It seemed strange Tuesday when Minnesota football coach Tim Brewster declared star wide receiver Eric Decker (high ankle sprain) out for Saturday's game against the University of Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium.

I guess I'm just not used to coaches being so honest about injuries. Around here, a UW player could be in a full-body cast and his status would still be described as a "game-time decision" by Badgers coach Bret Bielema.

Call me cynical, but maybe Brewster isn't being honest at all. The second-year coach has been accused of blowing hot air at times by some members of the Minnesota media, so perhaps Brewster is doing just that this week in an attempt to throw the UW coaching staff off course in its preparation.

Brewster wouldn't be the first coach to try that tactic. This whole Decker situation got me thinking about the 2000 Rose Bowl between UW and Stanford. Cardinal star wide receiver Troy Walters had dislocated his wrist that week in practice, and I was there the day then-Stanford coach Tyrone Willingham stood before reporters and talked about how difficult it would be for his team to replace Walters.

A few days later, Walters was in the lineup during Stanford's 17-9 loss to the Badgers.

So let's just say I wouldn't be shocked to see Decker on the field Saturday when the Gophers take on the Badgers.