[media-credit name=’BRYAN FAUST/Herald photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]Dywon Rowan compiled 96 total yards and Jamil Walker led all runners with 74 yards on the ground, as the Cardinal team defeated the White squad, 19-14, in UW's annual Spring Game in front of a crowd of 10,139 at Camp Randall Stadium Saturday.

The Cardinal team was comprised of UW's starters, whereas the White team consisted of the reserves on the squad, though there was continuous lineup shuffling throughout the contest. Points earned by the White squad
were doubled on the scoreboard.

The tweaked scoring system paid instant dividends for the White team. Quarterback John Stocco — who produced a strong day for the Cardinal, completing 10 of 13 passes for 154 yards in just one half of play — made his lone mistake of the afternoon early in the first quarter. Zach Hampton cut behind intended receiver Paul Hubbard and intercepted Stocco, running it back 59 yards for the touchdown and pushing the White out in front 14-0 with the double points.

From there, however, it was all Cardinal.

P.J. Hill went down less than five minutes into the contest with a stinger, according to UW head coach Bret Bielema.

Bielema added the injury is not serious.

Rowan came in and took the reins for the Cardinal running game. The fifth-year senior capped a five-play, 70-yard drive with a 2-yard dash into the end zone, putting the Cardinal team on the scoreboard.

Overall, Rowan ended the game with 50 rushing yards on six carries, as well as three catches for another 46 yards on the afternoon.

"I like what Dywon did; I think he's able to get himself vertical and change direction in a short amount of time," Bielema said. "[I] thought he caught a couple of nice screens today, as well. He's got the ability to catch the football as well as run."

Stocco, who has constantly spoken about the Badgers' necessity to find consistency, praised Rowan for his ability to accomplish as such.

"He's been real good for us; he's kind of a power guy, he's got good vision, and he's been real steady for us," Stocco said. "He's a guy that's been real consistent for us, so far, and he made some nice plays today."

Not to be outdone, Walker earned 16 carries on the day (13 for Cardinal and three for White).

His 74-yard, one-touchdown effort was enough to show that he will be a strong competitor with both Hill and Rowan for playing time come September.

"We all made statements today," Walker said, when asked if Rowan in particular had done so during the game. "We just have fun with it. If somebody does something good, you pat him on the butt or just tell him 'good job.' We're
just having fun competing."

"I think that all the running backs have a chance because they haven't named the starter yet, but me and Jamil did, I think, the best out of the backs today," Rowan said. "P.J. went down early, and the young guys really don't have a sense for the game yet, but I think me and Jamil did make a push for the No. 1 spot today."

UW's starting defensive corps gave up no points to the White team Saturday, surrendering only 130 total yards and seven first downs in the game.

"We came in, everyone seemed like they were really comfortable with where we were today and were flying around making plays," linebacker Mark Zalewski said. "Even our twos against the one offense in the first half, they looked like they were real sound and they were making plays, too. So I think, all around, the defense
played pretty well."

Stocco, along with defensive stars Zalewski, Joe Stellmacher and Roderick Rogers, did not participate in the second half. Bielema said he believed those four to be relatively established at their positions and didn't feel the need to
utilize them too much after the first half of play.

Marcus Randle El led all receivers with five catches and 50 yards on the day, whereas Travis Beckum carried the White load with three grabs and 14 yards.

A facemasking penalty on White's offense in the end zone awarded the Cardinal a safety, which turned out to be the winning pair of points for the starters, as it moved the score to 16-14.

Taylor Mehlhaff missed a 43-yard FG opportunity just into the second quarter but redeemed himself by nailing a 41-yarder with six minutes remaining in the contest, putting the score to rest at 19-14.