[media-credit name=’BRYAN FAUST/Herald Photo’ align=’alignright’ width=’336′][/media-credit]Punt returner Zach Hampton played poorly on an otherwise peerless Saturday, and was ultimately benched near the end of the game in favor of wide receiver Luke Swan. Hampton botched two punts against the Gophers, and most notoriously fumbled away a punt against the Wolverines.
However, UW head coach Bret Bielema stated in clear terms that his confidence in Hampton has not wavered and that the fifth-year senior will retain his spot as the team's punt returner against Purdue.
"Zach has been our punt returner all year and he's going to remain in that role; the thing that I thought was difficult for Zach on Saturday was the first two punts," Bielema said.
"The first one was a 24-yard punt and he wasn't able to field it. He had trouble fielding the next one based off some wind conditions."
He further articulated that Swan was used late in the game more to secure possession off a punt, rather than to replace Hampton.
"When I put Luke in, he has very sure hands; when we put him it's pretty much a fair catch … [we're] just making sure the ball was secure in our hands."
MVP update: Stocco shines again
John Stocco was named Bielema's offensive MVP of the week for the second time in three weeks.
Bielema singled his quarterback again for his ability to lead the offense to another big day on the scoreboard, this time contributing a 48-point output.
"John Stocco had another great performance," Bielema said of his quarterback, who picked apart the Golden Gophers with four touchdown passes. "Going into that game, him being from the state of Minnesota, it meant the world to him to play a great game."
The head coach also heralded Jack Ikegwuonu's role on defense. Ikegwuonu recovered a fumble 95 seconds into the game, and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown, giving the Badgers an early 7-0 lead.
"Jack came up with a big play at the beginning, and really the biggest one at the end of the game, too, to defend that pass in the end zone," Bielema said.
Ikegwuonu's deflection, although unimportant to the game's outcome, put the finishing touches on Wisconsin's dominating 36-point victory.
Jason Chapman, who forced that aforementioned fumble, earned co-defensive honors with Ikegwuonu, due to his two sacks on the game that placed him atop the Badger sack leaders with four on the year.
On special teams, kickoff return specialist Jarvis Minton received MVP accolades for his stellar performance, which was highlighted by a 25-yard kickoff return and two receptions.
"It was great from a coaching standpoint to see Jarvis Minton rebound out there," Bielema said. "Not only has he been doing a good job blocking for us as a wide receiver, but returned as a kickoff return man, doing a good job there."
John Moffitt and Joe Sibley received the offensive and defensive MVP honors, respectively, for UW's scout team.
Offensive confidence
The Badgers have scored 141 points in their last three games, the most in three consecutive Big Ten games in school history.
"As our players have become more comfortable with what's happening offensively, their confidence has grown and they are able to execute that much better," Bielema said. Wisconsin's recent transformation into an offensive powerhouse over the last three Big Ten matchups has not only helped Stocco's offensive passing statistics, but has catapulted P.J. Hill into the national spotlight. The freshman running back is already drawing early comparisons to Badger legend and Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne. Hill ranks fifth in the nation in rushing, averaging 144.4 yards per game.
Offensive line coach takes temporary leave of absence
Offensive line coach Bob Palcic may not join the Badgers in West Lafayette this Saturday. The first-year assistant coach left for New York in order to be with his family and ailing mother.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bob (Palcic)," Bielema said. Palcic, an assistant coach in the National Football League from 1994-2005, replaced longtime Badger offensive line coach John Palermo this season.