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It was almost exactly a year ago that the University of Wisconsin football program was on quite a roll.
The Badgers had won 17 of 18 games under coach Bret Bielema and were ranked No. 5 in the nation heading into an early October trip to Illinois. Bielema and UW appeared to be on the cusp of something great, perhaps even a spot in the upper echelon of college football.
The Badgers had won 17 of 18 games under coach Bret Bielema and were ranked No. 5 in the nation heading into an early October trip to Illinois. Bielema and UW appeared to be on the cusp of something great, perhaps even a spot in the upper echelon of college football.
That was only a year ago, but it probably seems like a lifetime for Badgers fans. UW has seven victories and six defeats since that point, including a 20-17 loss to No. 14 Ohio State before 81,608 gathered Saturday night at Camp Randall Stadium.
Figuring out why UW has gone from magnificent to mediocre in 365 days isn't difficult.
It's quite simple, actually. The Badgers have somehow forgotten how to win close games.
They were 5-0 in games decided by six points or less during Bielema's near-perfect start after taking over for Barry Alvarez. Starting with a 31-26 loss to Illinois last Oct. 6, they've gone 1-4 in games decided by that same small margin, including back-to-back heartbreakers to the Big Ten Conference's premier programs.
"We let another one slip away,'' senior quarterback Allan Evridge said, "and we can't have it back.''
The Badgers were right there Saturday night. The final statistics were scary similar. Ohio State had 327 total yards of offense, UW had 326. Ohio State had 19 first downs, UW had 17. Ohio State converted 50 percent of its third downs, UW converted 53 percent. The turnovers were even at two apiece.
But, for the second consecutive week, the Badgers weren't good enough when it mattered most.
Ohio State freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor, making his first start on the road, showed tremendous poise in leading the Buckeyes back from a 17-13 deficit in the fourth quarter.
On the go-ahead drive, Pryor completed 3 of 4 passes for 59 yards. He converted one third down with his arm, another with his leg. On the play of the game, he kept the ball on an option and raced 11 yards for the winning touchdown with 69 seconds remaining in the game.
Did we mention Pryor was a freshman making his first career start on the road?
The Badgers had plenty of time -- 63 seconds -- when they took over at their own 19 needing a field goal to force overtime and allow a chance to protect their 16-game winning streak at home.
But Evridge, a fifth-year senior, forced a throw on first down that was intercepted by Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins.
Game over. Big Ten title hopes over.
The worst part for the Badgers is they could be 5-0 headed into a showdown of unbeatens with Penn State a week from now. It would have been a battle of Top 10 teams under the lights of Camp Randall.
Instead, UW is 3-2 and at the bottom of the Big Ten standings. It needs a victory -- and soon -- to keep a once-promising season from spinning out of control.
"We're a great team and we know it,'' Langford said. "We just had a couple misfortunes that didn't fall our way, but we're still a good team.''
26 comment posts
Last Reply: 10/6/2008 2:43 PM
Polzin: Badgers have gone from magnificent to mediocre
(10/6/2008 2:43 PM)
Rico D Great says:
Come on now folks. We all know that the Badgers were never great. I think the cup cake schedules that we have put together over the years, has given a false sense of being better than what we really are. We haven't really beat anyone over the past ten years. Yes, we have a decent record, but It's not even close to being as tough as other schools we would like to be like.
we need to stop making excused for poor play and coaching. Truth of the Matter is we are always going to be behind Penn State, OSU, and Michigan because they are better football schools. Hell we are behind Michigan in everything so whats new, they are just better than us. But if we want to get to that level then some changes will have to be made. We can not afford to lose what Barry spent so much time and effort building
we need to stop making excused for poor play and coaching. Truth of the Matter is we are always going to be behind Penn State, OSU, and Michigan because they are better football schools. Hell we are behind Michigan in everything so whats new, they are just better than us. But if we want to get to that level then some changes will have to be made. We can not afford to lose what Barry spent so much time and effort building
(10/6/2008 12:50 PM)
B says:
I'm disappointed in UW football too, but some of these posts are pretty harsh.
The big problem I see is on defense, and it's definitely a coaching problem. The offense has done just fine, putting points up on OSU and Michigan enough to win, but the defense NEVER comes up with the stop when it's critical.
The big problem I see is on defense, and it's definitely a coaching problem. The offense has done just fine, putting points up on OSU and Michigan enough to win, but the defense NEVER comes up with the stop when it's critical.
(10/6/2008 11:30 AM)
LOOKING IN says:
If we 'L' the Penn State game, not too bad. However, if we 'L' any game after that such as Michigan State, Illinois and or Iowa and the fans stay home for the Cal Poly game, B.B. will be on thin ice and Hank will have been vindicated.
(10/6/2008 10:07 AM)
Tino says:
Man... good to see people are not panicking!
The Michigan loss was bad, but the OSU game was a good game. Badgers fought hard and almost came away with a win. Geesh... you can't win 'em all, people. UW fans have been spoiled with consistently good teams. Unfortunately they will never be an elite team because there is NO reason for top-flight recruits to come to UW. They will get good players, but great players will go to the SEC powerhouses, OSU and Michigan in the Big Ten, and USC... not UW. THAT is why UW will never play in the BCS bowls... they don't have the depth or overall athleticism to play the elite teams in the country. They are and always will be a 2nd tier team at best.
Don't compare ourselves to Minnesota, people... look who they have played. At the end of the year, UW will be in the top half of the conference and in a bowl. The Goopers will fall back towards the bottom with other teams like Iowa and Purdue.
The Michigan loss was bad, but the OSU game was a good game. Badgers fought hard and almost came away with a win. Geesh... you can't win 'em all, people. UW fans have been spoiled with consistently good teams. Unfortunately they will never be an elite team because there is NO reason for top-flight recruits to come to UW. They will get good players, but great players will go to the SEC powerhouses, OSU and Michigan in the Big Ten, and USC... not UW. THAT is why UW will never play in the BCS bowls... they don't have the depth or overall athleticism to play the elite teams in the country. They are and always will be a 2nd tier team at best.
Don't compare ourselves to Minnesota, people... look who they have played. At the end of the year, UW will be in the top half of the conference and in a bowl. The Goopers will fall back towards the bottom with other teams like Iowa and Purdue.
(10/6/2008 9:26 AM)
Giseppe says:
The Big 10 has and is evolving into a more dynamic conference. New and old coaches have embraced the spread offense. Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Il, Northwestern et al now show the way and adopt more creative and innovative schemes. Badgers continue to believe that a big 'O' line w/good backs will carry the day. It will not. We are on course for a long period of decline.
(10/6/2008 9:19 AM)
rob says:
Hey Badger Fans, I am a Buckeye Alum and come to You in Peace.....Yes, the last TWO Weekends are enough to make ANY fan be discouraged but ALL is Not Lost. UW is my second favourite team in the Conference and I LOVE The Atmosphere in Madison....truly one of the BEST in college sport. Regroup! Get that BADGER BAND back on the sidelines and YELL Your Hearts Out for the remainder of the season. It all starts with YOU the fans....Your team is Good (and you know it) and now they NEED That Badger Spirit to PICK THEM UP! I'll be rooting for you to kick the hell out of Penn State....and rest assured I'll be singing "Varsity" right along with you! Go Badgers!
(10/6/2008 9:04 AM)
jay says:
Everidge needs to sit the bench.... he looks lost has poor accuracy and becomes a statue too easily. Clay needs more reps, make no mistake he is the future. Its killing me to see this happening... here's to avoiding 0-3...
(10/6/2008 7:43 AM)
ticketsforsale says:
There is nothing better then watching a great coach make adjustments and put in the personnel that is best for his team. Its to bad I'm not a Buckeye fan because being at the game on Sat. it was a matter of time until OSU took over the game. Mr. Bielema can't organize a shoe closet. This isn't the first time he had to burn a timeout because of change of posession and that is just terrible. I would rather watch our freshmen and sophmores struggle instead of being stubborn and letting seniors who can't get the job done waste away our season. Then again when your trying to play for a motor city bowl invite. We do still have some time but not much more.
(10/6/2008 7:16 AM)
chill says:
Relax, this happens every year. Great hype, everyone thinks this will be record year and BAM, it's over. IT IS OVER We can look for another fourth or fifth place finish in the big ten. We are just lucky we don't have Northwestern on the schedule or that would be another loss and Minn. is a far better team than last year. We have the players to win but we have to question the coaching staff. The Defense plays great until coaches decide to change things up, two examples, the prevent defense against Ohio State and a blitz late in Mich. game. What do Ohio St. and Michigan have in common other than beating UW? They start and play their game breaking freshman, yes FRESHMAN. I know Clay went the wrong way on one play against Michigan and lost his playing time, how many mistakes before you pull a senior? You can't always be playing for the future. WE pull the game breaking freshman and lose, if we left him in their and we lost would their be any difference? YES a freshman will get better, a senior just has one less game to play. But WAIT, we will be better next year, we will have a first year starting senior leading the team. Ohio State and Michigan will have experienced quarterbacks leading their teams.
Go BUCKY you are bigger and better than what you are getting from the coaches. BB, man up and accept responsiability or look for a job in the No Fun League.
Go BUCKY you are bigger and better than what you are getting from the coaches.
Go BUCKY you are bigger and better than what you are getting from the coaches. BB, man up and accept responsiability or look for a job in the No Fun League.
Go BUCKY you are bigger and better than what you are getting from the coaches.
(10/5/2008 11:05 PM)
Bucky 1973 says:
The OSU & the Meecheegin games were both likely lost due to poor coaching decisions. Bielema is a young, inexperienced coach who may not have yet gained the composure to alter his game plan based on how the game is actually being played out. He tried to stay with and force his initial game plan. This is also true of the Tennessee bowl game - PJ Hill was running well & he chose to try to pass instead of going to what was working.
What was it that the ex-Michigan State coach said? "The kids are playing their hearts out and the coaches are ...! That coach is gone.
What was it that the ex-Michigan State coach said? "The kids are playing their hearts out and the coaches are ...! That coach is gone.
(10/5/2008 8:27 PM)
Hardburley says:
Wisky lost the game in the final minutes by poor coaching. OSU played hurry-up when Pryor made the
9 yd run untouched and the Wisky defense was un-organized and had no clue of what to do.
9 yd run untouched and the Wisky defense was un-organized and had no clue of what to do.
(10/5/2008 8:10 PM)
Howard says:
Coming to madison from eastern Pa., for the PSU
game. Is there any chance that I can go party with the band? I think that the PSU game will turn out as bad as it was in Happy Valley last year. How much is it going to cost to buyout BB., because the program is already slipping down the slippery slope.
game. Is there any chance that I can go party with the band? I think that the PSU game will turn out as bad as it was in Happy Valley last year. How much is it going to cost to buyout BB., because the program is already slipping down the slippery slope.
(10/5/2008 7:43 PM)
badger bust says:
Two words -- Chick-a-fil Bowl.
Is this the "next level" to which we were supposed to ascend under the hand-picked successor?
Is this the "next level" to which we were supposed to ascend under the hand-picked successor?
(10/5/2008 7:41 PM)
SteveL says:
Sing it folks: "When you say "WISCONSIN" you've said it all" - FRAUD!!!!!!
(10/5/2008 6:23 PM)
Homes says:
Is there any way Barry can back out of the Penn State game and schedule Buffalo again? That's about our only hope.
Bielema the egomaniac inherited a strong team with a weak schedule and went 12-1 and was annointed a god. Last year he took the program a 1/2 step back and this season, despite having a senior laden team, he has taken it a full step back. Next year he will have an inexperienced squad and he will take it over the abyss. I can't wait to hear him and Barry spin the honor of playing in the Motor City bowl.
Bielema the egomaniac inherited a strong team with a weak schedule and went 12-1 and was annointed a god. Last year he took the program a 1/2 step back and this season, despite having a senior laden team, he has taken it a full step back. Next year he will have an inexperienced squad and he will take it over the abyss. I can't wait to hear him and Barry spin the honor of playing in the Motor City bowl.
(10/5/2008 3:47 PM)
Bret says:
Maybe, we can not beat Penn State. PSU is a really good football team.
At this point, Badger fans need to mostly judge us on the Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan State games. All these games are going to be real tough.
If we lose at Iowa its Katie bar the door!!
At this point, Badger fans need to mostly judge us on the Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan State games. All these games are going to be real tough.
If we lose at Iowa its Katie bar the door!!
(10/5/2008 12:21 PM)
ron braner says:
embarrassing, just embarrassing
(10/5/2008 11:29 AM)
George says:
It seems to me the coaching staff is just happy to go to a bowl game. Contending for a national title is secondary. That is why you see 1st year starting senior quarterbacks and a red-shirt freshmen running back, who would clearly be the starting running back at any of the other big ten schools except Ohio State, still not getting the bulk of the carries and a cream puff non-conference schedule so they can guarantee they have enough wins to be eligable for a bowl game. I wish they would just come out and tell us that and not lie to us so we get our hopes up every year.
(10/5/2008 11:16 AM)
cali badger says:
Morning note from California: I didn't have the opportunity to see this game out here but I was at the Fresno State game that the Badgers should have lost. Had that happened, the resulting 2-3 record would be embarrassing for a team that most thought would be real good, some thought great. Inability to play consistent ball offense and inability to hold on to leads comes down to coaching and conditioning. Looks like the Badgers do not have enough of either. I am now about ready to concede that the Wisconsin program will never be an elite. If they couldn't get it done this year.............
(10/5/2008 10:42 AM)
Dallas says:
Until UW gets a better offensive line, and a MUCH better QB, they're going to be nothing but the whipping boy for the Big Ten. Last night just showed Everidge simply cannot handle the job. He is still making too many stupid high school mistakes. Coach B better start bringing up one of his sophomore QB's and getting him ready for next year. This year is lost. All you have to do is go back and watch the videos from the training camps to see it. There is vitualy no cohesion to this team. The defense is OK, but if they're out there too long, they're not going to be able to keep up the pressure.
(10/5/2008 10:29 AM)
Brian says:
"We're a great team and we know it,'' Langford said. "We just had a couple misfortunes that didn't fall our way, but we're still a good team.''
Great teams win Championships. A good team goes to the Motor City Bowl. Pack your bags, you're going to Detroit!!
Great teams win Championships. A good team goes to the Motor City Bowl. Pack your bags, you're going to Detroit!!
(10/5/2008 9:25 AM)
Steve says:
UW needs to stop drawing on its tradition of losing to justify a 6-5 record and the music city bowl. Only team in Big Ten history to win back to back Rose Bowls, 6-5 should be unacceptable like it is at other "Big Ten Powers" a commitment to contending nationally would go a long way
(10/5/2008 9:13 AM)
Player fan says:
Nice to see Clay doing all the hard work and then coaches putting in Hill to get the glory. When do the players on Defense QUIT listening to the plays called by the COACHES and play defense like they are able to!
(10/5/2008 6:11 AM)
Colfax says:
The Goofers played Indiana Dorkbrain.
The Badgers lost this game when they went to the prevent. Which really should betermed the enable.
The Badgers lost this game when they went to the prevent. Which really should betermed the enable.
(10/5/2008 5:55 AM)
Brutis says:
If either fumble on the last drive would have broken you way...game over.
Good Game. See you next time.
Brutis.
Good Game. See you next time.
Brutis.
(10/5/2008 2:35 AM)
Madison says:
This article is right on the money. A year ago I never imagined we could stoop to this level of mediocrity in college football so fast. From the loss at Michigan, to our entire band being suspended, to this devastating loss at home to OSU. These last two weeks seem like a nightmare and our once promising season is lost already. What worries me more is that with all these seniors graduating after this year Wisconsin will likely sink further into the depths of the Big10 the next couple of seasons. Even Minnesota has a better record than us and they went 1-10 last year!
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