After little more than a month’s worth of practice, the Badgers will take the field for an intra-squad scrimmage between the “Cardinal” and the “White” during the 2002 Spring Game Saturday at venerable Camp Randall stadium. The more experienced Cardinal team boasts both the first team offense and defense, while the White squad is comprised of the younger Badger backups.
Many players will play for both squads, including defensive backs Robert Brooks and Brett Bell, defensive tackle Kalvin Barrett and third-string quarterback Matt Schabert. The White squad will be spotted 28 points to start the game.
Head Coach Barry Alvarez will not take part in any of the decision making or play calling come Saturday. Alvarez will watch the scrimmage from on high in the press box, as he has divided the coaching responsibilities of the spring game between his assistants.
Guiding the Cardinal squad will be first-year defensive-backs coach Ron Cooper. Cooper has been a welcome addition to the Badger coaching staff, simplifying his defense scheme and encouraging the rest of the staff to do the same. Defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove will serve as an assistant to coach “Coop” with offensive coordinator Brian White calling the plays for the offense. Also serving as a special guest coach for the Cardinal will be Big Ten Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year Bo Ryan.
For the White squad, first-year tight ends’ coach Paul Chryst will lead the team, with veteran assistants Jim Heuber and John Palermo aiding the former Badger player who played in several UW Spring Games himself in the 1980s.
Brian White will also be calling the offensive plays for the White team. Serving as guest coach for the White team will be Athletic Booster Keith Decker of the Mendota Gridiron Club of Madison.
The Spring Game will be limited both in terms of playing time for some of the bigger-name Badgers but also in terms of the style of play. Alvarez has limited the Badger defense by prohibiting any blitzes or stunts. Quarterbacks Brooks Bollinger and Jim Sorgi will be wearing “green shirts,” which prevent them from being hit by the opposing defense. However, younger quarterbacks Matt Schabert, Owen Daniels and Devin Hollins will not be wearing the green shirts. The trio will be given the chance to show off their escape abilities in a more game-like situation.
With great depth on the defensive line, the White squad boasts some talented players who did see some playing time last season. Nick Cochart will play defensive tackle for the squad. Cochart played in all 12 games last season, and is tabbed to backup the surprise of the spring, Jason Jefferson, this fall. Right defensive-end Johnathan Welsh, who played in nine games last fall, will also play for the White squad Saturday.
The Badgers’ three fullbacks have all received injuries throughout the spring season, the most serious of which belonging to Russ Kuhns, whose ankle injury will keep him out of the Spring Game and an additional six to eight weeks. Until his injury, Kuhns exhibited a newfound quickness and an adept ability at catching balls out of the backfield.
Another fullback who may have to sit out the Spring Game due to injury is Eric Bickerstaff. Bickerstaff, who is larger than Kuhns, has surprised coaches this spring with his speed and has often been lined up at tailback during many spring practice scrimmages. His combination of speed and size has been impressive thus far. Look for Bickerstaff to create a great one-two punch with Anthony Davis come the regular season.
With third-string full back Matt Bernstein also injured, the Cardinal will have to rely on tight end Matt Mialik for the fullback duties. The White squad will use a tight end in motion and a one back set to make up for the lack of healthy fullbacks.
Finally, the most wide-open races of the spring season will hopefully be resolved on Saturday. Mike Allen has been the steadiest of the not-so-steady place kickers for the Badgers. Allen will play for the Cardinal squad, while sophomore Adam Espinoza will kick for the White squad. Right now Allen has the kicking job, but transfer Scott Campbell may claim the spot in the fall.
On the punting side of special teams, a skinnier and steadier R.J. Morse will play for the Cardinal, while junior Kirk Munden will punt for the White side of the ball. The punting job is still wide open, and whoever performs better in the Spring Game may get the nod in the fall.
Free to all, the Spring Game will be the first time the public has seen the Badgers play in 2002. With many positions still looking for starters, the game should be well worth watching.
