First, tracking Potrykus's comments, I'm sticking with my obscenely early snap decision that Sherer will be the starter. And I'm ok with that.
The Sentinel's (unattributed, but got to believe it's Potrykus's) latest practice report has some good info in it. From the sound of things, expect Toon as a starting wide receiver. It's good to hear that Jefferson is doing something to reduce his exposure to further concussions, but with the solid reports Toon is getting, I'm assuming he'll be the first on the field (with Anderson). As I said the other day, I think 3 WRs will be a pretty common set for the Badgers, with a TE rather than a fullback. That's where Gilreath will come in, I think. On the other hand, with Mickey Turner flashing some skills in practice, Chryst may have a tough decision whether to go that way, or two tight ends, which might give him as many weapons receiving, and better versatility running. Either way, don't expect to see our new fullbacks (Jones, Ewing, and Spitz) on the field as often as you saw Pressley and Rentmeester last season.
Two more notes from the report: it sounds like the DBs are playing pretty well (also here), and Pat Hughes, a walk-on, will be the back-up kicker with Fischer off to Cornell (Potrykus asks Bielema about it on video; also an interesting discussion of the DBs, including focus on Otis Merrill who remains buried in the depth chart).
Speaking of the secondary, another note from the JS gives a little background on the Shane Carter "incident" that kept him out of the bowl (not academics, as I previously misstated). Also, Potrykus reiterates what Coach Cooks said last week, that the safeties will play one side and the other, but not a traditional strong and free safety. In the back of my head that worries me a little re Valai, who's height might be a liability in a free safety-type role -- on the other hand, it's probably a liability no matter what. Despite that, he got consistently better last year, and I expect will do the same this year.
JJ Watt sounds like the real deal at DT. I remain not terribly concerned about the d-line.
Badgerbeat reiterates what Coach Settle had to say about John Clay: lose weight, understand the playbook. Clay has been up around 250, but needs to get to 240, preferably a little lower than that. I've got to believe Clay will stay at #1 on the depth chart, but if he doesn't get a better handle on the playbook, we'll see more of Zach Brown. Not a bad thing. Zach can play.
It's a Business
I've been enjoying Chris Pressley's blogging for the Journal Sentinel about his efforts to make the NFL. He's a smart guy, a hard worker, and everyone in Badger Nation should wish him all the best. Here's his latest installment.
One thing you can take away from this? College football is a lot of things, including a money maker for the athletic department. It's not a business. Not like the League is. Just reading Pressley's notes you start to get a feel for the business influence. The NFL is great football, but it sure isn't just a bunch of guys out playing football for the love of the game.
One thing you can take away from this? College football is a lot of things, including a money maker for the athletic department. It's not a business. Not like the League is. Just reading Pressley's notes you start to get a feel for the business influence. The NFL is great football, but it sure isn't just a bunch of guys out playing football for the love of the game.
Nick Sheridan Breaks Leg
Michigan quarterback Nick Sheridan apparently broke his leg yesterday in practice. Conventional wisdom was already that true freshman Tate Forcier was the starting quarterback for the Fall. Now there's no doubt.
Let's hope the Badgers don't have any similar injuries this Spring.
Let's hope the Badgers don't have any similar injuries this Spring.
Chryst Knows
Solid comments from Chryst on the quarterback situation yesterday here (about 1 minute in).
QB is the key and it's what he's focused on.
Also, interesting comment at the end about using what you have. Don't be surprised to see a lot of two-tight end sets and more 3 WR, 1 TE sets than we did the last two years.
QB is the key and it's what he's focused on.
Also, interesting comment at the end about using what you have. Don't be surprised to see a lot of two-tight end sets and more 3 WR, 1 TE sets than we did the last two years.
Spring Bloom: Notes from BB's Presser
Some quick hitters out of the opening press conference for the Spring:
Of note on the depth chart: Bsherer moved to left guard to help shore up the lack of depth there. We could have a very athletic line, but a very green second string. On the defensive line Garner and Grimes, both likely not in the two-deep, but good for depth . . . not anymore. They are out of the program.
Backup kicker Fisher is gone to Cornell. Frankly it's hard to see how that's a bad move for him.
Likely the 1st and 2nd string fullbacks (Jones and Ewing) are out for the spring with injuries. Mo Moore and Jay Valai will miss some practice due to recent surgeries. Tyler Westphal is also going to miss the Spring, which isn't good news for a developing young talent at defensive end.
Mario Goins is still in academic trouble with Bret and won't practice this Spring. Similarly Shane Carter is on thin ice. Pretty clear that Henry and Brinkley will be the starters at corner unless something surprising happens. If Goins and Carter don't make the grade, as it were, it's going to hurt the previously expected depth in the backfield quite a bit.
Clay needs to slim down. But not too much; he's always going to be a load to carry.
Toon and Jefferson are sprinting with the track team and Bielema likes what it's doing for their attitudes.
Finally, based on Potrykus's thoughts on the quarterbacks yesterday, and looking at a ridiculously quick snap decision (subject to change daily), I'm throwing my hat in the Sherer corner. Consistent is what we need, much more than "athletic," and I'm just not willing to call for a true freshman who hasn't played competitively in over a year.
Of note on the depth chart: Bsherer moved to left guard to help shore up the lack of depth there. We could have a very athletic line, but a very green second string. On the defensive line Garner and Grimes, both likely not in the two-deep, but good for depth . . . not anymore. They are out of the program.
Backup kicker Fisher is gone to Cornell. Frankly it's hard to see how that's a bad move for him.
Likely the 1st and 2nd string fullbacks (Jones and Ewing) are out for the spring with injuries. Mo Moore and Jay Valai will miss some practice due to recent surgeries. Tyler Westphal is also going to miss the Spring, which isn't good news for a developing young talent at defensive end.
Mario Goins is still in academic trouble with Bret and won't practice this Spring. Similarly Shane Carter is on thin ice. Pretty clear that Henry and Brinkley will be the starters at corner unless something surprising happens. If Goins and Carter don't make the grade, as it were, it's going to hurt the previously expected depth in the backfield quite a bit.
Clay needs to slim down. But not too much; he's always going to be a load to carry.
Toon and Jefferson are sprinting with the track team and Bielema likes what it's doing for their attitudes.
Finally, based on Potrykus's thoughts on the quarterbacks yesterday, and looking at a ridiculously quick snap decision (subject to change daily), I'm throwing my hat in the Sherer corner. Consistent is what we need, much more than "athletic," and I'm just not willing to call for a true freshman who hasn't played competitively in over a year.
5 Questions for Spring Practice? How About 3 . . .
Men's basketball survived longer than expected, but they're done. Men's hockey came in third in the WCHA regular season and tournament, but that wasn't good enough to make the dance, and the women have established their dynasty. So let's get back to football, with Spring practice kicking off tomorrow:
It seems fashionable to ask 5 questions for spring practice, and I guess, if pressed, I can come up with five, but I think there are really three critical questions:
(1) Who is the quarterback? Really, this is the only question. All else pales in comparison. If ESPN is reporting on it, you know that it's common knowledge. As the quarterback goes, so go the Badger fortunes in 2009. Sherer? Phillips? Tolzein isn't really in the equation, is he? Budmayr? No. Not as a true freshman who hasn't taken a competitive snap in over a year. The coaches' video on the quarterbacks: here.
(2) How do the new folks look in our defensive front seven? Largely new defensive line and a complete reshuffling at linebacker (McFadden is back, but in a new position).
(3) Can our receivers hang onto the ball? Last year there were dropsies all over the field. To give the offense the diversity Chryst so badly wants, we need receivers who hang onto the ball.
By my count, those are the three big questions.
For those of you who really want five, (4) how does Henry look at corner? Recovered? (5) How do the semi-new faces on the offensive line look?
But don't kid yourself even with three questions, it's all about the quarterback.
Here is Potrykus's version.
It seems fashionable to ask 5 questions for spring practice, and I guess, if pressed, I can come up with five, but I think there are really three critical questions:
(1) Who is the quarterback? Really, this is the only question. All else pales in comparison. If ESPN is reporting on it, you know that it's common knowledge. As the quarterback goes, so go the Badger fortunes in 2009. Sherer? Phillips? Tolzein isn't really in the equation, is he? Budmayr? No. Not as a true freshman who hasn't taken a competitive snap in over a year. The coaches' video on the quarterbacks: here.
(2) How do the new folks look in our defensive front seven? Largely new defensive line and a complete reshuffling at linebacker (McFadden is back, but in a new position).
(3) Can our receivers hang onto the ball? Last year there were dropsies all over the field. To give the offense the diversity Chryst so badly wants, we need receivers who hang onto the ball.
By my count, those are the three big questions.
For those of you who really want five, (4) how does Henry look at corner? Recovered? (5) How do the semi-new faces on the offensive line look?
But don't kid yourself even with three questions, it's all about the quarterback.
Here is Potrykus's version.
Dynasty
The Badgers women's hockey team won their third national title in four years. Led by all-American Hilary Knight, Meghan Duggan, Alicia Matthews, Captain Erika Lawler, and the NCAA's top player, goaltender Jessie Vetter, the Badgers left no doubt with a 5-0 finals win over Mercyhurst. The Badgers rolled through the NCAA tourney outscoring the competition 17-1 capping a season with only two losses. Seniors Vetter, Lawler, Matthews, Rachel Bible, Kayla Hagen and Angie Keseley have been there for all three national titles. Coached by Mark Johnson, himself one of the Badgers' all-time greats, with a men's NCAA title as a player, two goals in the Miracle on Ice victory over the Russians in 1980, a two-time NHL all-star with over 300 career goals, now coach of three women's NCAA titles, and the 2010 U.S. Women's National Team Coach, there's very little not to like about this team. Many, many congratulations to the dynasty in Madison.
UW Release College Hockey Online Release
Nice video intro to the team here; UW will surely release a 2008-09 highlight video soon.
UW Release College Hockey Online Release
Nice video intro to the team here; UW will surely release a 2008-09 highlight video soon.
Basketball Tourney: On Second Thought . . .
I've been kind of down on the NCAA tourney this year. Not that interested. Too many teams that don't belong. Frankly 64 teams is just too many. Among those 64, there's no way the Badgers are a national title team, so why should they (among many others) be playing in the tourney for the national title? It's a fun event, but it's a ridiculous way to chose a champion. Maybe even more so than the way they do in football. Anyway, that's not the point here. The point is, I've been disinterested.
So it's halftime of the Badger game and the announcers have decided Wisconsin sucks and doesn't belong, nor, for that matter, does the rest of the Big Ten. All of the sudden I cared again.
I was stuck at work, then coming home checking the score on my blackberry. It went to overtime as I was getting on my bike from the train station, so like any true fan I checked the score while I was riding (real safe, I know).
So all I have to say now, in sum, is . . .
HELL YEAH!!
So it's halftime of the Badger game and the announcers have decided Wisconsin sucks and doesn't belong, nor, for that matter, does the rest of the Big Ten. All of the sudden I cared again.
I was stuck at work, then coming home checking the score on my blackberry. It went to overtime as I was getting on my bike from the train station, so like any true fan I checked the score while I was riding (real safe, I know).
So all I have to say now, in sum, is . . .
HELL YEAH!!
Why Wisconsin?
It's a good year to adopt the women's hockey team. First, they are gunning for their 3rd national title in four years. Second, with a win today they could become the first program to go to four straight national finals.
Update: With a 5-1 thrashing of UM-D, the Badgers are in the finals.
Third, the ladies "get" Wisconsin. Really. Senior captain Erika Lawler, from Massachusetts:
"It's a very proud school," said Lawler. "You go there, and everyone's really proud to be a Wisconsin Badger. Definitely the school's pride is a cool, cool thing, a unique thing that Wisconsin has."
"Wisconsin people go all out in their sports, everyone's really into it and just fully invested in their sports and very supportive there. They have an unbelievable atmosphere. It's such a fun environment to be a part of while you're there and while you're living in it."
Meaghan Duggan, also from Massachusetts:
"I didn't know much about the school," Duggan said. "They fly you out for your official visit and I was kind of starstruck. It's an unbelievable campus, it's a beautiful city, I love Madison. They won the national championships the year before I got there. I knew the hockey was a powerhouse and it's just an unbelievable university."
"Anyone that goes out to Madison and gets the tour on the University of Wisconsin campus is going to think the same thing. I heard from a bunch of people from home that they didn't go out there because they were afraid they'd never come back."
"I guess that happened to me. It's hard to leave home and be away from my family but it was definitely the right decision for me."
Same for me. Ok, I didn't have an official visit and wasn't playing any sport (let alone one that just won a national title), and I enjoyed the independence of being far away from home, but on my first visit I saw the same thing: the University really is a special place. Nice to see these lady Badgers represent us so well.
Go Badgers.
I like the news feed feature, got this from here.
Update: With a 5-1 thrashing of UM-D, the Badgers are in the finals.
Third, the ladies "get" Wisconsin. Really. Senior captain Erika Lawler, from Massachusetts:
"It's a very proud school," said Lawler. "You go there, and everyone's really proud to be a Wisconsin Badger. Definitely the school's pride is a cool, cool thing, a unique thing that Wisconsin has."
"Wisconsin people go all out in their sports, everyone's really into it and just fully invested in their sports and very supportive there. They have an unbelievable atmosphere. It's such a fun environment to be a part of while you're there and while you're living in it."
Meaghan Duggan, also from Massachusetts:
"I didn't know much about the school," Duggan said. "They fly you out for your official visit and I was kind of starstruck. It's an unbelievable campus, it's a beautiful city, I love Madison. They won the national championships the year before I got there. I knew the hockey was a powerhouse and it's just an unbelievable university."
"Anyone that goes out to Madison and gets the tour on the University of Wisconsin campus is going to think the same thing. I heard from a bunch of people from home that they didn't go out there because they were afraid they'd never come back."
"I guess that happened to me. It's hard to leave home and be away from my family but it was definitely the right decision for me."
Same for me. Ok, I didn't have an official visit and wasn't playing any sport (let alone one that just won a national title), and I enjoyed the independence of being far away from home, but on my first visit I saw the same thing: the University really is a special place. Nice to see these lady Badgers represent us so well.
Go Badgers.
I like the news feed feature, got this from here.
Badger Hockey Friday
Yeah, so the men are playing basketball tomorrow, too.
Update: no NCAA tourney for the men after losing the WCHA semi to Denver. Tough to miss the tourney. Time to pull for the ladies.
Lest you forget, the Badger men's hockey team is playing in the WHCA semi-final vs. Denver. Defenseman Jamie McBain just won the WCHA player of the year award and was named as a top 10 finalist for the NCAA's Hobey Baker (MVP) award. Had the men been a touch more consistent this season, they wouldn't be fighting for their NCAA tourney lives, but they weren't, so they are. A win over Denver won't guarantee anything, but it's a necessary step to keep their NCAA hopes alive. They will need Connelly's best in net and will need to avoid the scoring droughts that haunted them at critical times throughout the regular season.
The women are legit national title contenders, and play in the NCAA semi-final against Minnesota-Duluth. The Badger women have a slight edge in the season series, at 2-1-2, but as that tells you, these teams are evenly matched. They basically need the same thing the men do, solid goaltending and goals (funny, but that's a common theme for how to win hockey games: score more than the other guys), but unlike the men, they consistently get both. In net, Jessie Vetter is one of three finalists for the Patty Kazmaier (MVP) award, and the Badgers had three skaters in the running, too (with two forwards making the final 10).
Update: no NCAA tourney for the men after losing the WCHA semi to Denver. Tough to miss the tourney. Time to pull for the ladies.
Lest you forget, the Badger men's hockey team is playing in the WHCA semi-final vs. Denver. Defenseman Jamie McBain just won the WCHA player of the year award and was named as a top 10 finalist for the NCAA's Hobey Baker (MVP) award. Had the men been a touch more consistent this season, they wouldn't be fighting for their NCAA tourney lives, but they weren't, so they are. A win over Denver won't guarantee anything, but it's a necessary step to keep their NCAA hopes alive. They will need Connelly's best in net and will need to avoid the scoring droughts that haunted them at critical times throughout the regular season.
The women are legit national title contenders, and play in the NCAA semi-final against Minnesota-Duluth. The Badger women have a slight edge in the season series, at 2-1-2, but as that tells you, these teams are evenly matched. They basically need the same thing the men do, solid goaltending and goals (funny, but that's a common theme for how to win hockey games: score more than the other guys), but unlike the men, they consistently get both. In net, Jessie Vetter is one of three finalists for the Patty Kazmaier (MVP) award, and the Badgers had three skaters in the running, too (with two forwards making the final 10).
The Case For Phillips
(1) Mr. Tennessee Football.
(2) Better legs than Sherer
(3) Let's not kid ourselves, Sherer was the guy who couldn't beat out Evridge in the fall last year.
(4) Time
Sure, he'd have some growing pains, but isn't the time for annually having a new quarterback under center over? Maybe he'd be a little rough around the edges, but he's got a solid supporting cast. Moreover, look at their eligibility. Anderson, Gilreath, Toon, Kendricks, Clay . . . all have at least two years left. The offense will only lose two players after the 2009 season to eligibility: Bscherer (who may not even start over Oglesby), and Graham (who is a big loss anyway you cut it). Wouldn't it be nice to have some continuity for the rest of the offense. Can you imagine the potential for that offense in 2010?
And again, it's not as though Sherer was lighting things up last season. Potrykus says you've gotta play for today, not for next year, but this quarterback derby has to end. It's been terrible for the Chryst offense.
The backup is always the fan favorite. To be honest, the case isn't overwhelming for Phillips. However . . .
At the end of the day, if Sherer isn't comfortably ahead of Phillips at the end of the Spring, shouldn't Phillips enter the Fall number one?
PS: ESPN blogger's *probing* interview with Bielema here (I thought BB didn't like bloggers?).
(2) Better legs than Sherer
(3) Let's not kid ourselves, Sherer was the guy who couldn't beat out Evridge in the fall last year.
(4) Time
Sure, he'd have some growing pains, but isn't the time for annually having a new quarterback under center over? Maybe he'd be a little rough around the edges, but he's got a solid supporting cast. Moreover, look at their eligibility. Anderson, Gilreath, Toon, Kendricks, Clay . . . all have at least two years left. The offense will only lose two players after the 2009 season to eligibility: Bscherer (who may not even start over Oglesby), and Graham (who is a big loss anyway you cut it). Wouldn't it be nice to have some continuity for the rest of the offense. Can you imagine the potential for that offense in 2010?
And again, it's not as though Sherer was lighting things up last season. Potrykus says you've gotta play for today, not for next year, but this quarterback derby has to end. It's been terrible for the Chryst offense.
The backup is always the fan favorite. To be honest, the case isn't overwhelming for Phillips. However . . .
At the end of the day, if Sherer isn't comfortably ahead of Phillips at the end of the Spring, shouldn't Phillips enter the Fall number one?
PS: ESPN blogger's *probing* interview with Bielema here (I thought BB didn't like bloggers?).
Why Sherer Should Start
Budmayr? Folks he didn't even play last season as a senior in high school, and some are talking about him starting as a true freshman? Uh, no.
So, Phillips or Sherer. The fan money is on Phillips, right? Phillips was Mr. Tennessee. You know: talent, SEC speed, the whole deal. Sherer will be a 5th year senior who won the starting job last season after Evridge cratered in the first 2-1/2 Big Ten games. Remember the Champs Sports Bowl? Pretty ugly, right? I'm not so sure.
First, do we really want a redshirt freshman starting with the team we're going to send out. We have one of the better (and complimentary) running tandem's the Badgers have had, we have outstanding tight ends, and more experience at wide receiver than we've had in three years, and our line is in pretty decent shape, despite the new starters in three spots. Wouldn't solid quarterback play go a long way to making this a highly efficient offense?
So Sherer wasn't exactly an all-American last year, but he was also thrown in mid-season, having spent the better part of the fall taking limited snaps in practice. He made some great plays against Illinois, Michigan State, and Minnesota. Even against Florida State he made some fantastic throws (in the first half he hit Graham for an amazing 3rd down play inside our own 10). He appears to have a better arm than either Evridge or Donovan. In addition, more so than any quarterback since Stocco in his junior year, Sherer found open wide receivers. He spread the ball around better than Donovan, and better even than Stocco in his senior year. The '09 offense is built to keep the bad guys off balance by spreading the ball around.
Did he make some mistakes? Sure, but is that a big surprise for a guy who's just now starting? Did he learn some lessons? You bet he did. Lessons Phillips would have to learn this season. In addition, he's been in the Chryst system for five years, and he's taken a lot of meaningful snaps and reps. Phillips spent last season on the practice squad, so he's not nearly as well immersed in how the Chryst offense works.
Do we really want a redshirt freshman starting? Wouldn't it be nice to get Phillips a full year as the back-up quarterback so that his sophomore year (by eligibility) he can step in with three full years ahead of him, and a full year behind him practicing in Chryst's system?
That's the argument for Sherer. Don't be surprised if he comes out of camp at the number 1 spot on the depth chart. It might well be for the best.
So, Phillips or Sherer. The fan money is on Phillips, right? Phillips was Mr. Tennessee. You know: talent, SEC speed, the whole deal. Sherer will be a 5th year senior who won the starting job last season after Evridge cratered in the first 2-1/2 Big Ten games. Remember the Champs Sports Bowl? Pretty ugly, right? I'm not so sure.
First, do we really want a redshirt freshman starting with the team we're going to send out. We have one of the better (and complimentary) running tandem's the Badgers have had, we have outstanding tight ends, and more experience at wide receiver than we've had in three years, and our line is in pretty decent shape, despite the new starters in three spots. Wouldn't solid quarterback play go a long way to making this a highly efficient offense?
So Sherer wasn't exactly an all-American last year, but he was also thrown in mid-season, having spent the better part of the fall taking limited snaps in practice. He made some great plays against Illinois, Michigan State, and Minnesota. Even against Florida State he made some fantastic throws (in the first half he hit Graham for an amazing 3rd down play inside our own 10). He appears to have a better arm than either Evridge or Donovan. In addition, more so than any quarterback since Stocco in his junior year, Sherer found open wide receivers. He spread the ball around better than Donovan, and better even than Stocco in his senior year. The '09 offense is built to keep the bad guys off balance by spreading the ball around.
Did he make some mistakes? Sure, but is that a big surprise for a guy who's just now starting? Did he learn some lessons? You bet he did. Lessons Phillips would have to learn this season. In addition, he's been in the Chryst system for five years, and he's taken a lot of meaningful snaps and reps. Phillips spent last season on the practice squad, so he's not nearly as well immersed in how the Chryst offense works.
Do we really want a redshirt freshman starting? Wouldn't it be nice to get Phillips a full year as the back-up quarterback so that his sophomore year (by eligibility) he can step in with three full years ahead of him, and a full year behind him practicing in Chryst's system?
That's the argument for Sherer. Don't be surprised if he comes out of camp at the number 1 spot on the depth chart. It might well be for the best.
Spring 2-Deep: Best Guesses
The Badgers haven't released the Spring depth chart yet, but here's my best guess at how the 2-deep will look. As before, the number corresponds to their eligibility (1=freshman, whether redshirt or true; 4=senior, including 5th years), and an asterisk means a highly touted (i.e. 4 or 5 "star") recruit (for some reason Clay is missing his, but whatever, you all know who he is). On offense things look very good everywhere except depth at guard, and the now annual questionmark at quarterback (and yes, I'm projecting the two new receiver recruits to get playing time, though obviously not this Spring). Also, obviously I've got three receiver positions, along with a tight end and a fullback, so 12 players here on offense. I think that better represents the potential for what Chryst is working with, as does including four tight ends because I think 2-tight end sets will continue to be a common package.
The defense is a little less experienced up front, but thinking back to the work these guys have done, I'm thinking this will be a solid, though probably not spectacular, crew.
The defense is a little less experienced up front, but thinking back to the work these guys have done, I'm thinking this will be a solid, though probably not spectacular, crew.
Spring Preview: Receivers Coming of Age?
That's even how UW titled their Spring preview for this crew (all UW Spring Content here). And that's the bottom line: will a group of talented guys realize their potential. David Gilreath became the most uttered name among the receivers last year after turning in some big plays. He is straight line fast and quick, but needs to catch the balls thrown his way. With his smaller size, in a perfect world he would be a slot receiver in a 3-wide set.
I'm an Isaac Anderson fan. He has good size, good speed, and good hands. Among the current crop of receivers he has the biggest immediate upside and at least some people thought of he had the best pure talent coming in as a recruit. Coming off an injury the year before, he has two years of eligibility left. If the guy under center is good, Anderson can become a real star.
The third receiver is probably the toughest call. Kyle Jefferson started his freshman campaign in part due to Anderson's injuries. He has played well, but drops too many passes. Unfortunately, Jefferson suffered a concussion his freshman year, and again last season, in addition to other injuries. Concussions aren't something to be trifled with, so Jefferson's role may be limited. Given the opportunity to step in last season, Nick Toon played well, if not exceptionally well. He, like practically every other receiver in the corps, needs to do a better job catching balls thrown his way. However, with his size and speed, Toon has a lot of potential, and three more years to realize it. Fans are excited about Toon's NFL-sized pedigree, which is nice, but it's plays he makes, not the ones his dad made, that will make or break him for the Badgers.
Mo Moore and Daven Jones are both fighting back from injuries and will be limited in the Spring. They, too, have solid upside, but are understandably further down the depth chart. With true-freshman Appleton and Duckworth coming in, as well as redshirt freshman TJ Williams, and contributing fifth-year senior TJ Theus back for a final round, there should be plenty of depth on the outside for the Badgers.
I honestly believe Anderson, Toon, and Gilreath (with Jefferson thrown in) could be one of the best sets of starters the Badgers have had. The depth behind them is an added bonus. The key for that to happen is twofold:
(1) to catch the darn ball; and
(2) a quarterback who gets them the ball routinely
Seriously, this Badger offense has a ton of potential. It all hinges on the quarterback . . .
I'm an Isaac Anderson fan. He has good size, good speed, and good hands. Among the current crop of receivers he has the biggest immediate upside and at least some people thought of he had the best pure talent coming in as a recruit. Coming off an injury the year before, he has two years of eligibility left. If the guy under center is good, Anderson can become a real star.
The third receiver is probably the toughest call. Kyle Jefferson started his freshman campaign in part due to Anderson's injuries. He has played well, but drops too many passes. Unfortunately, Jefferson suffered a concussion his freshman year, and again last season, in addition to other injuries. Concussions aren't something to be trifled with, so Jefferson's role may be limited. Given the opportunity to step in last season, Nick Toon played well, if not exceptionally well. He, like practically every other receiver in the corps, needs to do a better job catching balls thrown his way. However, with his size and speed, Toon has a lot of potential, and three more years to realize it. Fans are excited about Toon's NFL-sized pedigree, which is nice, but it's plays he makes, not the ones his dad made, that will make or break him for the Badgers.
Mo Moore and Daven Jones are both fighting back from injuries and will be limited in the Spring. They, too, have solid upside, but are understandably further down the depth chart. With true-freshman Appleton and Duckworth coming in, as well as redshirt freshman TJ Williams, and contributing fifth-year senior TJ Theus back for a final round, there should be plenty of depth on the outside for the Badgers.
I honestly believe Anderson, Toon, and Gilreath (with Jefferson thrown in) could be one of the best sets of starters the Badgers have had. The depth behind them is an added bonus. The key for that to happen is twofold:
(1) to catch the darn ball; and
(2) a quarterback who gets them the ball routinely
Seriously, this Badger offense has a ton of potential. It all hinges on the quarterback . . .
Spring Preview: DBs
Defensive Backs
One word to describe the Badger defensive backfield headed into the Spring? Depth. At safety there are three players with a year-plus of starting experience. Big-hitting Valai is the obvious starter at strong safety, but Pleasant continues to push him and played well in the second half last season. You can't teach height, and that's always a concern with Valai. Free safety is a little tougher to sort out. Shane Carter looked to be a star two years ago, but it hasn't happened yet. Transfer Chris Maragos pushed him for playing time last season, replacing him as the starter for a while. They will continue to battle. Carter looks like he has more raw talent, but in his 5th season, he needs to capitalize on it to hold off Maragos's determined push for the starting spot.
At the corners Aaron Henry returning -- as long as his knee really is fully recovered -- is good news, giving at least the potential for a true lock-down corner. Goins began last season as the starter, but after he went down to injury Niles Brinkley played well. They will battle hard for the starting spot, with one likely becoming the nickel back. I suspect Goins will regain his starting spot, but coach Cooks won't hesitate to go with Brinkley.
Devin Smith and Anthony Fenelus were special teams contributors who are expected to round out the two-deep at the corner spots, and the coaching staff is looking at Otis Merrill as an additional contributor. All have potential, but are unlikely to challenge for the starting positions in 2009.
Looking at a backfield that reads Goins, Valai, Maragos, Henry is reassuring, if not earth shattering. This crew, and their backups, will take a little pressure off of the mostly new defensive line on passing downs. Still, when facing elite receivers, one wonders if they will be able to keep pace.
One word to describe the Badger defensive backfield headed into the Spring? Depth. At safety there are three players with a year-plus of starting experience. Big-hitting Valai is the obvious starter at strong safety, but Pleasant continues to push him and played well in the second half last season. You can't teach height, and that's always a concern with Valai. Free safety is a little tougher to sort out. Shane Carter looked to be a star two years ago, but it hasn't happened yet. Transfer Chris Maragos pushed him for playing time last season, replacing him as the starter for a while. They will continue to battle. Carter looks like he has more raw talent, but in his 5th season, he needs to capitalize on it to hold off Maragos's determined push for the starting spot.
At the corners Aaron Henry returning -- as long as his knee really is fully recovered -- is good news, giving at least the potential for a true lock-down corner. Goins began last season as the starter, but after he went down to injury Niles Brinkley played well. They will battle hard for the starting spot, with one likely becoming the nickel back. I suspect Goins will regain his starting spot, but coach Cooks won't hesitate to go with Brinkley.
Devin Smith and Anthony Fenelus were special teams contributors who are expected to round out the two-deep at the corner spots, and the coaching staff is looking at Otis Merrill as an additional contributor. All have potential, but are unlikely to challenge for the starting positions in 2009.
Looking at a backfield that reads Goins, Valai, Maragos, Henry is reassuring, if not earth shattering. This crew, and their backups, will take a little pressure off of the mostly new defensive line on passing downs. Still, when facing elite receivers, one wonders if they will be able to keep pace.
I Don't Believe In Jinxes: Post-Season
Well, I don't believe that some random fan out in California can say something that somehow jinxes our athletic teams in Wisconsin.
The Badger hockey team still has a shot at the NCAA tourney without winning the WCHA tourney. Number one, they need to beat Denver in the WCHA semifinal. Then a whole bunch of other stuff has to fall just right. So it's still possible, but not likely. The problem is even teams that aren't playing any longer can get a boost in the pairwise rankings (which are very good at predicting NCAA tourney invites) when the teams they have played win. Because of that, the only sure bet is to win the WCHA tourney. So let's pull for that. It only requires 2 upsets, folks.
Along those lines, this Florida State match-up in the basketball tourney seems doable. Truth be told, though, this is a football blog and I don't know a thing about Florida State basketball (but I do know that 12/5 upsets aren't uncommon in hoops; oh, and I know we should have played them better in football). Assuming a win over FSU, everyone seems ok with the likely second round match-up with Xavier, although that strikes me as likely major conference bias. Of course I'd like to see the Badgers go far, but, seriously, there's no way they are one of the best 16 teams in the country. They just aren't. Get there and I'll be very happy for them and cheering them on, but that would just be an example of how strange the outcomes in the NCAA basketball tourney can be. You could say the same thing about the men's hockey team making their tournament.
On the other hand, our women's hockey team is a legit national title contender. Semifinals this Friday vs. UM-D (three WCHA squads, with Minnesota in the other semi, in the Frozen Four!). Go Badgers! Good goaltending is the key to playoff hockey and so far Patty Kazmaier finalist Jessie Vetter (video, and yes, the athletic department LOVES that song for highlight videos), who sounds like a someone who could shred on the lead guitar, has proven up to the task (1.33 GAA is just sick!).
The Badger hockey team still has a shot at the NCAA tourney without winning the WCHA tourney. Number one, they need to beat Denver in the WCHA semifinal. Then a whole bunch of other stuff has to fall just right. So it's still possible, but not likely. The problem is even teams that aren't playing any longer can get a boost in the pairwise rankings (which are very good at predicting NCAA tourney invites) when the teams they have played win. Because of that, the only sure bet is to win the WCHA tourney. So let's pull for that. It only requires 2 upsets, folks.
Along those lines, this Florida State match-up in the basketball tourney seems doable. Truth be told, though, this is a football blog and I don't know a thing about Florida State basketball (but I do know that 12/5 upsets aren't uncommon in hoops; oh, and I know we should have played them better in football). Assuming a win over FSU, everyone seems ok with the likely second round match-up with Xavier, although that strikes me as likely major conference bias. Of course I'd like to see the Badgers go far, but, seriously, there's no way they are one of the best 16 teams in the country. They just aren't. Get there and I'll be very happy for them and cheering them on, but that would just be an example of how strange the outcomes in the NCAA basketball tourney can be. You could say the same thing about the men's hockey team making their tournament.
On the other hand, our women's hockey team is a legit national title contender. Semifinals this Friday vs. UM-D (three WCHA squads, with Minnesota in the other semi, in the Frozen Four!). Go Badgers! Good goaltending is the key to playoff hockey and so far Patty Kazmaier finalist Jessie Vetter (video, and yes, the athletic department LOVES that song for highlight videos), who sounds like a someone who could shred on the lead guitar, has proven up to the task (1.33 GAA is just sick!).
Tuesdays with Barry?
This is a pretty cool little fluff piece from the athletic department *interviewing* Barry about the seniors on the men's basketball team. For the first in the series, talking about other UW coaches, go to the UW audiovisual page.
In other news, PJ . . . well, others have said what needs to be said.
In other news, PJ . . . well, others have said what needs to be said.
Spring Preview: Tight Ends
This just in: we're stacked at tight end. Graham is a possible All-American, Kendricks has Beckum-like potential (came in as a highly-recruited wide receiver), and Turner would start at tight end for most schools.
The question here isn't quality. Rather it's can the Badgers avoid the slew of injuries that hit the tight end corps last season? If they do, look out. Chryst will come at the opposition with all kinds of clever uses for his tight ends. This year shapes up to be another step towards making UW the new Tight End U.
The question here isn't quality. Rather it's can the Badgers avoid the slew of injuries that hit the tight end corps last season? If they do, look out. Chryst will come at the opposition with all kinds of clever uses for his tight ends. This year shapes up to be another step towards making UW the new Tight End U.
Pre/Post Season
Today the post season begins for the men's basketball and hockey teams. The roundballers start with Ohio State in the Big Ten tourney, and on the ice the Badgers take on Minnesota State (Mankato) at the Kohl Center. Both likely need wins to get to the NCAA tourney. For the hockey team, they will need more than just winning this series with Mankato.
The top-seeded women's hockey team hosts Dartmouth to start the NCAA tourney tomorrow.
It goes without saying, but . . . Go Badgers! On Wisconsin!
Of course, this is a football blog, so we're in the pre-season. UW put up its linebacker preview today. As previously noted, Culmer St. Jean will move to middle linebacker, with Jaevery McFadden moving to the strong side. Blake Sorensen is the most likely starter on the weak side. I'm pretty comfortable with those three as the starters. St. Jean has been well regarded, but unlearned, from the start. With several years under his belt, the learning shouldn't be a problem any longer (and didn't look like it was his extensive action in the last two games last season). McFadden is moving to his more natural position on the outside.
The bigger concern, especially with the news that Hodge isn't coming back, is depth. Yes, everyone's excited about Rouse's talent, and we hear good things about Taylor, Hubbard, and Prather, but there isn't much experience there (practically none outside of special teams). Of the true freshman coming in, O'Neill and Fenton got the most press, but neither of them is likely ready to go this coming Fall.
In short, the problem with the linebackers isn't talent, it's depth.
On the plus side, the defense is much healthier this Spring than it was last year. Hopefully that pays dividends.
The top-seeded women's hockey team hosts Dartmouth to start the NCAA tourney tomorrow.
It goes without saying, but . . . Go Badgers! On Wisconsin!
Of course, this is a football blog, so we're in the pre-season. UW put up its linebacker preview today. As previously noted, Culmer St. Jean will move to middle linebacker, with Jaevery McFadden moving to the strong side. Blake Sorensen is the most likely starter on the weak side. I'm pretty comfortable with those three as the starters. St. Jean has been well regarded, but unlearned, from the start. With several years under his belt, the learning shouldn't be a problem any longer (and didn't look like it was his extensive action in the last two games last season). McFadden is moving to his more natural position on the outside.
The bigger concern, especially with the news that Hodge isn't coming back, is depth. Yes, everyone's excited about Rouse's talent, and we hear good things about Taylor, Hubbard, and Prather, but there isn't much experience there (practically none outside of special teams). Of the true freshman coming in, O'Neill and Fenton got the most press, but neither of them is likely ready to go this coming Fall.
In short, the problem with the linebackers isn't talent, it's depth.
On the plus side, the defense is much healthier this Spring than it was last year. Hopefully that pays dividends.
Spring Previews
As we're about two weeks from Spring practice starting, UW has begun releasing pre-Spring position previews. So far they've put up the offensive line, defensive line, and running backs.
Of note, reshirt freshman Peter Konz has been switched from defense to offensive guard for this year. Line coach Bostad says Konz, Zeitler, and Current will compete for the left guard spot. Interesting battle shaping up for right tackle between Bscherer and Oglesby who have both seen significant time on the field at tackle. Current looks to be the backup center, but that hasn't prevented players from starting at guard before. Guard depth still looks like an issue. In sum, Carimi says (in the video UW offers) "We're mean." A lot meaner than years past, or so he says. That should be interesting . . .
For the defensive line, no big surprises. One change is it looks like Dan Moore will move from end to tackle. Transfer J.J. Watt, after sitting out last season, is getting a lot of attention for serious playing time this fall. In no particular order, Schofield, Kelly, Nzegwu and Mains are the likely two-deep at end, with Moore, Watt, Stehle, and Butrym likely the same for the tackle spots.
No surprises at running back, either. Clay, Brown, then the young guys. Concerns about depth, however, appear overstated. Fullback? It looks like this blind squirrel found a nut when predicting that Dex Jones might just be our next starting fullback. A little surprise is that Brady Ewing might be in the mix at fullback rather than halfback, as will walk-on Sam Spitz. Reading Coach Settle's comments, maybe the offense plans to use the fullback a little more to catch the ball out of the backfield? (In 2008, the Badgers completed one pass to a fullback.)
Although the Badgers haven't posted a quarterback preview yet, ESPN ran a little piece on Chryst's latest quarterback derby -- as basically everyone knows -- the biggest question heading into the Spring. Other than the puzzling statement that Budmayr was the Badgers' biggest quarterback recruit in years (1 year after the higher-rated, Mr. Tennessee Football, Phillips?),* the article seems pretty spot on.
You can find all of UW's Spring rundowns here.
Not to be overlooked, as Scott Tappa noted (as well as the media outlets), Elijah Hodge, Xavier Harris, and James Stallons won't return with the Badgers. Hodge will graduate in May and will forego his 5th year of eligibility in Madison. Harris's back has never sufficiently recovered from injury. His playing days are over, but he's on track to graduate (still on scholarship) next year. Stallons? With Phillips and Budmayr on the younger end of things and Tolzein and Sherer on the older, maybe he just didn't figure to get much playing time. Or maybe it was something else . . . ?
Harris and Hodge will both be missed for the depth they provided. Good for them for taking their education seriously. Both are pretty high profile examples of the injury bug ending bright prospects in football.
* Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about Budmayr's potential, too.
Of note, reshirt freshman Peter Konz has been switched from defense to offensive guard for this year. Line coach Bostad says Konz, Zeitler, and Current will compete for the left guard spot. Interesting battle shaping up for right tackle between Bscherer and Oglesby who have both seen significant time on the field at tackle. Current looks to be the backup center, but that hasn't prevented players from starting at guard before. Guard depth still looks like an issue. In sum, Carimi says (in the video UW offers) "We're mean." A lot meaner than years past, or so he says. That should be interesting . . .
For the defensive line, no big surprises. One change is it looks like Dan Moore will move from end to tackle. Transfer J.J. Watt, after sitting out last season, is getting a lot of attention for serious playing time this fall. In no particular order, Schofield, Kelly, Nzegwu and Mains are the likely two-deep at end, with Moore, Watt, Stehle, and Butrym likely the same for the tackle spots.
No surprises at running back, either. Clay, Brown, then the young guys. Concerns about depth, however, appear overstated. Fullback? It looks like this blind squirrel found a nut when predicting that Dex Jones might just be our next starting fullback. A little surprise is that Brady Ewing might be in the mix at fullback rather than halfback, as will walk-on Sam Spitz. Reading Coach Settle's comments, maybe the offense plans to use the fullback a little more to catch the ball out of the backfield? (In 2008, the Badgers completed one pass to a fullback.)
Although the Badgers haven't posted a quarterback preview yet, ESPN ran a little piece on Chryst's latest quarterback derby -- as basically everyone knows -- the biggest question heading into the Spring. Other than the puzzling statement that Budmayr was the Badgers' biggest quarterback recruit in years (1 year after the higher-rated, Mr. Tennessee Football, Phillips?),* the article seems pretty spot on.
You can find all of UW's Spring rundowns here.
Not to be overlooked, as Scott Tappa noted (as well as the media outlets), Elijah Hodge, Xavier Harris, and James Stallons won't return with the Badgers. Hodge will graduate in May and will forego his 5th year of eligibility in Madison. Harris's back has never sufficiently recovered from injury. His playing days are over, but he's on track to graduate (still on scholarship) next year. Stallons? With Phillips and Budmayr on the younger end of things and Tolzein and Sherer on the older, maybe he just didn't figure to get much playing time. Or maybe it was something else . . . ?
Harris and Hodge will both be missed for the depth they provided. Good for them for taking their education seriously. Both are pretty high profile examples of the injury bug ending bright prospects in football.
* Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about Budmayr's potential, too.
The Chryst Manifesto
Having proven my own limitations as a blogger, what follows is the Chyrst Manifesto, a study of the Badger offense, 2005 to present . . . as a series of jpegs. You should be able to click on each to enlarge and read or print it . . . (ps typos and editing mistakes are included for free!)
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