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Bielema speaks after bye week
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Also by Joe Wykhuis:
- Wisconsin looks to move on after last-second goal (September 30, 2008)
- Bielema speaks after bye week (September 23, 2008)
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The Wisconsin football team (3-0) is coming off of its first victory against a ranked non-conference opponent in 50 years after beating Fresno State (2-1) at Bulldog Stadium Sept. 13. After the victory, the Badgers are the only team in the Big Ten to take on a ranked non-conference opponent and come away unscathed. They will be tested on the road again at Michigan (1-2) in their Big Ten opener at the Big House in Ann Arbor, Mich., this Saturday.
Luckily for the Badgers, they had an extra week to prepare before they enter conference play, and they aren’t taking their No. 8 ranking for granted, either.
“In week one of Big Ten play, everyone’s record is 0-0, and I think it’s important to take note of that,” said head coach Bret Bielema in his weekly Monday press conference.
Fast start
Much of the Badgers’ early success can be attributed to their solid defense and running game. UW is giving up just 13.7 points per game while rushing for nearly 240 yards per game and will look to utilize the same formula when they travel to Ann Arbor. While Michigan has had success against the run, Bielema is confident that his three-headed monster of P.J. Hill, Zach Brown and John Clay coming out of the backfield will continue to eat up yardage and control the game.
“Of the three teams they’ve played, nobody is in comparison to what we do offensively,” Bielema said of Michigan.
No Team Sticking Out
Recent history has shown the Big Ten is one of the most competitive conferences in the nation. While it may not always be the most talented, Bielema realizes that on any given Saturday, anything can happen.
“I believe there’s 11 teams in position to do something,” said Bielema “I don’t see a team out there that maybe jumps out above anybody else.”
Taking the season one game at a time may be a bit trite, but it’s a necessary ingredient for having success in the Big Ten.
“People have tried to get us to jump ahead to certain games; the only thing we have in front of us right now is Michigan and that’s all we focus on,” Bielema said.
Injury update
Getting healthy is a big concern for the Badgers as many of their top players have suffered injuries causing them to miss game time or practices throughout the course of the young season. Hill and Clay each missed practice time last week with back pain but are expected to play on Saturday.
Senior defensive tackle Jason Chapman has been participating in practice with a cast on his hand. Junior linebacker Jaevery McFadden is also participating in practice after successful surgery on his hand. Both Chapman and McFadden are expected to play Saturday.
Senior tight end Travis Beckum began taking reps at full speed in last week’s practice. Beckum is looking to shake off some of the rust he showed against Fresno State.
“He hadn’t caught a ball in three weeks full speed,” Bielema said. “That first pass that was thrown to him in the Fresno [State] game: Although it was a difficult catch, it’s one you’d probably expect to see Travis make all the time.”
Sophomore defensive back Aaron Henry is questionable for Saturday’s game at Michigan. He still isn’t completely comfortable with his surgically repaired knee, and if he isn’t ready to go soon, he may be redshirted.
“Over the next two weeks (we’ll) have to make a decision on (Aaron) if he is going to be a redshirt guy or be a guy who can help us this fall,” Bielema said.
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IP hash: 4e623f82
Did he have anything to say about how stupid some of his players are to get in trouble with the cops repeatedly?
I’m still waiting to hear how Casillas managed to get busted for DUI on a moped.
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As a former Badger athlete who was a culprit of the MUI (Mopeding under the influence) hey, it happens. Not condoning the behavior. It was dumb when I did it too as a danger to myself. Boys will be boys