Gameday Predictions

Bill got the ball rolling in an earlier post, and I think he's right on with the final score projection. Both teams are playing well on offense. Iowa held Purdue to 17 on the road two weeks ago, and I would place the Badgers on the level of the Hawkeyes on the defensive side of the ball. Purdue hasn't stopped anyone on defense this year, even the likes of Ball St., Indiana St., and Miami of Ohio. They did shut the Badgers down offensively in 2004 and 2005 for most of both games, but they graduated most of last year's defense.

Minus more gaffes on special teams, the Badgers should build on their three-game point rcord and set the stage for big games against Penn State and Iowa in early November. Stocco will find Beckum and Swann in the endzone, and PJ Hill has another 200-yard rushing performance. Shaunnessey and Cooper are the key defensive players because they have the athletic ability to pressure Painter early and often. Involving Levy and Casillas on blitzes will also disrupt the rhythm of Purdue's passing game underneath. Sure tackles by our secondary will go a long way in keeping the chains from moving, and the scoreboard in Bucky's favor.

Kiss Our Axe

Espn.com writer David Albright details last weekend's full slate of events on the UW campus.

Between the men's hockey team raising its championship banner, the football team handling the rodents and the men's basketball team starting on a season filled with high expectations, there is plenty for Badger fans to smile about.

Fumble Forgettable for Purdue Coach

Talk to any Boilermaker and they'll blame the demise of the program on Orton's fumble in 2004. I fondly recall the Gameday atmosphere, Orton for Heisman candidacy, and Orange Bowl talk in West Lafayette that weekend. It all came tumbling down with a fumble forced by Robert Brooks, TD return by Steve Starks, missed PAT by UW to keep Purdue in the game, and a wide right Ben Jones FG to seal the deal for Bucky. The red ghosts are ready to return, and we may leave with the drum this time around.

Stocco Elevates Status

John Stocco is on pace to meet and even surpass his 2005 numbers despite being surrounded by inexperienced perimeter players. It appears that the group is talented and will only improve as the season plays out. I would argue that Stocco is already a better pro prospect than Sorgi, Bollinger, Bevell, and yes, Randy Wright.

Burning Question for Wisconsin BB

Cnnsi.com writer Seth Davis posed a "burning question" for each of the elite college basketball teams going into the season.

Wisconsin: When Bo Ryan turns to his bench, will he like what he sees?

The Badgers have unquestionably the best starting five in the Big Ten, led by the league's reigning scoring champ, Alando Tucker. But while Wisconsin has a bevy of big men to rotate through the frontcourt, the perimeter ranks are thin beyond starters Michael Flowers and Kammron Taylor. Since college hoops is a guard-dominated game, this is no small question. The best-case scenario would be for 6-2 freshman Jason Bohannon, who was Iowa's Mr. Basketball as a high school senior, to be ready to step into the fray when opportunity beckons.

Bielema's Edict: Put Focus on 1-0

The biggest difference of the Bielema era thus far has been the team's ability to demolish less worthy opponents from the outset. This morning's JS reminded me of Alvarez's 23-5 nightmare in 2003 against UNLV, the 2002 collapse at IU, and the 1999 shocker in Cincinnati.

Illinois Game TV Coverage Set

UW's home game against Illinois on Oct. 28, which previously has been set for 11 a.m., will be televised by ESPN2.

If the Badgers perform like they have the last three games, ESPN2 may be switching to another game in the third quarter.

Katz Weighs In On Wisconsin BB and Bars

From Andy Katz's chat today:

Ryan -- Portland,Maine: Most people have Florida repeating, but who would you say has the best chance to knock them off?

Andy Katz: Florida, Kansas and North Carolina are the three favorites and after that there are a host of teams that could win the title like Arizona, Georgetown, Pitt, Wisconsin, UCLA, LSU, Ohio State....so take your pick.

Frank (Madison): I've seen a couple places give praise to the upcoming Wisconsin season. Is it because of their depth or are they THAT good?

Andy Katz: No, the Badgers are that good. They've got the preseason player of the year in Alando Tucker (my opinion), and a solid nucleus around him with depth at every spot. The system works to perfection for the Badgers and a homecourt that is one of the toughest in the country. I wouldn't be shocked to see Wisconsin in Atlanta.

Nate (Houston, TX): Better college bar: State Street Brats, the Essen Haus, or Brothers?

Andy Katz: Essen haus. Turned 21 there.

Making Their Move.

#21 and #22 in the two polls, and #21 in the first BCS Rankings. Should Bucky win out, and OSU beats Michigan, do the Wolverines go to the Rose Bowl based on head-to-head play, or does the team that played there last get jumped like in years past?

Players in the NFL and and Team on the Rise

SI gave UW football props twice in last week's issue. The program has produced 26 NFL players, tied for twelfth in the nation (even with USC), and behind only OSU, Michigan, and Penn State in the Big Ten.

On another note, this year's team was listed as one of five "on the rise."

Badgers Begin Work on Fulfilling Expectations

First practice a physical one for the UW men's basketball team. All 16 players practiced and Ryan considered it one of the best initial sessions of his career. 90% devoted to defense and footwork.

The Good Hands Guy

The grades are in from the Minnesota game and for the most part they were good.

However, the return game continues to be a mess and could cost the Badgers a win against a better opponent (i.e., Iowa or PSU). I think Zach Hampton needs to be relieved of this duties and I welcome the idea of "Lynn" Swan returning punts.

Update from WSJ:

Hampton keeps job

Junior safety Zach Hampton remains the Badgers' punt returner, despite his struggles to cleanly field the ball last week against Minnesota. Junior receiver Luke Swan replaced Hampton for Minnesota's final punt.

Hampton's problems started on the Golden Gophers' second punt, which was extremely short. He ran up and had a clear field in front of him, but dropped the ball and had to fall on it. He fought the wind on the next one, which he bobbled and seemed to lose some confidence after that, also muffing the next one.

The biggest thing Bielema mentioned when Hampton became the returner was his reliable hands. Hampton, who is averaging only 6.7 yards per return, lost a fumble against Michigan and also had a fumble that was recovered by teammate Ben Strickland two weeks ago against Northwestern.

"Luke's got very sure hands, but is a guy that we feel, if we put him in the game, it's pretty much a fair catch," Bielema said.