This Saturday, Badgers head coach Bret Bielema will enter the Big House for Wisconsin's Big Ten season opener, attempting to become just the second UW coach since 1919 to begin his career with four consecutive victories.
However, a historic fourth win, elusive to many Wisconsin coaches including the legendary Barry Alvarez, will be difficult to record.
The Badgers face many unique obstacles when they travel to Ann Arbor to face the No. 6 Wolverines. To start, the Badgers' inexperience means most have not played at Michigan Stadium, the largest and one of the most intimidating places to play for a visiting team.
But Bielema dispelled concerns about not playing well because of such a distinctively large and hostile atmosphere.
"There has been a lot said about Michigan Stadium and all that goes with it," the first-year head coach said. "I do know that as someone who has been in that stadium, it's not a place where good things can't happen for visiting teams."
Week 3 MVPs
Bielema handed out the coaching staff's Players of the Week for the third game of the season. Tight end Andy Crooks was the offensive selection, who contributed more than just his one catch for 11 yards on the day.
"[It was] probably his most complete game of the year to this point," Bielema said of the SDSU game. "[He] made a great catch down there in the red zone, as well as did some things in the blocking schemes and protected our quarterback."
On the defensive side, linebacker Mark Zalewski shared honors with defensive tackle Jason Chapman, who Bielema praised for his ball-hawking ability against the Aztecs.
"Jason, in particular, of all his games to this point really got off the football, got some penetration," Bielema said. "He [also] caused that sack later on that really backed them up."
Punt returner Zach Hampton, who also fills in at free safety and on punt coverages, received Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
"He gets his most notoriety for his ability to catch the football with a little bit of traffic," Bielema said. "We have tried to instill in him the thought of a fair catch is not a bad thing every once in a while."
Rounding out the award winners were Offensive Scout Player of the Week Allan Evridge and second-time nomination Terrance Jamison for Defensive Scout Player of the Week.
Coming in as the underdog
While the young Badger coach acknowledges that the talent-laden Wolverines are favored in next week's game, he downplayed any idea that the Badgers would not be able to compete against the highly ranked Wolverines.
"According to the way things work out, every game is going have someone that is favored and somebody who is the underdog," Bielema said. "So if we are the underdog this week, it's probably a new position for us, but its not going to change up the approach we have."
The last time the Badgers upset a Michigan team ranked this high was over 25 years ago, when they beat the then top-ranked Wolverines 21-14 in Madison. Even though history is against him, and Bielema acknowledges Michigan as a very worthy and competitive opponent, he sees reason to be optimistic.
"What I see from Michigan is there are a group of players that have experience, and they are able to execute," Bielema said. "The great thing is, the reason we play on Saturday is to give everyone a chance, it's 11 on 11."
Injury Report
Badgers defensive end Jamal Cooper (shoulder), who sat out last week's game against San Diego State, has resumed practicing with the team and is expected to play against Michigan, according to Bielema.
Meanwhile, defensive lineman Justin Ostrowski (knee) remains out indefinitely.
"Justin Ostrowski, on the other hand, will be held out of this game," Bielema said. "[He'll be out] for an extended period of time, and that really doesn't look to change in the near future."