Badgers Command Attention

Although UW's climb in the national polls can be attributed partially to an off year for the Little Nine of the Big Ten, there has been notable improvement in most key areas since the loss at Michigan. I echo Sherby's concern with Hampton's gambling ways, especially when the team will win most field position battles with a stellar defense and top-notch punter. Swann has the sure hands that won't provide the opponent with an unnecessary advantage (see Michigan game).

I'm not sold that the punt fake was the right call on Saturday, especially because a quick Purdue score makes it a one-possession game. I must admit that I am every bit as conservative in my football philosophy as I am politically, and Coach Alvarez conditioned me during his 15-year tenure. Thate said, the defense was up to the task on Saturday, and it will only improve as the season nears the final stretch.

Lost in Saturday's analysis was the improved coverage of our kickoff and punt units, and Paul Hubbard's ability to catch and hold onto the ball in traffic. Coupled with Beckum and Swann, the Badgers boast a respectable receiving corps after entering the season as the biggest question mark on the team.