[media-credit name=’JEFF SCHORFHEIDE/Herald photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]Ron Dayne, Brian Calhoun and P.J. Hill are three different running backs all united by one need: The presence of offensive linemen capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
This past weekend's win against Iowa, along with The Citadel win from two weeks ago, are in large part due to the efforts of the Badger front five. Senior Marcus Coleman joins Kraig Urbik, Andy Kemp, Eric Vanden Heuvel and Gabe Carimi to form the heart and soul of the Badger running game.
"The guys up front did a good job opening up holes to allow me to run hard," Hill said after scoring five touchdowns against The Citadel.
Down three points at the end of the third quarter on Saturday night against the Hawkeyes, the Badgers started a crucial drive highlighted by P.J. Hill's 10 carries for 43 yards. Hill's touchdown came on third and goal from the two-yard line, putting the Badgers ahead 14-10.
Sophomore Gabe Carimi didn't let a little hunger stop him from pounding the Iowa defense in the second half. In light of this past weekend's Yom Kippur Holiday, the Day of Atonement in the Jewish religion, Carimi played on an empty stomach. Although he received IV treatments throughout the day, his efforts were respectable to say the least.
"I felt good, if not better," Carimi said. "I had been fighting a cold the past couple weeks."
Needless to say he and the rest of the line were prepared for the much needed comeback drive.
"It should have been a better first half," Carimi added. "But we know how to respond to fourth quarter games."
Carimi's linemate Andy Kemp, an Academic All-Big Ten left guard for the Badgers, also felt the heat early in the fourth quarter.
"We put it on our line with P.J.," Kemp said. "We've trained and conditioned enough to beat the defensive line and linebackers late in the game."
Carimi is the only nonreturning starter, but the 6-foot-8 left tackle is fitting right in with the tradition of bruisers on the offensive line.
Hill is among the nation’s leaders in rushing yards (512) and total touchdowns (8). Much of Hill’s runs have gone through Carimi’s side of the line.
But Carimi’s success stems beyond just this season. Coming out of high school, Carimi was awarded with All-American status by "Parade" and Rivals.com ranked him the No. 3 overall recruit in Wisconsin, and the No. 30 lineman in the country.
Although Carimi has strong credentials, he still looks to his elder line mates Kraig Urbik and Marcus Coleman for leadership and support.
"Marcus is the senior, and he has made big impacts," Carimi said. "Marcus helped me when I gave up my first sack. He told me not to dwell on it because he could see that it knocked me off of my game."
Coleman takes his role as the guy to look up to in stride.
"We're all leaders at our position, we help each other out." Coleman said. "As the only senior, there is a little responsibility to keep the guys up."
Still, in every player there is always room for improvement. Carimi admitted he needs to continue to work on his technique day in and day out. He especially seeks improvement in his skills as a pass protector.
Coleman and Kemp also commented on their needs to improve mentally and physically every day.
"It's really a learning process," Kemp said. "It's important that we improve every day as a collective line."
While Hill continues to garner national attention for his big games and game-winning touchdowns, the offensive line will quietly be responsible for opening up those holes and pounding opposing defensive linemen to the ground. They will do it all gladly under the radar in an effort to help Wisconsin win.