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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.