To have receivers blocking downfield opens “There’s always room for improvement; I al- up opportunities for big plays. As you saw, Rus- ways believe that especially playing the quarter- sell can run. He’s another offensive threat and back position,’’ Wilson said. “There are things playmaker making downfield blocking even you can always get better at. more important.’’ “We’ll watch film, and correct things here and Wilson’s touchdown run was the longest of his there. career. What did he see as the play unfolded? “We just have to keep getting better every sin- “Everybody was covered and I just wanted gle week.’’ One impressive guy.
32 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011
WISCONSIN 48, NEBRASKA 17 WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS Opportunistic defense helps Badgers overshadow Nebraska’s big entrance to Big Ten with impressive 48-17 win
BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM
t was one of Nebraska’s 65 plays, the final Who was ultimately making the statement? play; a Taylor Martinez option play from Nebraska coach Bo Pelini? Martinez? the UW 1. Just ask Taylor. Trailing by 31 points, the Huskers “Our goal was to hold them to 17 points or called a timeout with 12 seconds remain- less,’’ he said. Iing to call the play. Martinez never had a chance, either. You might call it a dying last breath; more so He was smothered by Taylor, defensive tackle than an opportunity to make a statement. Ethan Hemer and linebacker Ethan Armstrong. “We all knew what the play was going to be,’’ “We kept him out of the end zone,’’ Taylor said Wisconsin linebacker Mike Taylor. said. “That’s what we wanted to do.’’ That’s because the Badgers had seen the same The Badgers knew what was coming. Did the play from the same spot on the field earlier. Cornhuskers? Welcome to the Big Ten. That was much earlier — when the Huskers “Night game … Camp Randall … Can’t ask for were still feeling their oats (or maybe corn). more,’’ Taylor said. At 6:02 of the first quarter, Martinez had This was definitely an historic night. scored on a 1-yard option run on third-and-goal. The UW students got there early and stayed It meant something at the time because it lift- late. ed the Huskers into a 7-0 lead over the Badgers. “Oh, my gosh, the crowd was electric,’’ said But what did it mean now to run one more defensive tackle Patrick Butrym. meaningless option on the final play of the “They were a factor; I felt like they startled game? Martinez,’’ said tailback Montee Ball.
34 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 DAVID STLUKA YEAR IN REVIEW: WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS
Nebraska coach Bo Pelini made a concession Touchdown erased because of a penalty? No to the environment with his lineup. biggie. The Badgers scored on that drive, too. Pelini started senior Marcel Jones at right of- Moreover, the Badgers scored touchdowns on fensive tackle instead of freshman Tyler Moore. each of Martinez’ three interceptions. When Pelini finally did put Moore into the “I’m glad we could help them and get the ball game, he was guilty of a procedure penalty. back,’’ Butrym said. Credit the noisy stadium. Pelini immediately Taylor and Aaron Henry got their picks in the pulled Moore and replaced him with Jones. second quarter. Moore had flinched. So would the Cornhusk- “Getting those interceptions probably got into ers throughout the night. his head a little,’’ said Taylor, the Big Ten’s De- By contrast, the Badgers bounced back from fensive Player of the Week.“On that first inter- every little setback. ception, we had guys showing blitz.’’ “We really took what Coach Barry Alvarez told The Badgers had Chris Borland coming off one us to heart,’’ Ball said of the AD’s visit with the edge and Derek Landisch coming off the other. players on Thursday. “He said, ‘Don’t flinch; the Taylor crowded the line of scrimmage before first team that flinches is going to have- prob dropping into coverage. lems.’ “I don’t know if he (Marti- “We made sure that we didn’t flinch.’’ nez) knew what to do,’’ Tay- » Russell Wilson Turnover? No big biggie. After the Huskers lor said. was impressive on the big stage, scored following a fumble recovery on a punt Overall, the Badgers were throwing for return, the Badgers scored. After the Huskers prepared for Martinez — the 255 yards and scored again, the Badgers scored again. runner or the thrower. two touchdowns while also rush- Missed PAT? No biggie. The Badgers would Through the first four ing for another keep scoring. games, Martinez had six runs score. DAVID STLUKA TITLEYEAR IN REVIEW: WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS
of at least 20 yards; including four “We really took what Coach Barry Al- runs of 40 or more yards, three of which were touchdowns. His lon- varez told us to heart,’’ Ball said of the gest run Saturday was 11 yards. AD’s visit with the players on Thursday. “Whenever he took off scram- “He said, ‘Don’t flinch; the first team bling, we had D-linemen who can tackle,’’ Taylor said. “We all ran to that flinches is going to have problems.’ the ball and had good gang tack- “We made sure that we didn’t flinch.’’ ling.’’ On the first play of the second half, Martinez was picked off by After the third Martinez pick, the Badgers ac- Antonio Fenelus. tivated ground-and-pound. “We went one-and-out and that was huge,’’ Seven plays, seven runs — of 9, 12, 4, 3, 2, 2 said Butrym. and 10 yards. What was the secret to the pass rush against “For me,’’ said Travis Frederick, “that was a Martinez? statement we’re moving in the right direction.’’ “To be honest, we weren’t rushing very ag- You would expect that from an offensive line- gressively,’’ Butrym said. “We saw what would man; Frederick is the starting left guard. happen when the defensive ends would scream In the second half, he felt the Cornhuskers up the field against him. He doesn’t drop very “were getting worn down.’’ They were. deep. Meanwhile, Ball was just getting into a rhythm. “Plus, he’ll take off inside if you (the defensive He finished with 151 yards and four scores. tackles) are moving around and making wide “My first time for 30 carries and I felt great,’’ lanes for him. We were very conservative with he said. “I felt like I got stronger.’’ our pass rush. Like this teammates, though, Ball was looking “We even had a package where the four of us forward to the bye in the schedule. would pretty much spy him — wait for him to “The bye week falls at the perfect time,’’ Ball make a decision and run out of the pocket — and said. “It’s a great time for us to get our minds he would either make a bad decision or get hit.’’ right and our bodies healthy.’’
38 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 TITLE MICHIGAN STATE 37, WISCONSIN 31 • OHIO STATE 33, WISCONSIN 29 ROUGH ROAD CONDITIONS Back-to-back losses derailed UW’s national title hopes, but the Badgers refused to let the setbacks define their season
BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM
isconsin linebackers coach State students rushed the field. Dave Huxtable was seated “We’ve already got guys in the locker room behind his office desk early stepping up,’’ said defensive end Brendan Kelly. Sunday afternoon — break- “We’re a team that fights and we’ll stay in the ing down film of Purdue’s fight. There’s no reason not to bounce back.’’ offenseW — when he hit the pause button. While conceding “we ended up short again’’ If you’re asking if Huxtable, who has coached and “we made one less play’’ than the Buckeyes, college football for three decades, has ever ex- quarterback Russell Wilson stressed “keeping perienced anything like the back-to-back losses the faith’’ and “staying positive’’ this week in UW experienced at Michigan State and Ohio practice. State the previous two weeks, the answer is … “We have to make sure people are on the same “I have not,’’ he said. “As long as I’ve been do- page,’’ Wilson said. ing this gig, I’ve never experienced this.’’ Added tailback Montee Ball, “We have to But the longer that he spends around these make sure we stop the bleeding.’’ players — Huxtable joined the UW staff during That starts with preparation. the off-season — the more convinced he is that “We’ll approach it the same,’’ Ball said. “We’ll they will have the resolve to overcome these two attack the film room and correct mistakes.’’ hits. There’s something to be said about the resil- “I have no question,’’ he said, “that these guys iency of youth. and this football team will bounce back.’’ But everyone was definitely hurting that Sat- That process began shortly after the Ohio urday night; rightly so.
40 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 NEIL AMENT YEAR IN REVIEW: ROUGH ROAD CONDITIONS
“It’s pretty gut-wrenching; I’m not going to creased their lead to 20-14 with a field goal. lie,’’ said punter Brad Nortman. “Russell thought he had left it (the tackle “I’d say this one hit a little deeper,’’ Kelly said. box),’’ Chryst said, “and once you’re out, you’re “Back-to-back weeks is kind of unbelievable,’’ out. But when you leave it to a judgment call, said linebacker Mike Taylor. those are 50-50 sometimes. The Badgers can still reach their Big Ten goals. “There were other opportunities to change the But they’re going to need some help. course of that game and we didn’t.’’ “I definitely think this is a resilient ballclub,’’ said safety Aaron Henry, “and the guys are go- “I’m frustrated that we had ing to continue to fight and claw until there’s no more fight and claw left in us.’’ opportunities to win two UW offensive coordinator Paul Chryst talked games on the road against about drawing “another clean slate’’ for Purdue and building from there. “The beauty of it is that quality opponents,” defensive you can put all your energy into the week’’ he coordinator Chris Ash said. said. “We know that we’re good Will the coaches have to closely monitor the psyche of their players? enough to win those games. “Certainly yes,’’ Chryst said. “But I really think We know that we’re good you have to do that every week. If they have suc- enough to be in those situa- cess in game, are they locked in for the next game? tions and make plays.’’ “If you’re consistent with your messages, I think the consistency helps the players when Was it fair to say that the Buckeyes were more they’re good (wins) or when they’re viewed as physical at the point of attack? tough (losses).’’ “I thought there were times when they were,’’ The Badgers managed to rush for only 89 Chryst said. “I thought there were times when yards at Ohio State. our guys were. It was a good battle up front; two “Our run totals were down,’’ Chryst said, “and good fronts. You’re going to win some, and lose part of it was that we had some third downs some. where we could have converted and given our- “When you’re playing good defenses that’s go- selves more snaps. ing to be the case. That’s why you have to stay “There was also the field position; we had six the course and keep playing. That part of it I drives inside our 20, and two inside our 10. But I loved — I loved the response still thought we had a chance to change our field and the way they kept going.’’ » Keith Nichol’s position and we didn’t.’’ Despite the second half goal-line catch At the start of the fourth quarter, Wilson was rally, the Badgers were still on a Hail Mary flagged for an intentional grounding penalty guilty of breakdowns on de- pass from Kirk Cousins — de- even though it appeared that he had stepped fense and special teams; a spite the best outside of the tackle box. theme that has emerged over efforts of Mike That left the Badgers with a third-and-23 from the last two Saturdays in East Taylor — gave Michigan State their own 6-yard line. That drive ended with a Lansing and Columbus. a dramatic 37-31 punt and a short field for the Buckeyes who in- “It never comes down to win.
42 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 ICON SMI YEAR IN REVIEW: ROUGH ROAD CONDITIONS
one particular play or one particu- lar player who loses you the game,’’ “I definitely think this is a resilient ball- said UW defensive coordinator club,’’ said safety Aaron Henry, “and Chris Ash. “It’s a combination of things in all three phases. the guys are going to continue to fight “I’m frustrated that we had op- and claw until there’s no more fight and portunities to win two games on the claw left in us.’’ road against quality opponents and we pretty much gave it to them for whatever reason. That’s what you require out of the position.’’ “We know that we’re good enough to win those “Kevin had his most productive game,’’ games. We know that we’re good enough to be in Huxtable said. “Being a senior that was the last those situations and make plays.’’ opportunity for him to play against Ohio State Wisconsin’s starting linebackers made their and he was excited.’’ share of plays against the Buckeyes. Mike Taylor What will be the carryover for the players had 22 tackles, Chris Borland had 13 and Kevin against Purdue? Claxton had 10. “We’re going to come back even stronger,’’ It was the first time the Badgers had three Ball said. players with double-digit tackles in the same “We still know how good we can be,’’ said Kel- game since 2006. Taylor’s 22 tackles were the ly. most since 1998 when Bob Adamov had 22 “I think it just make us more excited to come against Purdue. out and get a win,’’ said Nortman. “Twenty-two is a lot of tackles but in watch- Chris Ash cut to the chase. ing and grading the film, it was legitimate,’’ “The biggest thing is that we have to make Huxtable said. “He was around the football and sure we have confidence,’’ he said, “and we still that’s what you expect linebackers to be. believe that we can be as good as we thought we “They should be leading the team in tackles. could be at the start of the year.’’
44 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011
WISCONSIN 28, ILLINOIS 17 CAN’T HOLD THEM DOWN First-half adversity gives way to second-half rally as Badgers pick up critical win over Illinois to stay in division race
BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM
oody and Bo would have that led to the UW’s only score in the first half – proud. the Illini might have been too far ahead to catch. Not to mention Barry and That’s how badly the Badgers were out-played Bret. over the first 30 minutes. It was a smash-mouth of- “When you play a great defense there are go- fensiveW possession that challenged the manhood ing to be ups and downs,’’ said quarterback Rus- of the defense; a retro style once popularized in sell Wilson. “That’s the ebb and flow of the game the Big Ten by Ohio State’s Woody Hayes and so we had to stay positive and keep our swag- Michigan’s Bo Schembechler. ger.’’ Barry Alvarez was well-versed and grounded What the Badgers needed more than anything in the running game. That was his signature over else was a defensive stop or turnover. And that’s his 16 seasons. His hand-picked successor Bret what they got when Chris Borland forced a fum- Bielema has embraced that mode of travel, too. ble that was recovered by Mike Taylor on the Il- Alvarez and Bielema have coined, “Wisconsin linois 30. football.’’ At halftime, Bielema made it clear that it was Never was that more evident than during the incumbent upon the defense to shut down Illi- Badgers first series of the second half at Illinois. nois. “We wanted to put the ball back in our of- Consider the circumstances: the Illini held a fense’s hands and let them do what they do,’’ he 17-7 lead, and it could have been much worse. added. If it were not for some critical Illinois red zone Offensive guard Kevin Zeitler cut to the chase breakdowns and penalties – and a botched punt when he said, “We need to have some resolve.’’
48 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 NEIL AMENT NEIL AMENT YEAR IN REVIEW: CAN’T HOLD THEM DOWN
That was personified on a 12-play, 30-yard On third-and-12 from the UW 42, Ryan Groy scoring drive. snapped the ball over Wilson’s head in shotgun Montee Ball had 10 runs on that series; the formation. Wilson’s first thought? “I just wanted longest of which was seven yards. to recover it; I didn’t want them to pick it up,’’ The Badgers twice converted on fourth-and-1, he said. and scored on third-and-goal. Wilson got to the loose ball before defensive It took seven minutes and 11 seconds on the end Michael Buchanan. game clock to cover all of 30 yards. If the latter had recovered, the Illinois offense “That was the longest drive in the short- would have been starting from the UW 23 with a est amount of field that I’ve ever been part of,’’ three-point lead. Bielema said. “I knew we needed a touchdown, Instead, the Badgers were punting on fourth- so that’s why I kept going for it on fourth down.’’ and-31. The Badgers accomplished what they had dis- Brad Nortman responded by booming a sea- cussed at halftime. son-long 74-yard punt that Illinois returner Ter- “It really flipped the game at that point,’’ ry Hawthorne misjudged and let hit the ground Bielema said. – the kick rolled all the way to the Illini 3. After cutting the deficit to 17-14, the Badgers The Badgers got another defensive stop and produced another takeaway when Antonio Fen- scored on another short field; the 44-yard drive elus cut off and outfought wide receiver A.J. – punctuated by a Wilson bootleg into the end Jenkins and intercepted a Reilly O’Toole pass. zone – was the UW’s longest scoring drive of the Although they were unable to capitalize on the day. turnover, Wilson made a play on this possession Shortly thereafter, Wisconsin converted an that might have had the biggest impact on the Aaron Henry pick into a touchdown; thereby outcome – and it didn’t involve a pass or a run. putting the finishing touches on a second half
50 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 NEIL AMENT YEAR IN REVIEW: CAN’T HOLD THEM DOWN NEIL AMENT during which the Badgers outscored Illinois, 21- 0. The defense ended up with four takeaways. “At halftime, there weren’t any big eyes,’’ said Bielema describing what he saw out of his play- ers. “There wasn’t anybody looking for a corner to crawl into.’’ “There wasn’t any flinch. There weren’t guys looking for excuses. There were just guys ready to go out and prove what they could do. Our guys really snapped into that mode.’’ Ball finished with 38 carries for 224 yards, which included a 17-yard scoring run on which he stiff-armed the Illinois middle linebacker and spun away from a defensive back that had a “When you play a great de- tackling angle. fense there are going to be In retrospect, Ball labeled this particular score as his favorite of all 38 touchdowns. ups and downs,’’ Wilson said. A heavier, less explosive Ball might not have “That’s the ebb and flow of the been able to execute the same moves. game so we had to stay posi- And a less resilient team might not have re- covered from that first half at Illinois, either. tive and keep our swagger.’’
52 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011
WISCONSIN 42, MICHIGAN STATE 39 THE CHAMPS ARE HERE Winning a dramatic clash with Michigan State has Badgers hoisting trophy, smelling Roses for second-straight season
BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM
This story originally appeared in the Dec. 8 “Got to go (Big Buck) Hunting; set records edition of Varsity, which can be found here. there,’’ Zeitler added. “Phenomenal,’’ Konz said. ollowing Wisconsin’s victory over “Goooooood,’’ Zeitler added. Michigan State in the inaugural Big There may be some discrepancies on who Ten championship game, Peter Konz babbled what during the exchange, but this type and Kevin Zeitler each accessorized of whimsical communication is fairly common- their suits by using a rose for a pock- place between Konz and Zeitler. Fet square. Turning serious, Konz said, “I could have Standing side-by-side in the UW locker room, played (Saturday). It was one of those things they answered questions while morphing into where if there was a situation that occurred, I Cheech and Chong. Or Harold and Kumar. Or would have been the first man in.’’ maybe they were just being Peter and Kevin. Konz injured his ankle at Minnesota and “The Rose Bowl is always special,’’ Konz said. missed the Illinois and Penn State games. He “The Rose Bowl is always good,’’ Zeitler add- was suited up Saturday and went through the ed. pregame but did not play against Michigan State. “It’s going to be warm and there are going to Will Konz be ready for Oregon? be things to do,’’ Konz said. “Absolutely,’’ he said without hesitation. “So many various activities,’’ Zeitler added. Turning serious, Zeitler said, “Those two “Like the arcade; we’re going back to the ar- games in the middle of our schedule were just cade,’’ Konz said. heart-breaking, gut-wrenching and we did not
54 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 DAVUD STLUKA TITLEYEAR IN REVIEW: THE CHAMPS ARE HERE
want that to happen again.’’ “It was like, ‘Look, we’re only down by eight He was referencing the October road losses at points. It’s very manageable. We’re in a better Michigan State and Ohio State. situation now than we were at halftime the last “We knew how to handle it this time,’’ Zeitler two times that we played them.’’’ said. In 2010, the Badgers trailed by 10 points, 20- After the Spartans rocked the Badgers with 22 10. They lost 34-24. unanswered points in the second quarter to take In October, the Badgers trailed by nine points, a 29-21 lead, there were some strong words spo- 23-14. They lost 37-31. ken at halftime by a few of the seniors. They would not lose on this night in Indy. Patrick Butrym was among them. “The guys were optimistic at halftime,’’ said “Butrym gave a good one. He got very emo- Bradie Ewing. “That’s what is great about this tional, very loud,’’ Zeitler said. team — everyone had faith that we were going “He just said, ‘You cannot accept this, you to come back and win. There was no doubt in cannot accept losing,’’’ Konz related anyone’s mind.’’ “I really appreciated that,’’ Zeitler said. “We’ve been in that situation before and we “It really pumped everyone up,’’ Konz said. knew how to respond,’’ Jeff Duckworth said. How would Butrym describe what took place? “There was no panic, but there was definitely a “It was a very spirited conversation,’’ he said sense of urgency.’’ softly. “The senior leadership really stepped up,’’ What was his message? Travis Frederick said. “As dumb and simple as it sounds, it was about “We fed off the seniors,’’ Marcus Cromartie playing football,’’ Butrym said. “And we weren’t said. doing that — guys were hanging their heads (in Shelton Johnson was searching for just the the second quarter). right word to describe this team and his team-
56 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 TITLE DAVUD STLUKA DAVUD TITLEYEAR IN REVIEW: THE CHAMPS ARE HERE DAVID STLUKA PHOTOS DAVID mates. “The guys were optimistic at halftime,’’ “Resilient,’’ Johnson finally said. “That’s the only word that comes to said Bradie Ewing. “Everyone had faith mind when you think of this team. that we were going to come back and Resiliency is the best term to de- win. There was no doubt in anyone’s scribe us. “We were not going to leave this mind.’’ stadium with a loss.’’ Call it a will to win. Or a refusal back and redeem ourselves.’’ to lose. By any word, or any account, there was a “It’s just the way we are trained,’’ said Josh strong sense of fulfillment. Oglesby. “We know it’s going to be a physical, “With those back-to-back losses, we could four quarter game. And we’re all in. That shows have easily folded as a team,’’ Ewing said. “But I the stick-to-itiveness and perseverance of this thought this game was kind of a snapshot of our team.’’ season. “The second half was a testament to our lead- “Some ups, some downs. We faced some ad- ership and toughness,’’ Chris Borland said. “We versity. But we kept fighting and we stayed true under-performed in the first half and had a lot of to the plan. It’s such a blessing to be going back mistakes. But they were playing well, too.’’ (to Pasadena).’’ A television anchor asked Borland if it felt While Antonio Fenelus was parading around good to get some revenge on Michigan State. with the Big Ten championship trophy in the Pausing to measure his response, Borland locker room, Cromartie grinned and said, “After said, “Yeah, it does. Revenge feels good.’’ all we’ve been through this year, it was the per- A few feet away, Aaron Henry reiterated, “This fect ending.’’ was a game of redemption. That’s what we were Almost … calling it pretty much. “Now all we have to do,’’ Cromartie said, “is go “We looked at it as an opportunity to come out and win the Rose Bowl.”
58 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 TITLE
INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL BY PATRICK HERB @BadgerMBB
SCHEDULE (10-2, 0-0) Last Five Dec. 3 #16 Marquette L, 54-61 Dec. 7 Green Bay W, 70-42 Dec. 10 UNLV W, 62-51 Dec. 13 at Milwaukee W, 60-54 Dec. 15 Savannah State W, 66-33
This Week Friday Miss. Valley St. 4:30 p.m.
Next Five Dec. 27 at Nebraska 8 p.m. Dec. 31 Iowa Noon Jan. 3 #19 Michigan St. 6 p.m. Jan. 8 at Michigan TBA Jan. 12 at Purdue 6 p.m.
However, over the last five games, Wisconsin has cut down on its shots from behind the arc (shooting just 16.8 per game) and increased its pro- duction at the charity stripe, averag- ing 14.2 made FTs per game. 3-pt FGAs Made FTs So trendy: UW shooting First 7 24.8 5.6 Last 5 16.8 14.2 more FTs, fewer 3s Efficiency remains, but distribution evolves New defensive highs (or lows) » Since 1950, UW has held an op- ponent to 33 or fewer points in ith three new starters Through 12 games, Wis- a game 10 times — four of which Wand an inexperienced consin’s patented offensive have happened this season. bench, you had to figure efficiency hasn’t changed, In the entire nation, only six there would be a learning but the execution has. NCAA Division I teams have been curve for the 2011-12 Bad- Over the first seven held to 33 or fewer points in a game gers. As the non-conference games, the 13th-ranked this season. Wisconsin is responsi- schedule draws to a close Badgers (10-2, 0-0) were ble for four of those instances. with Friday’s game against shooting nearly 25 3-point- UW also owns the nation’s lon- Mississippi Valley State, it ers per game and converting gest streak of holding its oppo- appears that evolution is just 5.6 free throws per out- nents to 65 or fewer points — a run starting take shape. ing. that stands at 16 straight games.
62 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011
INSIDE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM @BadgerWBBall
SCHEDULE (4-7, 0-0) Last Five Nov. 26 at Colorado L, 48-58 Nov. 30 Boston College W, 58-50 Dec. 5 Saint Louis W, 48-46 Dec. 8 at Kansas L, 44-73 Dec. 11 Drake L, 54-65
This Week Friday #18 Green Bay 7:30 p.m.
Next Five Dec. 30 #11 Ohio State 7 p.m. Jan. 2 #16 Penn State 12 p.m. Jan. 5 at #20 Purdue 5 p.m. Jan. 8 at Illinois 2 p.m. Jan. 12 #24 Nebraska 7 p.m.
Stronger Big Ten » The Big Ten has typically been good in women’s basketball but not a powerhouse like the ACC, Big 12 or Big East conferences. That has changed this season, as four teams are currently ranked in the top 25 of the Associated Press poll with another two receiving votes. Kelsey learns value of No. 11 Ohio State leads the league and is one of only nine un- evaluating herself defeated teams in the country at First-year head coach on learning curve 11-0. Penn State (9-2) is ranked 16th, Purdue (8-3) 20th and Ne- braska (10-1) 24th. Northwestern ost new head coaches or) to last year because I was (9-2) and Michigan (10-2) are re- Mhave a learning curve, an assistant, but now I know ceiving votes. and first-year UW head how (Stanford head coach) The Big East leads the current coach Bobbie Kelsey is no Tara (VanDerveer) felt. It’s rankings with six top-25 teams exception. Asked if she can not easy when you have to while the ACC, Big 12 and Big Ten do things differently, Kelsey make the final decision. all have four top teams. replied in the affirmative. “I’m always critiquing my- In 2011, the Big East had nine “I’m always evaluating self to see where I can help teams in the NCAA tournament myself,” admitted Kelsey. “I them to play better and also while the Big 12 (7) and ACC (6) didn’t quite understand it the strategies and schemes also ranked ahead of the Big Ten last year and the years (pri- during the games.” (5).
64 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011
THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY
Huff’s 1,201 rebounds and 10.71 rebounds per game remain UW records.
December 21, 1983 In the rafters Theresa Huff’s jersey became the first number retired in UW women’s basketball history. The 5-foot-11 center played from 1979-83, which were transitional years from WWIAC competi- tion to Big Ten Conference play and included the changeover in national governance from the AIAW to the NCAA. She finished her four-year career at the UW with 30 school records, of which six were all-time men’s and women’s records.
December 19, 1998 THE HOST WITH THE MOST: Wisconsin hosted the finals of the 1998 NCAA Division 1 Volleyball Championships at the Kohl Center. Long Beach State won the national title by defeating Penn State, 3-2, and setting the single-match attendance record of 13,194.
ALSO December 20, 1954 THIS LEADING SCORER: Dick Cable of the men’s basketball team scored 31 points against WEEK Tulane to put himself on the Badgers’ list of 30-point performers. December 24, 1993 A HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER: The Wisconsin football team spent the holiday in Pasadena, Calif., preparing for the 1994 Rose Bowl Game against UCLA. The Badgers defeated UCLA, 21-16, in their first-ever win in a Jan. 1 bowl game.
66 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 Huff’s 1,201 rebounds and 10.71 rebounds per game remain UW records. THE VOICE MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS Passion not always conveyed in public t is the holiday season, and in offensive coordinator Paul Chryst equals passion. college football, ‘tis the season has been in the mix for a few head This is where folks like Paul Ito hire head coaches. At last coaching jobs. On Thursday, after Chryst shine. He loves football. count, there are 25 Football Bowl deciding he’d found the right fit, he He loves working with players and Subdivision schools that have, or accepted the top job at Pittsburgh. coaches. He enjoys preparing for will have, new coaches going in On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Post- a game, from the position group 2012. Keep in mind there are 120 Gazette reported that Chryst had meetings, to video study, to the schools in the FBS. interviewed the previous day. work on the practice field. Perhaps a job description could Later in the story, the writer Is he the type who will wow the read as follows: mentions that Chryst “is not con- fans with his first news conference? Wanted: Head Football Coach sidered a dynamic personality.” Maybe not, but is that really vital in Job Requirements: Win your It is not the first time someone determining whether someone can opening press conference, win lots lead a football team? of games, keep the NCAA investi- I should add that media mem- gators away, beat our arch rival Being animated on the bers who cover UW football on a on a regular basis, recruit players sideline or in a news regular basis seem to like and re- who go to class and stay out of spect Chryst. When you get to know trouble, win conference champion- conference could mean him, you will find that he is pretty ships, be a dynamic public speaker, you have great passion. honest. At times he can be rather and win bowl games. It also might mean you blunt, and he also can be pretty Qualified applicants can expect darn funny. an excellent income, but you might are an attention-starved People seem to wonder whether want to rent rather than buy a blowhard. Chryst can handle all the duties home. If it looks like you are strug- that go with being a head coach, gling, we might have to let you go from boosters and increased media after two years. Good luck. has described Paul Chryst in such obligations to dealing with issues Win the opening press confer- a way. What is part laughable, yet that will be plopped on his desk. ence? What does that mean? insulting, is that there are those in I say the answer is yes. It seems many school presidents, school administrations who assume To Panthers fans, I can offer athletics directors and hiring firms a more flat-line individual is some- you this — if you are looking for are really into people who imme- one who lacks passion. someone who will parachute from diately wow an audience, be it a Sometimes I think we overuse a small plane, all in an effort to group of media members or boost- the word “passion.” Being animated promote the spring game, someone ers. I keep hearing a coach who on the sideline or in a news confer- such as Paul Chryst might not be wins the press conference is a coach ence could mean you have great your choice. who shows passion. passion. It also might mean you are But if you want someone who is a I certainly understand that an attention-starved blowhard. terrific coach, a terrific family man, having a presence is important. To me, passion is defined in a and is as grounded as any football Barry Alvarez has a presence. Bret very simple way — what are you person I have ever known, you Bielema has a presence. It helps. doing to make yourself and your won’t find much better than Paul They can coach, too, and is that team better when nobody is watch- Chryst. not the idea here? ing? There are no TV cameras and And no, I am not his agent. I just In the last few years, Badgers the stands are empty. Preparation happen to be a big fan.
68 » VARSITY DECEMBER 22, 2011 MATT LEPAY • VOICE OF THE BADGERS