The Badger Herald

SPORTS

Brown, Smith carry Badgers to victory

JEFF SCHORFHEIDE/Herald photo

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Also by Ben Voelkel:

Rocky trip Outback for UW (January 1, 2008)

by Ben Voelkel

Monday, November 12, 2007

P.J. Hill didn't start the game at running back for Wisconsin, and only gained 14 yards on five carries.

The Badgers ground game didn't miss him too much.

Using a number of different options out of the backfield, Wisconsin grounded out 232 yards rushing in a 37-21 win over Michigan.

"Zach Brown continues to make strides, Lance (Smith) is doing some good things, P.J. … needed to get his opportunities as well," UW head coach Bret Bielema said of his many running backs.

Brown led the way for the Badgers. A week after making his first career start against top-ranked Ohio State, Brown got another starting nod against No. 13 Michigan and responded by rushing 27 times for 108 yards and two touchdowns.

"I think I showed a statement that I can finish," Brown said. "If we need a big play, I can come through."

Brown got stronger as the game wore on, and the Badgers leaned on him heavily in the second half as they tried to finish off the win. In the fourth quarter alone, Brown rushed 11 times for 55 yards, and his two late-game scores helped ice the victory for the Badgers.

"That comes with just getting a feel for the game," Brown said of his late-game surge. "You run a play one time, you see a look, you come back a second time you know what to do. … It's all about adjusting, and that's what comes with getting in a rhythm in a game."

Brown was one of three Wisconsin players to finish the game with 49 or more yards rushing, and one of seven different Badgers to register a carry in the contest.

Lance Smith ran 10 times for 52 yards and had several nice cuts and jukes, and quarterback Tyler Donovan escaped pressure in spectacular fashion on several occasions and finished with 49 yards and a touchdown.

Go-to guys

Quarterbacks are often lauded for spreading the ball out among receivers, thus making the passing game harder to defend.

While he had success throwing the ball (245 yards and one touchdown), Donovan won't be receiving that type of praise following Saturday's game.

Donovan completed 14 passes against Michigan, but only to three different receivers. Moreover, 13 of those 14 completions went to either tight end Travis Beckum or wide receiver Paul Hubbard.

Consequently, both players had huge games, each registering more than 100 yards receiving (Hubbard, 134 yards and one touchdown; Beckum, 106 yards).

"Those are two guys that are playmakers, guys that take advantage of their opportunities," Donovan said. "When the ball comes their way, they are going to make the most of it.

"It's a good feeling when you have those types of receivers."

Donovan fine

All season long, Donovan stood in the pocket and absorbed big hit after big hit while somehow staying healthy.

That changed Saturday when Donovan hit his hand on Michigan linebacker Obi Ezeh's helmet on his follow through and lay on the field writhing in pain and clutching his right hand to his chest.

The senior signal caller was forced to leave the game and was replaced by backup quarterback Allan Evridge.

"It just got banged up; I'll be ready to go on Monday," Donovan said.

Donovan left the field with ice on his right hand, and after the game the back of his throwing hand was swollen, bruised and scraped up.

Despite that, Bielema said Donovan could have returned if it was necessary.

"Tyler took some snaps, could have finished out the game," Bielema said, adding the quarterback was held out as a precaution.

"It's Big Ten football. You're going to get dings and get your hits and stuff, but you've just got to find a way to get up and persevere," Donovan said.

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