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"We call them the
specialists," senior teammate Paul Hubbard said.

For the last four years, kicker Taylor Mehlhaff
and punter Ken DeBauche have been the face of the special teams for the
Wisconsin football program.

"We both have been
really lucky to play here for four years and get playing time all of those
years," DeBauche said. "There are not many guys that can say that they have
played for all four years."

Most overlook the
impact the two have had on the program. Mehlhaff, who has handled kickoff
duties all four years and attempted field goals for three, has a career field
goal average of 77 percent (44-57). For the past two years, he has finished
second in points scored on the team, averaging 95 total points. In his senior
season so far, Mehlhaff is fourth in the Big Ten in field goals per game (1.5)
and field goal percentage (88.2). With his prestigious left foot, Mehlhaff is
tied as number one in the Big Ten in touchbacks (19).

"The biggest thing
about being a kicker is gaining confidence, and every year I have improved,"
Mehlhaff said. "As a kicker, it is all about consistency, and as you get older
you have the chance to go out there and do your job well."

Mehlhaff's confidence
has led him to be honored as a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, which is
given to the best kicker in college football.

Along with Mehlhaff,
Ken DeBauche has had a more than impressive career as a Badger. Starting freshman
year as the punter and the holder, he averages just over 42 yards per punt,
ranking him second in school history. DeBauche has been a weapon for the
Wisconsin defense, pinning the opponents deep in their own end by dropping 64
kicks inside the 20-yard line during his career.

After his 2006 season,
Sporting News recognized DeBauche as the No. 2 punter in the nation. Before
this season, DeBauche was named to the watch list for the Ray Guy Award, given
annually to the best punter in college football.

"I have always had
high expectations and goals for myself," DeBauche said. "I can't tell you what
they were, and I can't tell you whether or not I have met them, but looking
back, I wouldn't do anything differently."

Last week against Ohio
State, DeBauche startled Badger fans twice on fake punts. The first attempt
resulted in a 31-yard completion to fellow senior and punter Paul Standring.

The second fake punt —
one which was actually called off by the coaching staff without DeBauche’s
knowledge — was a run attempt deep in the Badgers’ own territory that was
unsuccessful.

"I like trick plays,
and I like having the ball in my hands," DeBauche said. "Even though I am a
punter now, I always consider myself somewhat of a quarterback and wide
receiver due to all my years around football. I think this week, however, I
will stick to punting and see how that goes."

This coming weekend’s
game against No. 12 Michigan will mark DeBauche, Mehlhaff and the rest of the
UW seniors’ final game on the home turf of Camp Randall Stadium.

"It really hasn't hit
me yet," DeBauche said. "It's different to think that this is going to be the
last time we run out of the tunnel and play in front of the sea of red of
80,000 fans here at Camp Randall."

Between celebrating
Senior Day and having a chance to play spoiler with Michigan’s Big Ten
Conference championship hopes, there will be a little extra motivation when the
Badgers take the field.

"It will be emotional for sure," Mehlhaff said.
"We aren't going to prepare any different, and that's one of the things that
Coach B always references to in his speeches. There is always a little extra
incentive when you are playing a team like Michigan when they are competing for
the conference."

With only two regular
season games left and a bowl game at stake, the senior class will look to take
on the leadership role necessary to lead the Badgers forward. This particular
group has the ability to become the all-time leader in wins in Wisconsin
football history with a single victory.

With kicker Taylor
Mehlhaff and punter Ken DeBauche leading the charge as the catalysts on
offense, the maize and blue might not know what is coming for them on Saturday.