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ORANGE CRUSH Lifting the MVP trophy was nothing for Alex Hornibrook after the sophomore quarterback carried Wisconsin to a 34-24 win over Miami last Saturday in the Orange Bowl. Hornibrook, who improved to 20-3 as a starter, went 23-for-34 for a career-high 258 yards and a UW bowl game-record four touchdowns in leading the Badgers to their fourth consecutive bowl win. PHOTO BY DAN SANGER
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REAL RECOGNIZES REAL All-American Ethan Happ and the Wisconsin men’s basketball team got a chance to pose for a photo with Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers following UW's win over Indiana. Rodgers was in attendance Tuesday night at the Kohl Center to watch the Badgers earn their fifthstraight victory with a 7161 win over the Hoosiers. PHOTO BY BRANDON HARRISON
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FROM A.P. TO J.T. Jonathan Taylor’s 10th 100-yard rushing game of the season was more than enough to make him the most prolific freshman running back in major college history. Taylor’s 130yard performance in the Orange Bowl pushed him past Adrian Peterson for the FBS freshman rushing record, which now stands at 1,977 yards. PHOTO BY DAVID STLUKA
INFOCUS
HIGH FLYING Should we call her “Air Gilreath?” Sophomore Suzanne Gilreath took flight over the Iowa defense to score two of her team-high 11 points on a dynamic drive against the Hawkeyes last Thursday at the Kohl Center. PHOTO BY JACK McLAUGHLIN
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SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT A comfortable 82-53 win over UMass Lowell and a four-game win streak gave freshman Brad Davison and head coach Greg Gard a lot to smile about last week. PHOTO BY DARREN LEE
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GO WITH THE FLOW Andrew Van Ginkel’s interception of a Malik Rosier pass on the first play of the second quarter was a big boost for the Badgers last Saturday in the Orange Bowl. The pick sparked a run of 21 unanswered points for the Badgers in the period, giving UW a 24-14 halftime lead it wouldn’t relinquish. PHOTO BY BEN DICKMANN / HARD ROCK STADIUM
CONTENTS
DARREN LEE
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JANUARY 4, 2018 ▪ VOLUME 8, ISSUE 17
SET UP FOR SUCCESS How do you define culture? It can be complicated, but three coaches looking to carry the Wisconsin way over to their new positions try to put their finger on what sets the Badgers apart.
FEATURES 2
LUCAS AT LARGE
ALL TOGETHER
IN FOCUS
18 LUCAS AT LARGE
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21 BY THE NUMBERS 23 WHAT TO WATCH
DARREN LEE
Losing a teammate to injury is tough. Losing three would knock any team down. But the Badgers have come together to keep fighting for wins.
27 BADGERS GIVE BACK
47 INSIDE BASKETBALL 51 INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY 53 INSIDE WRESTLING 54 BADGER HISTORY
DAVID STLUKA
45 INSIDE FOOTBALL
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LOOKING AHEAD
’18 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
An offense with ‘scary’ potential. A defense with new faces, new leaders. Wisconsin football should be exciting in 2018. 15
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LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS ▪ UWBADGERS.COM
‘Let’s go get this done together’
W
these players to the extent that emotionally they were better equipped to handle Pritzl’s temporary loss. “We’ve been through a lot already,” Moesch pointed out. “We’ve been through it with Kobe’s injury and Meech’s (Trice) injury. It’s something we’ve talked about since the first injury happened. “It’s just the ‘Next Man Up’ Mentality. That’s just something you have to have. I know going back to high school and throughout the years, everyone preaches that.”
“A LOT OF GUYS STEPPED UP AND NOT NECESSARILY NEW GUYS BUT GUYS WHO PLAYED DIFFERENT POSITIONS,” DAVISON SAID. “EVERYONE HAD TO DO A LITTLE BIT MORE AND WE GOT THE JOB DONE.” It’s something that UW coach Greg Gard has constantly emphasized. “We just all know that when someone is out,” Moesch said, “you have to pick him up … next man up.” And that’s how this group went about its business Tuesday, knowing the Badgers would be without their fourth-leading scorer (Pritzl) against the Hoosiers at the Kohl Center. “We love Brev, we miss him,”’ Moesch said. “But it was kind of, ‘Hey, we need to step up and replace his minutes, replace his
scoring, replace his defense and do it as a team.’ “There’s not one person that is going to come in and do that. We have to do it together.” Before the opening tip, redshirt junior Ethan Happ took it another step. As the most experienced player on the roster, he breaks the team huddle and delivers a final message before taking the floor. With his teammates gathered around him, Happ told them in so many words, “I believe in every one of you — believe in me — and let’s go get this done together.’” In a sense was Happ motivating himself? “With so many guys down,” he acknowledged, “everyone has to up their play a little bit and that’s just what I tried to do.” It was pretty obvious that Happ was engaged and playing at a different speed than anybody else (an appropriate football cliché/phrase since Aaron Rodgers was in the house). “Right from the start, you could tell,” Moesch said of Happ being locked-in. “There was something in his eyes. He wasn’t going to be stopped and he wasn’t going to let someone score on him. “That’s the mentality that we needed and that was the mentality that he showed. It got the crowd going, it got Indiana out of its game, and it got us into our game right away.” Happ scored 15 of his sea-
DAVID STLUKA
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hen the word came down — another man down — it was an understandable jolt. “Especially when it happens at a shoot-around,” Aaron Moesch said. It’s like someone falling off the stage during a dress rehearsal on Broadway. Or maybe getting hit in a crosswalk. “It’s not something that you really expect,” said Moesch, the UW’s only senior. But less than four hours before Tuesday night’s tipoff against Indiana, starting guard Brevin Pritzl banged heads with a teammate and was ruled out of the Big Ten game because of a concussion. “At first, we were kind of sad with another one of our brothers going down,” said freshman Brad Davison, who’s mature well beyond his years. “We always want to play with everyone out there.” But the Badgers have been playing shorthanded since early December when they lost sophomore point guard D’Mitrik Trice and freshman wing Kobe King just 10 games into their season. Both had surgery. Trice (foot) is out indefinitely. King (knee) is out for the year. But nobody in the locker room was down-andout for long since they couldn’t afford to feel sorry for themselves. Dealing with those setbacks and a grueling non-conference schedule has hardened
DARREN LEE
son-high 28 points in the first half and, along with Davison, who had all of his 14 points in the second half, sparked Wisconsin to a gutsy 71-61 win against Indiana. Happ wasn’t the only source of inspiration on a night in which the Badgers extended their home winning streak to 16 straight games over the Hoosiers. “A lot of guys stepped up and not necessarily new guys but guys who played different positions,” Davison said. “Everyone had to do a little bit more and we got the job done.” Moesch was on the scout team leading up to the Indiana game. So was T.J. Schlundt. That made their contributions in the rotation even more meaningful. Both went on scholarship this year. “Moesch did a great job defensively; he didn’t try to do too much,” Happ said. “Same with T.J. when he came in. He was
ready to knock down 3’s when he was open.” Without taking a shot, Moesch still found different ways (some more subtle than others) to contribute while logging a career-high 25 minutes. His previous high was 13 against Indiana in 2016. It’s no coincidence that Gard took over the program midway through that 2015-16 season with the pledge to expand his bench by rewarding players for their hard work in practices. Here’s how Moesch remembered it: “The first thing he said when he came in was, ‘Everyone just do your job, whatever that may be, whether in practice, in the weight room or in the game.”’ Rule No. 1: “If you don’t play and you’re on the fence, be ready.” Rule No. 2: “When somebody goes down, know your role and
do your job.”’ That has been playing out with this season’s depleted team which will now play five of its next six games on the road, including three straight, starting Friday night at Rutgers. The hill only gets steeper. But, at least, the Badgers showed signs of what they can do if they do it together with a common goal and commitment. “We need to give ourselves a chance,” Happ said, “and it’s always got to be on defense here at Wisconsin because the ball is not always going to go in, especially in a league as tough as this one.” Full strength or not … full speed ahead. Is an identity finally emerging? “That’s a season long process,” Moesch cautioned. “You’re not going to find out truly who you are yet. But we’re definitely taking steps in the right direction.” ▪
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BY THE NUMBERS ◀ WOMEN’S HOCKEY Former Wisconsin standout Meghan Duggan was named captain of the 2018 U.S. Olympic women’s hockey team, becoming only the second player to serve as captain at multiple Olympics.
JIM ROSVOLD
2 50
MEN’S BASKETBALL ▶ With last week’s win over UMass Lowell, Greg Gard became the third-fastest coach in UW history to reach 50 wins, doing so in his 75th game. He trails only Hall of Famers Walter Meanwell (51 games) and Bo Ryan (72).
DAVID STLUKA
▼ WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Sophomore Abby Laszewski is one of the most improved scorers in the Big Ten. The 6-foot-3 forward has upped her scoring from 1.2 points per game last season to 7.9 this season, an improvement of 6.7 points per game.
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KELLI GRASHEL
6.7 JACK MCLAUGHLIN
FOOTBALL ▲ Including a school-record 13 wins in 2017, the Badgers have posted double-digit win totals in each of the last four seasons, going 45-10. UW joins Ohio State (three times) and Michigan (1971-74) as the only Big Ten teams in the modern era to record four straight seasons of double-digit wins. 21
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WHAT TO WATCH
B1G NEW YEAR
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. MICHIGAN THURSDAY, JANUARY 4 ▪ 7PM KOHL CENTER ▪ BTN
JACK MCLAUGHLIN
Big Ten hoops is in full swing. Wisconsin tips off against No. 22 Michigan on Thursday at the Kohl Center. The Badgers hit the court against the Wolverines live on Big Ten Network at 7 p.m.
buy tickets
DARREN LEE
HIT THE ROAD
MEN’S BASKETBALL AT RUTGERS FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 ▪ 6PM PISCATAWAY, N.J. ▪ ESPN2 Wisconsin travels to Rutgers for the first of three consecutive Big Ten road games on Friday. Catch the action live on ESPN2 as the Badgers play the Scarlet Knights at 6 p.m.
GREG ANDERSON
HEADING EAST
MEN’S HOCKEY AT PENN STATE SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 ▪ 6PM UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. ▪ BTN Winter break is over and Wisconsin hockey is back on the ice as the Badgers travel to Penn State for a two-game road series on Friday and Saturday. The puck drops Friday at 6 p.m. on BTN Plus and Saturday at 6 p.m. on BTN. 23
WHAT TO WATCH WEDNESDAY 1/3
THURSDAY 1/4 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL vs. #22 Michigan Madison, Wis. 7:00 p.m. Watch: BTN Buy tickets »
SUNDAY 1/7 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL vs. #13 Maryland Madison, Wis. 2:00 p.m. Watch: BTN2Go Buy tickets »
ALL TIMES CENTRAL
MONDAY 1/8
FRIDAY 1/5 MEN’S BASKETBALL at Rutgers Piscataway, N.J. 6:00 p.m. Watch: ESPN2
SATURDAY 1/6 MEN’S HOCKEY at #14 Penn State University Park, Pa. 6:00 p.m. Watch: BTN
MEN’S HOCKEY at #14 Penn State University Park, Pa. 6:00 p.m. Watch: BTN Plus
TUESDAY 1/9
WEDNESDAY 1/10
MEN’S BASKETBALL at Nebraska Lincoln, Neb. 7:30 p.m. Watch: BTN
VIEW FULL CALENDAR ON UWBADGERS.COM »
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BADGERS GIVE BACK SPOTLIGHT
badgers give back
Badger Backpack: Pen Pal Edition Badgers buddy up with fourth grade pen pals for the semester BY BADGERS GIVE BACK STAFF
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verybody needs a friend and there is no friend quite like a Badger. This fall, 44 student-athletes from ten different Wisconsin athletics teams came together to be pen pals with a group of fourth graders from nearby Randall Elementary. The pen pals wrote back and forth in a shared journal each week about their families, friends and interests. They asked questions, shared stories and developed genuine relationships with each other through their correspondence. “Badger pen pals has by far been one of the most fun activities I’ve done over the years,” says Baylee Wellhausen, a senior on the women’s hockey team. “Being able to connect with children through writing not only reminds them of the importance of conversing in ways other than through a cell phone, but it also gives us the ability to learn about them on a much more personal level … They never fail to put a smile on my face.” At the beginning of the semester, the Badgers met their buddy for the first time and spent an afternoon decorating their notebooks
with stickers, glitter and anything else they could paste to the front and back covers. As the weeks went on and the notebook traveled back and forth, the student-athletes also visited Randall frequently, dropping in for recess, library time and creative writing. The impact of these written messages and new friendships did not go unnoticed, especially by Randall’s teachers. “Badger pen pals was the highlight of our semester,” added Deb Rumpf, a fourth-grade teacher at Randall. “My students were eager to get letters from their Badger buddies and couldn’t wait to meet them in person. It has been an amazing experience to partner with the UW athletics students and staff.” The pen pals ended the semester by attending a UW women’s basketball game together. The Randall buddies’ families also attended, so they could meet the student-athletes who have served as both role models and friends to their children this past semester. The pen pal program will continue into the spring. For more information on Badgers Give Back, visit uwbadgers.com/badgersgiveback.
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DAVID STLUKA
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n the last 51 weeks, Wisconsin football coach Paul Chryst has lost three assistant coaches to grander opportunities. Justin Wilcox has gone from being UW defensive coordinator to being the head coach at California. Tim Tibesar has gone from tutoring outside linebackers for the Badgers to being the defensive coordinator at Oregon State. Al Johnson has gone from being a graduate assistant at his alma mater, working with the offensive line, to being the head coach at NCAA Division II East Central (Oklahoma) State. All three left with high hopes and mixed feelings. They expressly loved their time in Madison. They left on the high note of a bowl victory that finished off a season of double-digit wins. Wilcox, Tibesar and Johnson left the Badgers in better stead than when they arrived — Wilcox after one season, Johnson after two and Tibesar after three — but they also were better
for the experience of coaching at Wisconsin. Asked what piece of the program they most want to replicate in their next coaching life, the three identified the same thing. “The culture is very unique and awesome to be around,” Tibesar said. “I believe culture is what wins in the long run and that’s why I believe Wisconsin has won so many games — because of the culture,” Johnson said. The Badgers are fresh off a record-setting season — a 13-1 overall record and a 34-24 victory over Miami in the Orange Bowl — that enhanced their place among the elite in the Football Bowl Subdivision. UW is 101-34 (.748) since 2008, joining Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Clemson, Florida State and Oregon as the only Power Five schools to win at least 100 games in the last 10 seasons. Wisconsin has won four straight bowl games, one of the prime legacies of a senior class that
DARREN LEE
work ethic and toughness. Those jump out at me. “The players, that locker room, the people involved with the program, everybody’s on the same page and they all embody what the program stands for. It’s really impressive to see first-hand. It’s something that impacted me a great deal in a short time.” Before coming to Madison for the 2016 season, Wilcox was an assistant coach at some highly-regarded college football schools, including Southern California, Washington, Tennessee and Boise State. When Wilcox took the job at Cal last Jan. 14, he said he had a list of Wisconsin-centric things he wanted to bring to his first head coaching assignment. “There’s a lot of things, but it always starts with the team,” he said. “The team has to come first. It’s not about an individual coach. It’s not about individual players. It’s always going to be about the team.” The Bears finished 5-7 overall in the Pac-12 Conference despite a rash of key injuries. registered a program-record 45 victories over “We’re not there yet,” Wilcox said, “but we’re a four-year period starting in 2014. better than we were eight months ago in unSo how do you define the culture at UW? derstanding it, the humility it takes to put the “Humble and hard-working,” Tibesar said. team before yourself.” “That sums it up for me. What are the expectations at UW? The an“These guys come swers might surprise to work every day you because the list and want to get betdoesn’t start with “T HERE’S A LOT O F T H I N G S , BU T I T ter. They’re willing winning. A LWAYS S TA RTS W I TH T H E TE A M,” to do whatever you “To me it’s ‘Do WI LCOX SA I D. “ TH E TE A M H A S TO ask them to do as a what you say you’re COM E F IR S T. I T ’ S N OT A BO U T A N coach, and you can’t going to do; do your I ND I V I D UA L COACH . I T’ S N OT A BO U T ask for anything job with humility and I ND I V I D UA L P L AYE R S . IT ’ S A LWAYS more. They’re fun to effort,’” Wilcox said. GOI NG TO B E A BO U T T H E T E A M .” be around that way. “You earn respect “It’s a coaches’ dream. They’ll run through a through your actions and not what you say. It’s brick wall for you. It’s important to them and it how you treat people. It’s how you live. is fun to coach at a place like that.” “The expectation is that you do things the Wilcox traveled a similar descriptive path. right way. Everyone in the program under“Geez, there’s a lot of words that I could use stands what the right way is. They know what that people talk about that (people) live by out the standard is and they hold each other acthere,” he said. “You talk about accountability and countable to it.”
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NEIL AMENT
why we have success. Coach Chryst is himself, Johnson, from Brussels, Wisconsin, was an so it’s real.” award-winning starter at center for the BadChryst is a former UW player, assistant coach gers from 2000 to ’02 before carving out a and coordinator who took over as head coach seven-year career in the NFL with Dallas, Arin 2015 after a three-year stint at Pitt. He’s izona, Miami and New England. He was a se34-7 overall since then, including a 22-4 mark nior when UW began its current school-record in the Big Ten Constreak of 16 conference, and was secutive bowl apvoted the league’s pearances. “If your only ex- “I F YOUR ONLY E X P ECTATI O N I S TO W I N , coach of the year I T’ S GOI NG TO BE A R E A L LY S H A L LOW for the second pectation is to win, YE AR. I F T H AT’ S YO U R G OA L , YO U ’ R E straight season. it’s going to be a reNOT GOING TO W I N O N A CO N S I S T E N T, “There’s a lot of ally shallow year,” he Y EA R -TO -YE A R BA S I S .” really good football said. “If that’s your coaches out there goal, you’re not gothat can do X’s and O’s, but I’m not sure that ing to win on a consistent, year-to-year basis.” there’s a better combination of a person that’s The expectation at UW, Johnson said, is that good of a football coach,” Wilcox said of more fluid. Chryst. “It’s to be better every day, to go out and “When you talk about humble and hard-workwork hard,” he said. “Can I get better every ing and accountable and smart and tough, that week and can I peak at the right time? is who he is and that’s who Wisconsin is.” “At the end of the day, if it’s real, the players Johnson said Chryst’s strength is his genuwill see that. I think that’s another big reason
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JUSTIN WILCOX
DAVID STLUKA
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“ O BVIOUSLY T HERE’S WI NNI NG ,” W ILCOX SAID, “B UT WI NNI NG’ S A BY- PRODUC T OF T HE RES T O F TH E OPER ATI ON. I F T HERE’S ON E TH I NG, IT’S T HE PEOPLE I N T H E P ROG RAM. W IS CO N S IN IS TH E BEST EXA M P L E O F T H AT.” LAUREN ARNDT
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TIM TIBESAR
ine, consistent, personable approach to running his program. “Too many times we turn on the TV and see coaches trying to be what they think they need to be for recruiting,” Johnson said. “Coach is very secure with who he is. If you’re just you, the players will see that. But if you’re phony, they’ll see that, too.” Johnson said Chryst is not a complicated man to work for. “You know what’s expected of you; you know your job,” Johnson said. “I don’t think the buck gets passed around here very much. If it’s your mistake, then you own it and you learn from it and you don’t make it again. It’s the same on the football field, in the offices and just in general. “That’s a very important factor in who we are and why we win. Everybody knows their job and they do their job to the best of their ability.” Johnson officially started his new job at the Ada, Oklahoma, campus on Jan. 2, but spent a week recently calling all his players, answering their questions and easing their minds. He said the main objective, outside of moving his wife Brandy and four young children to new digs, is to create a culture of unity like the one he’s experienced at UW. “How I take it, and how I’m going to instill it in my program, is a family,” he said. “Where things aren’t always perfect, but we’re in this together. “We’re always working to be better individually and as a team and we’re doing it together.” Tibesar has worked under three defensive coordinators at Wisconsin — Dave Aranda, Wilcox and now Jim Leonhard — and developed some elite outside linebackers in that time. That list includes Joe Schobert, currently one of the top tacklers in the NFL with Cleveland; T.J. Watt, a first-round NFL draft pick with Pittsburgh; and Vince Biegel, who was chosen in the fourth round of the NFL draft by Green Bay.
Tibesar has been a defensive coordinator before — at North Dakota, Kansas State and Purdue — but he’s hoping this opportunity with Oregon State will help translate into a head coaching post. “You can’t say it enough: I love that humble and hard-working approach,” he said of the UW way. “If I get a chance to be a head coach, I’d love to be part of a culture like that.” Tibesar said it’s helped him immensely to be around a group of players and coaches that have the same objectives. “The players here are something special,” he said. “The culture is very unique and awesome to be around. “I’ve learned a ton of X’s and O’s, but also learned from seeing how this program is run and how the players have bought in.” Wilcox said the current UW culture has roots back to 1990 when Barry Alvarez took over and began a Hall of Fame coaching career. He won 119 games from ’90 to 2005, including three Big Ten titles and three Rose Bowls, before becoming Wisconsin’s director of athletics. Wilcox, who grew up on the West Coast and graduated from Oregon, was asked to identify the difference between UW and other places
he’s seen. “It’s a beautiful place — Camp Randall Stadium and all that is great — but it’s the people in the program that are just really special,” he said. Wilcox said freshmen see things done a certain way so that when they’re seniors, they’re ready to uphold the current standard of excellence. “Obviously there’s winning,” he said, “but winning’s a by-product of the rest of the operation. “If there’s one thing, it’s the people in the program. Wisconsin is the best example of that.” Johnson said the foundation of success with the Badgers is built on an uncomplicated premise. “Just be you,” he said. “Just be the good you. “It sounds so simple, but it really resonates with people and players and kids.” Johnson embarks upon his head coaching career with that mental blueprint in mind. “Obviously there’s the X’s and O’s things, but other than that, those are the two main things,” he said. “If I can take them and hold onto them for all my coaching career, I will be a better person and a better father and a better coach.”
DAVID STLUKA DARREN LEE
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ALEX HORNIBROOK
Looking Ahead: Power and experience give offense ‘scary’ potential Led by explosive playmakers, still-youthful unit has a high ceiling
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BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM SENIOR WRITER
ot long after Wisconsin’s seniors went out with a splash — a record-setting 13th win, their 45th over four years — Kyle Penniston contemplated their impact on those who are following them. Still basking in the glow of a season-capping 34-24 victory over Miami in the Orange Bowl, Penniston was reminded of something assistant coach Mickey Turner had brought up earlier in the day. What was resonating now with Penniston, a redshirt sophomore, was how Turner, the tight ends coach, had planted a seed in the heads of his underclassmen about their future roles. Someone, after all, would have to replace the departing seniors who had authored so much success. Who better for that assignment than those players that they have mentored in the program?
“Coach Turner made a great point,” said Penniston, who was also speaking for junior fullback Alec Ingold, “we’ve sat behind Troy (Fumagalli) and Austin (Ramesh) for a couple of years now. “They really set a good example on how to be a true Wisconsin Badger.” Asked to elaborate, he said, “It’s about hard work and coming to work hard every day. We’ll come back (in January) and lift and be detailed in preparation as we go through the spring and summer. “We’ve had a great group of seniors and, personally, I’ve learned a lot from Troy over my three years on campus, both on and off the field. I know Alec feels the same way about Austin.” The Badgers will surely miss Fumagalli, a dependable receiver (135 career catches) and underrated blocker; and Ramesh, a punishing
short-yardage runner and battering ram for the tailbacks. But the rest of the offense is expected to return intact for the 2018 season; a scary proposition for opposing defensive coordinators who will have to game-plan for multiple weapons. The arsenal will feature: ▪ Tailback Jonathan Taylor who broke Adrian Peterson’s FBS rushing record for a freshman by running for 1,977 yards, including 130 against Miami, the most the Canes had given up this season. “I grew up watching Adrian Peterson,” said Taylor, a New Jersey native. “I even watched his highlights before the game tonight (Saturday). Just being mentioned with him now is kind of crazy.” DAVID STLUKA
JONATHAN TAYLOR
▪ Quarterback Alex Hornibrook who was named the MVP of the Orange Bowl after completing 23 of 34 passes for 258 yards and four touchdowns. He was sacked just once and didn’t throw a pick. “The O-line gave me some great lanes to step up into,” he said. “I trusted myself and the O-line. It wasn’t like they were getting beat. They were pushing guys outside and I had the room to move up.” ▪ Wide receivers Danny Davis, A.J. Taylor, Kendrick Pryor and Quintez Cephus, who will be coming back off a leg injury. Davis had three touchdowns and Taylor had eight catches against Miami. “They’ve learned to play with a lot of energy,” Cephus said of his “brothers” in the rotation. “They’ve learned to play together. They’ve had the mindset to be aggressive and make plays.” SIZE STILL MATTERS The Badgers will be loaded at the skill positions; more so than normal. But size still matters. And they’ll have plenty of that, too — size and seasoning — on the line of scrimmage. “We should be one of the most dominant offenses in the country next year,” said right tackle David Edwards, who received All-America recognition along with Michael Deiter and Beau Benzschawel. “We set the standard (up front) for how to go about our business every week. We’ve got guys that have played a lot of reps. And we’ve got guys behind us who are itching to compete.” Edwards, who was injured in the first half of the Orange Bowl, was replaced midway through the third quarter by redshirt freshman Patrick Kasl. “And you saw Pat do a great job,” said Edwards. Depth abounds. The Badgers didn’t have a senior in the O-line room. “We set the standard back to where a Wisconsin offensive line should be,” Edwards said. “That’s something
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we’re really proud of.” Jonathan Taylor was certainly one of the beneficiaries of their robust play. “It’s scary,” Taylor said of the returning personnel at most positions. “And it definitely gives us momentum knowing that we have a lot of young guys (i.e. wideouts) coming back who can make plays. “It’s just a matter of, how hard are we willing to work to have another great season? I know I’m definitely going to have to work to have another season better than this one. But I’m willing to do it.” NO STRANGERS TO EXPERIENCE At tight end, the Badgers will welcome back Zander Neuville, who had knee surgery and missed the Ohio State and Miami games. Neuville, a marquee blocker, had nine catches and two touchdowns. Joining Penniston and Neuville in competition for playing time will be Luke Benzschawel,
DAVID STLUKA
38
who will be a sophomore, and Jake Ferguson, who redshirted as a true freshman. “Hopefully we can keep that tight end tradition going,” Penniston said. UW coach Paul Chryst has a knack for developing and utilizing tight ends and fullbacks. At that, Ingold is already a proven commodity in the backfield with 14 TDs on 86 touches (38 career games). “There’s nothing like experience,” Chryst admitted. The wide receivers, in particular, benefited from game action. They were pressed into service, ready or not, after Jazz Peavy left the program in September and the Cephus injury in November. “Everyone contributed, and those guys had big roles,” Chryst said of the true freshmen, Davis and Jonathan Taylor. “Certainly, Danny’s (role) went up when Q (Cephus) went down.” Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard was not surprised by what he saw out of Davis, Taylor
QUINTEZ CEPHUS
DARREN LEE
we can get it during the offseason.” As for Hornibrook taking on more leadership responsibilities, he said, “It always cranks up the more time you’re in a system and in just the role you have (as QB) that requires you to be a leader.” That was his way of saying “Yes” to wanting to be held even more accountable. He’s not alone. “I’m definitely going to have to take on more leadership and I had a lot of great role models,” said Taylor, who rushed for over 100 yards in 10 of 14 games. “I’m up for the challenge.” Chryst liked that answer and said, “I hope he (Taylor) takes the time to look back and appreciate what happened. How do you take that and continue to move forward? I’m confident he will.” Reflecting on the 13-win season, Chryst offered, “I don’t think anyone has done it that quietly.” Alluding to the postgame award presentation, he then added, “Alex and I were on the wrong stage. We wanted to be on the one behind us where all the guys are.” In the end, Hornibrook’s resiliency was in the spotlight again. “Alex has done that all year,” Chryst said. “He has done it in games. He never gets too high and doesn’t get too low and continues to work. As a coach, you appreciate that a ton.” Chryst anticipated the inevitable follow-up questions after the Orange Bowl triumph over Miami. Particularly considering all the returning pieces on offense. “Everybody wants to say, ‘What’s it mean going forward?’” he said. “Really, what it is … (pause) … is a culmination of a heckuva season that you appreciate it and want to be a part of.” This is a big deal, he later reaffirmed, without having to read his lips. Or between the lines.
and Pryor in the Orange Bowl. He had been monitoring their progress in practice throughout the season. “You know guys were going to have to make contested plays and Alex trusted them,” Leonhard said. “It was awesome to watch them battle and win those 50/50 balls.” The Canes challenged the UW receivers with their man coverage. And they responded with catches over the middle and on back shoulder fades. There was only one drop all night. “I’m really excited about that group,” Hornibrook said. “They’re real athletic and they know how to make plays. Obviously, they’re young so we’ve got a lot more time with them. “We’re going to get this offense as good as
39
DAVID STLUKA
T.J. EDWARDS
Looking Ahead: For defense, excitement ‘to see what’s next’ New faces ready to become new leaders for Badgers’ defense
I
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BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM SENIOR WRITER
f he was sweating, Wisconsin’s inside linebacker T.J. Edwards never showed it. “We didn’t lose any spirit or confidence,” Edwards said after Miami pulled out to a 14-3 first-quarter lead in the Orange Bowl last Saturday. “This team has been through so much this year. “We battled all game and I knew that we were going to come out on top.” It was just another obstacle to overcome. Like the loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. That one hurt. “We’ve been through a lot of adversity,” said Edwards, alluding to some of the season-ending injuries and first-half deficits. “A lot of ups and downs.” But the Badgers rallied against the ’Canes to secure their status as one of the top programs in the nation. Since Edwards’ redshirt season (2014), they’ve posted a head-turning 45-10 record.
“This group,” Edwards promised, “is going to come back with a lot of confidence.” Better yet, Edwards is coming back for his senior year after considering his NFL draft options. Many were sweating out his decision because he has been such an impact player over his 39 starts. Edwards can now be a stabilizing influence on a defense that must replace seven starters. For example, nose tackle Olive Sagapolu is a lone survivor, the lone returning regular on the defensive line. “I’ve kind of sat in the shadows,” said Sagapolu, a junior, “and led by example.” But with the graduation losses of Conor Sheehy (54 games, 33 starts), Alec James (54, 26) and Chikwe Obasih (49, 31), he understands that his job description has changed. “There will be times when practices are going to be tough,” said the 346-pound Sagapolu (36 games, 18 starts), “and I’m going to have to
be that one guy who sparks everybody. “I’m definitely one of the guys in the group who has played a lot of ball and I’ve learned a lot from past guys, especially this senior class. I was very close to them.” He said that they taught him to “have fun and enjoy the moment.” They also encouraged him to “play ball for each other” — a common theme with all the position groups, not just the D-line. NEXT MAN UP The impeding turnover on defense won’t merit a gold chain. Just patience. “I’m excited for the guys that are coming back just to see where they can take this,” said defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. “I’m excited to see what’s next. CHRIS ORR
“Obviously, we lose a lot of seniors; we lose a lot of leadership and some playmakers on defense. But, year-in and year-out, you see the next man stepping up and taking on a bigger role.” That could potentially be Garrett Rand (28 games), Isaiahh Loudermilk (11) and David Pfaff (5) on the D-line. They’ve played a little. But it remains to be seen how the two-deep will look in the spring. “One thing we probably lack is depth,” Sagapolu said. “We’ll have some new guys and we’ll teach them how we do things. Hopefully they’ll will learn fast enough to get ready for the season.”
DARREN LEE
GROWING IN CONFIDENCE The Badgers will have measurably more playing experience at linebacker, whether it’s outside (Andrew Van Ginkel and Tyler Johnson) or inside (Edwards, Ryan Connelly and Chris Orr). Edwards earlier referenced confidence and Van Ginkel, for one, doesn’t lack in this area. “He was so consistent all season long, but he wasn’t necessarily making the splash plays,” Leonhard said. “He had some sacks, he had some tackles for loss. But you’re seeing him get more confident. “Between the Big Ten championship and today (the Orange Bowl) — to play his best in these big moments — it’s just impressive to see how much of an impact player he has become.” Van Ginkel’s second-quarter interception completely reversed the momentum against Miami. He made some other big plays, including a sack and two open-field tackles on quarterback Malik Rosier. As far as emerging new faces on defense, Van Ginkel said, “I’m going to do whatever I have to do to make this team successful, whatever that may be; I’m going to push the guys and we’re going to come back ready to go next year.”
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Besides, Van Ginkel reasoned, “Every year, you have to replace seniors.” Everyone must deal with that reality. Connelly, who led the team in tackles, has a comparable perspective on transition. “The standard has been set and we have to be able to keep meeting that standard,” he said. “The young guys have seen the older guys do it, so we know what to expect. “A lot of my friends will be gone. But I’m excited by these young guys — these young bucks have shown some promise — so I’m excited to see what they can do. “Our potential is unlimited really as a defense.” ESTABLISH THEIR OWN IDENTITY The secondary will have the most unknowns, save for D’Cota Dixon, a fixture at safety. “It’s not too challenging,” Dixon said of the orientation for the newcomers. “That’s why we’ve got an offseason. We’ll be talking with guys and just hanging out with one another.” Dixon rattled off some names from the talent pool. “Dontye, most definitely and for sure,” he said
of nickel back Carriere-Williams. “Scott Nelson is a great guy. Eric Burrell. Pat (Johnson) once he gets healthy. Madison Cone. Faion Hicks.” There will be others, he assured, that will also factor into the mix. He’s open-minded. So is Leonhard, who said, “A lot of guys are going to be asked to step up; not only to take on a bigger role on the field but to become leaders, to really drive this team in the direction we want to go. “There are going to be some fresh faces next year. We all know that. But I’m excited for this group. They have to grow up, they have to grow up in a hurry and they’ve got to do it together.” That would be Leonhard’s goal for winter conditioning, spring practice and summer training. Meanwhile, the returning starters will be challenged to establish their identity, Connelly suggested. “Last year was last year,” he said. “Coach Chryst says that every year. When we come back (in January), he’ll say, ‘This team hasn’t accomplished anything yet.’ It’s the model you’ve got to live by.” Nobody is about to argue with success, either.
OLIVE SAGAPOLU & ISAIAHH LOUDERMILK
LAUREN ARNDT
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INSIDE FOOTBALL
Home events in bold. All times CT. Sept. 1 Utah State
BEN DICKMANN
SCHEDULE (13-1, 9-0)
W, 59-10
Sept. 9 Florida Atlantic W, 31-14 Sept. 16 at BYU
W, 40-6
Sept. 30 Northwestern W, 33-24 Oct. 7
at Nebraska
Oct. 14 Purdue Oct. 21 Maryland
W, 38-17 W, 17-9 W, 38-13
Homecoming
Oct. 28 at Illinois
W, 24-10
Nov. 4
at Indiana
W, 45-17
Nov. 11 #25 Iowa
W, 38-14
Nov. 18 #19 Michigan W, 24-10 Nov. 25 at Minnesota
W, 31-0
Big Ten Championship, Indianapolis: ▲ TAP TO WATCH - Wisconsin vs. Miami Orange Bowl Highlights
Dec. 2
vs. #8 Ohio State L, 21-27
Capital One Orange Bowl, Miami:
THIS WEEK After completing a 13-1 season culminating in a victory over Miami in the Capital One Orange Bowl, the Badgers head into their winter conditioning phase before returning to the field for spring drills in March. LAST WEEK The sixth-ranked Badgers finished off a historic season with a 34-24 victory over the 11th-ranked Hurricanes on their home field, with UW claiming its fourth consecu-
tive bowl win — and second straight triumph in a New Year’s Six game. GOOD TO KNOW Alex Hornibrook’s Orange Bowl MVP performance included a UW bowl game record four touchdown passes, including three to freshman Danny Davis, who became the first Badger with multiple TD grabs in a bowl game. Hornibrook finished 23-for-34 for a career-high 258 yards and no interceptions.
RELATED STORIES (Click to read)
▶ In Hornibrook the Badgers trust
Dec. 30 vs. #11 Miami W, 34-24 View full schedule/results »
SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT:
FOLLOW US:
▶ The best week of Wisconsin safety D’Cota Dixon’s life ▶ How fan helped players celebrate Orange Bowl win
45
INSIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE (9-7, 2-1)
Home events in bold. All times CT. Nov. 24 Milwaukee
W, 71-49
Nov. 27 at #18 Virginia L, 37-49 Dec. 2
Ohio State
Dec. 4
at Penn State W, 64-63
Dec. 6
at Temple
L, 55-59
Dec. 9
Marquette
L, 63-82
L, 58-83
Dec. 13 W. Kentucky
W, 81-80
Dec. 23 Green Bay
W, 81-60
Dec. 27 Chicago State W, 82-70 Dec. 30 UMass Lowell W, 82-53
THIS WEEK After six straight home games, Wisconsin will now hit the road for five of the next six games. That begins on Friday at Rutgers, before playing at Nebraska on Jan. 9 and at Purdue on Jan. 16. LAST WEEK Wisconsin began this week with an inspiring win, 71-61, over Indiana Tuesday night. Playing without three of their top guards, the Badgers rode Ethan Happ’s 28 points to move to 2-1 in the Big Ten and 9-7 overall.
GOOD TO KNOW Since Greg Gard entered the Big Ten head coaching ranks, Wisconsin is 26-13 (.667) in conference play — tied for the 2nd-best mark in the Big Ten. NEED TO KNOW The Badgers’ game at Rutgers on Friday will tip at 6 p.m. (CT) on ESPN2. It can also be heard on the Badger Sports Network and you can follow @BadgerMBB on Twitter for updates.
RELATED STORIES (Click to read)
Indiana
Jan. 5
at Rutgers
Jan. 9
at Nebraska
W, 71-61 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 16 at #13 Purdue
6 p.m.
Jan. 19 Illinois
8 p.m.
Jan. 23 at Iowa
6 p.m.
DARREN LEE
▲ TAP TO WATCH - Happ Guides Badgers to Victory Over Indiana
2018 Jan. 2
Jan. 26 at #1 Michigan St. 7 p.m. Jan. 29 Nebraska
8 p.m.
View full schedule/results » SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT:
FOLLOW US:
▶ HAPPy New Year: Happ’s 28 points lead way in win over IU ▶ UW assistant Moore on mission to curb Chicago shootings
47
INSIDE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Home events in bold. All times CT. Nov. 29 at Pittsburgh
JACK MCLAUGHLIN
SCHEDULE (7-8, 0-2)
W, 58-57
Dec. 2
La Salle
Dec. 4
at #23 Marquette L, 65-88
Dec. 2
UTRGV
W, 82-54
Dec. 8
at Butler
L, 62-69
W, 71-60
Dec. 10 Savannah State W, 82-24
▲ TAP TO WATCH - Wisconsin Falls in Big Ten Season Opener against the Hawkeyes
THIS WEEK Wisconsin (7-8, 0-2) continues its tough Big Ten-opening stretch, returning home for two games against ranked teams. The Badgers host No. 22 Michigan (12-3, 1-1) on Thursday at 7 p.m. The game airs live on the Big Ten Network from the Kohl Center. UW also hosts No. 13 Maryland (13-2, 2-0) on Sunday at 2 p.m. LAST WEEK While the Badgers have struggled to score, they have also played good defense. UW held Iowa to a season-low 56 points while Purdue scored 57 points. Wisconsin ranks fourth in the Big Ten, allowing 56.5 points per game.
GOOD TO KNOW The Badgers rank fourth in steals for Big Ten-only games after recording a season-high 12 steals vs. the Hawkeyes. Wisconsin is also fourth in scoring defense (56.5), turnover margin (+2.0) and fifth in field goal defense (.367). NEED TO KNOW Thursday’s game is the Badgers’ first contest on the Big Ten Network. Sunday’s game will be streamed on BTN Plus. Both games also air in the Madison area on 100.9 FM or online using the iHeartRadio app. Live stats are available on UWBadgers.com and follow @BadgerWBB on Twitter for live updates.
RELATED STORIES (Click to read)
▶ Badgers drop road contest at Purdue, 57-35
Dec. 14 Milwaukee
L, 64-67
Dec. 28 #23 Iowa
L, 46-56
Dec. 31 at Purdue
L, 35-57
2018 Jan. 4
#22 Michigan
7 p.m.
Jan. 7
#13 Maryland
2 p.m.
Jan. 11 at Northwestern 7 p.m. Jan. 14 Penn State
1 p.m.
Jan. 18 at Minnesota
7 p.m.
Jan. 21 Northwestern 4:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at Indiana
6 p.m.
Jan. 28 at Illinois
3 p.m.
Jan. 31 Minnesota
7 p.m.
Feb. 3
#10 Ohio State Noon
Feb. 11 at Nebraska
2 p.m.
View full schedule/results » SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT:
FOLLOW US:
▶ Badgers fall to No. 23 Iowa ▶ Meet the Badgers: Kelly Karlis
49
INSIDE MEN’S HOCKEY
Home events in bold. All times CT.
GREG ANDERSON
SCHEDULE (10-9-2, 4-5-1) Nov. 10 at Michigan State W, 6-3 Nov. 11 at Michigan State L, 0-2 Nov. 17 #17 Michigan
W, 7-3
Nov. 18 #17 Michigan T, 4-4 OT LOST SHOOTOUT 0-2
▲ TAP TO WATCH - Badger Hockey Digest: Holiday 2017 Top 10
THIS WEEK No. 15 Wisconsin (10-9-2, 4-5-1 Big Ten) returns to the ice for its first games of 2018 with a trip to No. 14/13 Penn State (11-7-2, 4-4-2-1 Big Ten) on Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. CT. LAST WEEK The Badgers have been off since playing host to No. 4 Notre Dame at the Kohl Center on Dec. 8 and 9. GOOD TO KNOW Wisconsin, which started 2018 ranked No. 18 in USCHO.com’s Pairwise Rank-
ings, plays 10 of its final 14 regular-season games against teams currently in the top 12 in those rankings. The pairwise rankings mimic the NCAA selection process for the 16-team field.
Nov. 25 Mercyhurst
L, 2-3
Nov. 26 Mercyhurst
W, 4-2
Dec. 1
at #7 Minnesota
L, 4-5
Dec. 2
at #7 Minnesota W, 3-2
Dec. 8
#4 Notre Dame
L, 2-3
Dec. 9
#4 Notre Dame
L, 2-6
2018 Jan. 5
at #14 Penn State 6 p.m.
Jan. 6
at #14 Penn State 6 p.m.
Jan. 12
Michigan State
7 p.m.
Jan. 13
Michigan State
7 p.m.
Jan. 19
at #2 Notre Dame 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 21
vs. #2 Notre Dame 2 p.m.
Chicago, Ill.
View full schedule/results » SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT:
NEED TO KNOW Friday’s game streams on BTN Plus, while Saturday’s game airs on BTN, while also streaming on the BTN2Go app and at BTN2Go.com for cable and satellite subscribers. Both games air on the Badger Radio Network, including 1070 WTSO on Friday and 1310 WIBA on Saturday.
RELATED STORIES (Click to read)
FOLLOW US:
▶ Granato helps announce U.S. Olympic Team roster ▶ The coach who’ll shoot for the impossible in PyeongChang
51
INSIDE WRESTLING SCHEDULE (4-0, 1-0)
Home events in bold. All times CT. Nov. 17 vs. Pittsburgh
W, 26-6
Bakersfield, Calif.
Nov. 17 at CSU Bakersfield W, 22-18 Nov. 19 at Roadrunner Open Bakersfield, Calif. Results » Dec. 1-2 at Cliff Keen Invitational Las Vegas Results » Dec. 7
Maryland
Dec. 9
at UW-Whitewater W, 38-3
Dec. 9
at UNI Open
Cedar Falls, Iowa
W, 32-6 Results »
Dec. 29-30 at Midland Championships
Hoffman Estates, Ill. Results »
2018 Jan. 12 at Northwestern
7 p.m.
Jan. 19 at Michigan
6 p.m.
Jan. 21 at Michigan State 11 a.m. ▲ TAP TO WATCH - For the W | Season 1 | Episode 2
THIS WEEK Wisconsin wrestling is off this week as they prepare to go into the thick of Big Ten conference duals. LAST WEEK The Badgers went to the 55th Midlands Championships at Hoffman Estates, Illinois and had two top finishers during a challenging weekend.
GOOD TO KNOW Freshman Paul Konrath was the highlight of Midlands, as he placed seventh in one of the most difficult tournaments in the country. He defeated 13th-ranked Korbin Myers of Edinboro en route to a 5-2 finish.
Jan. 26 Indiana
7 p.m.
Feb. 9 Nebraska
7 p.m.
Feb. 11 at Illinois
1 p.m.
View full schedule/results » SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT:
NEED TO KNOW January 12 marks the beginning of Big Ten conference duals as No. 16 Wisconsin will head back to Illinois to face Northwestern.
RELATED STORIES (Click to read)
▶ Two Badgers place as the team finishes out the tournament
FOLLOW US:
▶ Midlands Day One ▶ Wisconsin Wrestling Team Night
53
THIS WEEK IN BADGER HISTORY
ICON SPORTSWIRE
CAMP RANDALL 100 SPOTLIGHT:
RUFUS FERGUSON
The Camp Randall 100 honors a prestigious group of 100 people who shaped the first century of Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin Athletics revealed a new honoree every day from May 24 through the Badgers’ 2017 opening game vs. Utah State Sept. 1.
BY MIKE LUCAS UWBadgers.com Senior Writer
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isconsin’s embattled head coach John Coatta recruited Rufus Ferguson out of South Florida — Miami’s Killian High School — and predicted that the 5-foot-6, 195-pound Ferguson would put fannies in the seats of Camp Randall Stadium with his flamboyant personality and unique running style. The summer prior to his freshman year in Madison, he served as a congressional page in Washington, D.C. When he got to campus, he was already answering to a nickname. After stealing 42 bases in 19 American Legion baseball games, Ferguson was tagged as the “Roadrunner.” Beep, beep.
Freshman coach LaVern Van Dyke loved telling the story of picking up Ferguson at the airport on his official recruiting visit. It was a typical winter day in the Midwest — windy and below freezing — when Ferguson stepped off the plane dressed for South Beach, not central Wisconsin. Van Dyke easily picked Ferguson out of the crowd and shouted out his name, whereupon an innocent and puzzled Ferguson inquired, “How’d ya know it was me?’” Four years later, no introductions were needed. Ferguson evolved into an explosive tailback and genuine crowd-pleaser — spiking attendance at Camp Randall Stadium. Just like Coatta said he would. But Coatta never got a chance to really coach him. He was fired after Ferguson’s freshman season.
▪▪▪▪ It was the calm before the shuffle, er, storm. Rufus “Roadrunner” Ferguson was featured on In the second game of the ’71 season, a 20-20 the cover of the 1972 Wisconsin football media tie at Syracuse, Ferguson rushed for 149 yards and guide. An action shot of No. 21 — cradling a foottwo TDs. After being pushed out of bounds on one ball in his right arm and making a cut off his right of his runs, he unveiled a dance move, shuffling his foot — was superimposed over an aerial view of a feet while extending his arms above his head. It was sold-out Camp Randall Stadium. the dawning of the “Roadrunner Shuffle.” The cover included the ’72 schedule and some The following week, Wisconsin attracted a record pertinent information on Ferguson. Like the fact crowd of 78,535 for a nonconference game against that he had rushed for the LSU. It was the first time all-time school record of all the seats had been filled THE SPIRIT AND THE CROWDS ARE BACK 1,222 yards in 1971 and since the construction of AT WISCONSIN, WROTE ROY DAMER IN he was being touted as an Camp Randall’s upper deck THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE, AND THERE’S All-America and Heisman in 1966. The Badgers lost, NO QUESTION THAT THE PIED PIPER OF Trophy candidate going 38-28. But they were enMADISON IS RUFUS FERGUSON. into his senior year. tertaining. Ferguson had The cover also noted that the Badgers averaged 97 yards and two more TDs. 68,148 fans per game in ’71 and ranked No. 3 na“I’ll tell ya what, Rufus is a showman — he puts tionally in attendance, a remarkable four-year turnlife into football,” said LSU coach Charlie McClenaround. In 1968, they averaged 43,459. don. “But, more importantly, he’s a true player. He’s UW athletic director Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch big-time. He runs so low slung that our ballplayers had done a tremendous job stumping the state couldn’t get their arms around him.” and reviving the base. Oh, yes, the Roadrunner had To read the rest of the story click here. For the something to do with the renewed enthusiasm, too. complete Camp Randall 100 list, visit CampRanThe spirit and the crowds are back at Wisconsin, dall100.com. wrote Roy Damer in the Chicago Tribune, and there’s no question that the Pied Piper of Madison is Rufus Ferguson. Damer went on to write, Ferguson sends electric shocks of excitement thru the admiring throngs when he gets his hands on the football and does wondrous things. Even though frosh were still ineligible to compete in 1969 — the NCAA didn’t clear them for participation until 1972 — the Badgers got their initial glimpse of Ferguson when he was the MVP of the freshman team. He definitely stood out. He ran for 380 yards and six touchdowns in just two games. As a sophomore, Ferguson posted modest numbers — 130 carries for 588 yards and six touchdowns — but still led Wisconsin in rushing.
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