3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
2004 Wisconsin Badgers Game Preview
written by
daddyphatsacs, Bucklion, osugrad21, and 3yardsandacloud
written by
daddyphatsacs, Bucklion, osugrad21, and 3yardsandacloud
Wisconsin Badgers Game Preview
This introduction is tough to write after a stinging loss to Northwestern. Let's hope the Buckeyes were game planning for Wisconsin for the past two weeks, because they didn't have a clue when it came to the Wildcats. What looked to be a pivotal game for the Buckeyes' season looms even larger after last Saturday. Wisconsin rolls into town sporting a five game winning streak, the return of their star running back, and aspirations for a wide-open Big Ten Championship. Barry Alvarez has always gotten his Badgers ready for the Buckeyes and this year should be no exception. The only way to forget Saturday's loss is by playing (and beating) a tough, nationally ranked opponent. Wisconsin offers all that and more. With tOSU embarrased and set for payback, get ready for 60 minutes of hard hitting action from the big uglies. This promises to be smash mouth football at its best.
Date and Time
Game time: Saturday, October 9th, 2004
3:30 pm EDT Kick-off at the Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH)
ABC will cover the game.
3:30 pm EDT Kick-off at the Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH)
ABC will cover the game.
Wisconsin Badgers Offensive Preview
Returning starters: 9
Despite the general animosity between the two schools, there are many parallels between the style of play at Wisconsin and here at Ohio State University. A rugged running game, play-action, an opportunistic passing attack with added value to accuracy, smart decisions and winning with special teams and defense - these are all trademarks of both schools when successful. All that said, Wisconsin had a surprisingly good offensive season last year, which at least partly led to the heightened expectations for this year's campaign. Wisconsin pounded out 177 yards/game on the ground last year, good for 3rd in the conference and 37th overall. However, the passing numbers were equally as good, at 217.9 yards/game, good for 5th and 59th overall, leading to a well-balanced attack that was difficult to stop during significant portions of last season. They also had the ability to torch someone deep once in a while...a fact that the Buckeyes learned the hard way at the end of a hard-fought, physical game in Madison last year. The Badgers also scored a respectable 27/game, but had a turnover ratio of -3, indicating sporadic carelessness with the ball that cost them in several games. Maintaining balance and taking care of the ball were priorities going in to 2004, particularly given the loss of one of the school's most potent weapons in its history, Lee Evans.
This year, the offense for Wisconsin has been inconsistent at best, but it hasn't cost the team a game yet. The rushing game is still good, averaging just over 180 yards/game, good for 3rd in the conference and 36th overall. The passing game, however, has been horrible, averaging just 133 yards/game, dead last in the Big Ten and 113/117 overall. Their 20.2 points per game is also dead last in the conference and 91st overall. So, who's 5-0? Yep, you guessed it...the Badgers have generated some timely scores, let their defense take over, and the offense has yet to cost the team in a critical situation. Still, down the conference stretch, they will have to generate more yards through the air and more points if they hope to smell roses in January.
Quarterbacks
QB #2 John Stocco (6-2, 202 So.)
Gone is underrated QB Jim Sorgi, who made this team go with his smart decisions and timely completions, as well as being a threat with his feet. In his place steps the sophomore Stocco, a Bollinger-type QB who hopes to have similar success in terms of production and record. So far, the reviews are mixed, as he has completed less than 50% of his passes for only 660 yards in 5 games and thrown as many interceptions as TDs (3 each), but where it counts, he is 5-0. He has also rushed for 2 scores, despite a -11 total rushing yardage number. Stocco has to make better decisions and complete more passes down the stretch, or else teams like the Buckeyes will put 9 in the box and pound away at the running backs that have a history of injury problems.
QB Rating: D
Running Backs
RB #28 Anthony Davis (5-8, 194 Sr.)
FB #45 Matt Bernstein (6-2, 264 Jr.)
When he's on, Davis is one of the most dangerous and prolific rushers in the nation. However, like TA McLendon at NC State, who the Bucks faced earlier in the season, Davis has been unable to consistently avoid the injury bug. Davis was limited to only 682 yards and 7 scores last season, and has already missed time this year as well. Still, he has 291 yards and 4 scores while averaging over 7 yards a carry this season. Last year, Dwayne Smith stepped into Davis' place and led the team in rushing with 857 yards and 9 scores. However, the troubled tailback has since left the team, and sophomore Booker Stanley, who had 523 yards and 5 scores last year, has stepped up as the #2 guy. So far in 2004, he has 240 yards and a TD in five games, and has also chipped in 10 catches for 78 yards. Bernstein is one of the nation's better fullbacks, as he is an absolute bulldozer up front, and has also chipped in 177 yards rushing so far this season.
RB Rating: B+
Wide Receivers
WR #25 Brandon Williams (5-11, 175 Jr.)
WR #9 Jonathan Orr (6-3, 183 Jr.)
Gone is Lee Evans, one of the most athletic receivers in Big Ten history, and he took his 64 catches, 1213 yards, and 13 TDs with him. Replacing that production has proven next to impossible, but the Badgers would settle for a few big plays and some timely possession receiving by committee. Williams was second on the team last year (649 yards, 1 TD) and is the main target now, with 10 catches for 132 yards. Orr has nice size, but has always been plagued by key drops, which he will have to improve upon if he wants to become a go-to receiver...he had only 7 catches last year after setting a Badger freshman mark with 842 yards when Evans got hurt 2 seasons ago. He has 8 catches for 92 yards and a TD so far this year. A pleasant surprise has been Owen Daniels, who has caught 8 passes for 161 yards and a TD so far this year. The team hopes he can become a big-play threat down the stretch, evidenced by his 20 yard/catch average. Also in the mix are backups Brandon White and Darrin Charles.
WR Rating: C-
Tight Ends
TE #85 Tony Paciotti (6-4, 264 Sr.)
Barry Alvarez has never featured the TE, and this season is no exception. Paciotti has nice size and is a good blocker in the run game, but not much else. He and backup Jason Pociask have one catch apiece.
TE Rating: C
Offensive Line
OT #75 Morgan Davis (6-5, 319 Sr.)
OG #67 Dan Buenning (6-4, 313 Sr.)
C #53 Donovan Raiola (6-3, 280 Jr.)
OG #50 Jonathan Clinkscale (6-3, 304 Sr.)
OT #61 Mike Lorenz (6-5, 315 Sr.)
This unit has four seniors and one junior (Raiola). It struggled at times last season, but the seasoning and experience has helped a great deal in this season, as the Badgers have been able to cement victories down the stretch. The best may be Buenning, who had started 24 straight games coming in to the season and was 2nd team all-Big Ten last year. Clinkscale is back for year #3 as a starter, and Raiola was homorable mention all-conference a year ago. The backups also have experience, led by junior center Jason Palermo. Tackles Joe Thomas and Jake Wood, and guards Matt Lawrence and Randy Gyllin could also see the field.
OL Rating: B
Analysis
It's hard to call an offense a miserable failure on a team that is 5-0. The rushing numbers are good, and at the same point as last season. The passing game has lagged worefully behind, leading to some headaches for the coordinators and extensive pressure on the defense and special teams. Wether the Badgers increase their passing production will be the key to the season down the stretch. The Buckeyes will probably stack the front and dare Stocco to beat them deep with single coverage until the Badgers can display some balance. There is nothing to indicate that the game will be won and lost in the trenches, a central theme to all of the OSU/Wisconsin games in recent years.
Overall Offensive Rating: C-
Despite the general animosity between the two schools, there are many parallels between the style of play at Wisconsin and here at Ohio State University. A rugged running game, play-action, an opportunistic passing attack with added value to accuracy, smart decisions and winning with special teams and defense - these are all trademarks of both schools when successful. All that said, Wisconsin had a surprisingly good offensive season last year, which at least partly led to the heightened expectations for this year's campaign. Wisconsin pounded out 177 yards/game on the ground last year, good for 3rd in the conference and 37th overall. However, the passing numbers were equally as good, at 217.9 yards/game, good for 5th and 59th overall, leading to a well-balanced attack that was difficult to stop during significant portions of last season. They also had the ability to torch someone deep once in a while...a fact that the Buckeyes learned the hard way at the end of a hard-fought, physical game in Madison last year. The Badgers also scored a respectable 27/game, but had a turnover ratio of -3, indicating sporadic carelessness with the ball that cost them in several games. Maintaining balance and taking care of the ball were priorities going in to 2004, particularly given the loss of one of the school's most potent weapons in its history, Lee Evans.
This year, the offense for Wisconsin has been inconsistent at best, but it hasn't cost the team a game yet. The rushing game is still good, averaging just over 180 yards/game, good for 3rd in the conference and 36th overall. The passing game, however, has been horrible, averaging just 133 yards/game, dead last in the Big Ten and 113/117 overall. Their 20.2 points per game is also dead last in the conference and 91st overall. So, who's 5-0? Yep, you guessed it...the Badgers have generated some timely scores, let their defense take over, and the offense has yet to cost the team in a critical situation. Still, down the conference stretch, they will have to generate more yards through the air and more points if they hope to smell roses in January.
Quarterbacks
QB #2 John Stocco (6-2, 202 So.)
Gone is underrated QB Jim Sorgi, who made this team go with his smart decisions and timely completions, as well as being a threat with his feet. In his place steps the sophomore Stocco, a Bollinger-type QB who hopes to have similar success in terms of production and record. So far, the reviews are mixed, as he has completed less than 50% of his passes for only 660 yards in 5 games and thrown as many interceptions as TDs (3 each), but where it counts, he is 5-0. He has also rushed for 2 scores, despite a -11 total rushing yardage number. Stocco has to make better decisions and complete more passes down the stretch, or else teams like the Buckeyes will put 9 in the box and pound away at the running backs that have a history of injury problems.
QB Rating: D
Running Backs
RB #28 Anthony Davis (5-8, 194 Sr.)
FB #45 Matt Bernstein (6-2, 264 Jr.)
When he's on, Davis is one of the most dangerous and prolific rushers in the nation. However, like TA McLendon at NC State, who the Bucks faced earlier in the season, Davis has been unable to consistently avoid the injury bug. Davis was limited to only 682 yards and 7 scores last season, and has already missed time this year as well. Still, he has 291 yards and 4 scores while averaging over 7 yards a carry this season. Last year, Dwayne Smith stepped into Davis' place and led the team in rushing with 857 yards and 9 scores. However, the troubled tailback has since left the team, and sophomore Booker Stanley, who had 523 yards and 5 scores last year, has stepped up as the #2 guy. So far in 2004, he has 240 yards and a TD in five games, and has also chipped in 10 catches for 78 yards. Bernstein is one of the nation's better fullbacks, as he is an absolute bulldozer up front, and has also chipped in 177 yards rushing so far this season.
RB Rating: B+
Wide Receivers
WR #25 Brandon Williams (5-11, 175 Jr.)
WR #9 Jonathan Orr (6-3, 183 Jr.)
Gone is Lee Evans, one of the most athletic receivers in Big Ten history, and he took his 64 catches, 1213 yards, and 13 TDs with him. Replacing that production has proven next to impossible, but the Badgers would settle for a few big plays and some timely possession receiving by committee. Williams was second on the team last year (649 yards, 1 TD) and is the main target now, with 10 catches for 132 yards. Orr has nice size, but has always been plagued by key drops, which he will have to improve upon if he wants to become a go-to receiver...he had only 7 catches last year after setting a Badger freshman mark with 842 yards when Evans got hurt 2 seasons ago. He has 8 catches for 92 yards and a TD so far this year. A pleasant surprise has been Owen Daniels, who has caught 8 passes for 161 yards and a TD so far this year. The team hopes he can become a big-play threat down the stretch, evidenced by his 20 yard/catch average. Also in the mix are backups Brandon White and Darrin Charles.
WR Rating: C-
Tight Ends
TE #85 Tony Paciotti (6-4, 264 Sr.)
Barry Alvarez has never featured the TE, and this season is no exception. Paciotti has nice size and is a good blocker in the run game, but not much else. He and backup Jason Pociask have one catch apiece.
TE Rating: C
Offensive Line
OT #75 Morgan Davis (6-5, 319 Sr.)
OG #67 Dan Buenning (6-4, 313 Sr.)
C #53 Donovan Raiola (6-3, 280 Jr.)
OG #50 Jonathan Clinkscale (6-3, 304 Sr.)
OT #61 Mike Lorenz (6-5, 315 Sr.)
This unit has four seniors and one junior (Raiola). It struggled at times last season, but the seasoning and experience has helped a great deal in this season, as the Badgers have been able to cement victories down the stretch. The best may be Buenning, who had started 24 straight games coming in to the season and was 2nd team all-Big Ten last year. Clinkscale is back for year #3 as a starter, and Raiola was homorable mention all-conference a year ago. The backups also have experience, led by junior center Jason Palermo. Tackles Joe Thomas and Jake Wood, and guards Matt Lawrence and Randy Gyllin could also see the field.
OL Rating: B
Analysis
It's hard to call an offense a miserable failure on a team that is 5-0. The rushing numbers are good, and at the same point as last season. The passing game has lagged worefully behind, leading to some headaches for the coordinators and extensive pressure on the defense and special teams. Wether the Badgers increase their passing production will be the key to the season down the stretch. The Buckeyes will probably stack the front and dare Stocco to beat them deep with single coverage until the Badgers can display some balance. There is nothing to indicate that the game will be won and lost in the trenches, a central theme to all of the OSU/Wisconsin games in recent years.
Overall Offensive Rating: C-
Wisconsin Badgers Defensive Preview
Returning Starters: 8
Wisconsin brings one the of the best defenses in country to Columbus this week. In fact, they are the 2nd best in the country in total yards, giving up a marginal 193 yards per game. They have the number one scoring defense in the country, giving up 5 points a game. They currently lead the Big Ten in pass defense, giving up a paltry 126 yards per game to date, which is good enough for 4th in the country. They are 2nd in the Big Ten and 4th nationally in run defense, surrendering 66 yards a game. Wisconsin has the total package defensively, they have a blend of talent at every position. Needless to say, they are going to be tough as hell to move the ball on this week. Give credit to the new defensive coordinator Bret Bielema, he really has the Badgers playing fantastic defense.
Defensive Line
LE #90 Erasmus James (6-4 263 Sr.)
LT #77 Anttaj Hawthorne (6-3 305 Sr.)
RT #74 Jason Jefferson (6-3 306 Sr.)
RE #92 Jonathan Welsh (6-4 233 Sr.)
The Badger defensive line is a very experienced front, in fact all four are seniors. They are highly skilled and are fantastic against the run. Ohio State will have a very hard time establishing any kind of run game this week. They are led by end Erasmus James. James is off to a fantastic start this season. He leads the team in sacks (5), and tackles for loss (7.5). He has also been credited with 6 quarterback hurries to go with his 19 tackles. The other side of the defensive line is anchored down by Jonathan Welsh. So far this season Welsh has tallied up 12 tackles, including 1 sack and 2 for a loss.
The interior of the Wisconsin defensive line is held down by two huge road blocks, averaging over 305 pounds. Anttaj Hawthorne is the leader of the two spots and has great athletism, he has got off to a nice start this season with 13 tackles, including 3 for loss and an interception. The other big ugly spot features Jason Jefferson. Jefferson is having a nice season to date with 9 total tackles, including 2.5 for loss, and 1 sack.
Defensive Line Rating: A-
Linebackers
WLB #14 Dontez Sanders (6-1 208 Jr.)
MLB #15 Reggie Cribbs (6-1 234 So.)
SLB #41 Mark Zalewski (6-2 232 So.)
The Wisconsin linebacking crew is another highly skilled area for the Badgers. They are ranked 1,2, and 4 on the team in total tackles, which is what you want from your linebackers. Dontez Sanders is the leader of the linebackers. He currently leads the team in tackles with 33, including 4.5 for loss, 2 sacks. He has also forced 1 fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. Middle linebacker Reggie Cribbs is nipping right on Sanders’ heel in total tackles. He currently has been credited with 31 total tackles, including 3.5 for loss. Cribbs has also blocked a kick for the Badgers this season. The sam spot is held down by super-talented sophomore Mark Zalewski. Zalewski has put up some very gawdy numbers up to this point this season, with the stat (yes I’m the stat) man crediting him for 21 tackles, including 5 for loss, and 3 sacks.
Linebacker Rating: A-
Secondary
FCB #2 Scott Starks (5-10 173 Sr.)
SS #42 Robert Brooks (5-10 186 Sr.)
FS #18 Jim Leonhard (5-8 186 Sr.)
BCB #6 Brett Bell (6-0 200 Jr.)
Wisconsin’s secondary may be the best of all the three positions areas that I have mentioned thus far, and look to continue their league leading pass defense. They are led by Thorpe award candidate Jim Leonhard. Leonhard is a two time, first team All Big Ten selection, and was named a first team All-American by espn.com and cnnsi.com in 2002. Since the 2002 season Leonhard has put together some eye popping stats, he is 2nd all time in the Wisconsin record book with 19 interceptions. He is also Wisconsin’s all time leader in punt return yardage, and in the top six in the history of the Big Ten. He was named the Big Ten special teams player of the week for his performance against UNLV this season, where he ran back a blocked field goal 86 yards for a touchdown and returned three punts for 58 yards. He has totaled 23 tackles, 1 interception, and 6 pass breakups so far this season. The other safety spot is occupied by another senior who goes by the name of Robert Brooks. Brooks is out to a decent start from his free safety spot tallying up 15 tackles and 2 forced fumbles.
Wisconsin is also very solid at the corner position. All Big Ten candidate Scott Starks leads the charge from his corner position, playing a relentless and very tough style of football. Starks has 19 tackles, including 4 for loss, and 1 sack thus far. He has also batted down 5 passes to date. The other corner spot is occupied by junior Brett (don’t call me Ma) Bell. Bell also has 19 tackles so far this season, including 1.5 for loss. Bell also has an interception to go along with his 4 pass breakups.
Secondary Rating: A
Analysis
It is gut check time in Columbus. Ohio State is coming off an embarrassing loss to Northwestern, but things will not get any easier for them this week. Wisconsin is very strong in all areas of their defense, and will make life very hard on the Buckeye offense. When will the Ohio State offensive line finally start to play well? Time will tell, but Wisconsin will make their lives miserable if the Buckeyes do not stop the bleeding along the front. Justin Zwick has to be wary of the sneaky Leonhard who loves to play the thief in the secondary. If Zwick leaves any balls up for grabs, he will be punished this week. Ohio State had better fix things this week, or we will lose our second straight.
Overall Defensive Rating: A-
Wisconsin brings one the of the best defenses in country to Columbus this week. In fact, they are the 2nd best in the country in total yards, giving up a marginal 193 yards per game. They have the number one scoring defense in the country, giving up 5 points a game. They currently lead the Big Ten in pass defense, giving up a paltry 126 yards per game to date, which is good enough for 4th in the country. They are 2nd in the Big Ten and 4th nationally in run defense, surrendering 66 yards a game. Wisconsin has the total package defensively, they have a blend of talent at every position. Needless to say, they are going to be tough as hell to move the ball on this week. Give credit to the new defensive coordinator Bret Bielema, he really has the Badgers playing fantastic defense.
Defensive Line
LE #90 Erasmus James (6-4 263 Sr.)
LT #77 Anttaj Hawthorne (6-3 305 Sr.)
RT #74 Jason Jefferson (6-3 306 Sr.)
RE #92 Jonathan Welsh (6-4 233 Sr.)
The Badger defensive line is a very experienced front, in fact all four are seniors. They are highly skilled and are fantastic against the run. Ohio State will have a very hard time establishing any kind of run game this week. They are led by end Erasmus James. James is off to a fantastic start this season. He leads the team in sacks (5), and tackles for loss (7.5). He has also been credited with 6 quarterback hurries to go with his 19 tackles. The other side of the defensive line is anchored down by Jonathan Welsh. So far this season Welsh has tallied up 12 tackles, including 1 sack and 2 for a loss.
The interior of the Wisconsin defensive line is held down by two huge road blocks, averaging over 305 pounds. Anttaj Hawthorne is the leader of the two spots and has great athletism, he has got off to a nice start this season with 13 tackles, including 3 for loss and an interception. The other big ugly spot features Jason Jefferson. Jefferson is having a nice season to date with 9 total tackles, including 2.5 for loss, and 1 sack.
Defensive Line Rating: A-
Linebackers
WLB #14 Dontez Sanders (6-1 208 Jr.)
MLB #15 Reggie Cribbs (6-1 234 So.)
SLB #41 Mark Zalewski (6-2 232 So.)
The Wisconsin linebacking crew is another highly skilled area for the Badgers. They are ranked 1,2, and 4 on the team in total tackles, which is what you want from your linebackers. Dontez Sanders is the leader of the linebackers. He currently leads the team in tackles with 33, including 4.5 for loss, 2 sacks. He has also forced 1 fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. Middle linebacker Reggie Cribbs is nipping right on Sanders’ heel in total tackles. He currently has been credited with 31 total tackles, including 3.5 for loss. Cribbs has also blocked a kick for the Badgers this season. The sam spot is held down by super-talented sophomore Mark Zalewski. Zalewski has put up some very gawdy numbers up to this point this season, with the stat (yes I’m the stat) man crediting him for 21 tackles, including 5 for loss, and 3 sacks.
Linebacker Rating: A-
Secondary
FCB #2 Scott Starks (5-10 173 Sr.)
SS #42 Robert Brooks (5-10 186 Sr.)
FS #18 Jim Leonhard (5-8 186 Sr.)
BCB #6 Brett Bell (6-0 200 Jr.)
Wisconsin’s secondary may be the best of all the three positions areas that I have mentioned thus far, and look to continue their league leading pass defense. They are led by Thorpe award candidate Jim Leonhard. Leonhard is a two time, first team All Big Ten selection, and was named a first team All-American by espn.com and cnnsi.com in 2002. Since the 2002 season Leonhard has put together some eye popping stats, he is 2nd all time in the Wisconsin record book with 19 interceptions. He is also Wisconsin’s all time leader in punt return yardage, and in the top six in the history of the Big Ten. He was named the Big Ten special teams player of the week for his performance against UNLV this season, where he ran back a blocked field goal 86 yards for a touchdown and returned three punts for 58 yards. He has totaled 23 tackles, 1 interception, and 6 pass breakups so far this season. The other safety spot is occupied by another senior who goes by the name of Robert Brooks. Brooks is out to a decent start from his free safety spot tallying up 15 tackles and 2 forced fumbles.
Wisconsin is also very solid at the corner position. All Big Ten candidate Scott Starks leads the charge from his corner position, playing a relentless and very tough style of football. Starks has 19 tackles, including 4 for loss, and 1 sack thus far. He has also batted down 5 passes to date. The other corner spot is occupied by junior Brett (don’t call me Ma) Bell. Bell also has 19 tackles so far this season, including 1.5 for loss. Bell also has an interception to go along with his 4 pass breakups.
Secondary Rating: A
Analysis
It is gut check time in Columbus. Ohio State is coming off an embarrassing loss to Northwestern, but things will not get any easier for them this week. Wisconsin is very strong in all areas of their defense, and will make life very hard on the Buckeye offense. When will the Ohio State offensive line finally start to play well? Time will tell, but Wisconsin will make their lives miserable if the Buckeyes do not stop the bleeding along the front. Justin Zwick has to be wary of the sneaky Leonhard who loves to play the thief in the secondary. If Zwick leaves any balls up for grabs, he will be punished this week. Ohio State had better fix things this week, or we will lose our second straight.
Overall Defensive Rating: A-
Wisconsin Badgers Special Teams Preview
Returning Starters: 2
Wisconsin Special Teams should be a bit better than average this season. The kicking game is not stellar nor is it lacking, just steady. The return game for Wisky is something to write home about. Williams and Starks average about 20 yards per kick return and Jim Leonhard an impressive 15.5 yards per punt return. Mix in workman like performances from the rest of the group and we'll see a solid (if not spectacular) unit on the field.
Special Teams
PK #99 Mike Allen (6-2 182 Sr.)
P #94 Ken DeBauche (6-2 212 Fr.)
PR #18 Jim Leonhard (5-8 183 Sr.)
KR #2 Scott Starks (5-10 173 Sr.)
KR #1 Brandon Williams (5-11 175 Jr.)
Mike Allen is back after missing part of last season and most of spring ball this year with a hip injury. Mike was 9 of 12 last year and a perfect 8 of 8 inside 40 yards. He also connected on 32 of 34 PATs. This year Mike is 7 of 10 in the FG department (long of 48, misses of 23, 39 and 49) and 10 of 11 for PATs.
Ken DeBauche (Redshirt Freshman) has taken over the punting duties from R.J. Morse. Ken is averaging 40.9 yards per attempt on 23 tries. He has a long of 57 yards, 3 touchbacks, 7 fair catches and 8 downed inside the 20.
Jim Leonhard has been electrifying at times as a punt returner. His 13.8 yard average last season (and 2 touchdowns) attests to that fact. Jim is in his second season as team captain. This season Jim has improved to 15.5 yards per punt return on 17 attempts. The Bucks better keep an eye on this player.
Scott Starks has gotten the majority of kick returns this season. So far he has averaged 19.8 yards per return on 6 attempts.
Brandon Williams was very steady returning kick, with an average of over 21 yards per attempt last season. This year Brandon only has one return attempt for 19 yards.
Analysis
Look for strong play from the Wisconsin special teams. Leonhard can be a game changer as a punt returner. Allen and DeBauche are steady for Wisconsin in the kicking game, and the return game is solid as well. The coverage teams aren't quite up to part with the rest of the special teams, giving up over 19 yards per kick return, but average a respectable 6.3 yards per punt return.
Overall Special Teams Rating: B
Wisconsin Special Teams should be a bit better than average this season. The kicking game is not stellar nor is it lacking, just steady. The return game for Wisky is something to write home about. Williams and Starks average about 20 yards per kick return and Jim Leonhard an impressive 15.5 yards per punt return. Mix in workman like performances from the rest of the group and we'll see a solid (if not spectacular) unit on the field.
Special Teams
PK #99 Mike Allen (6-2 182 Sr.)
P #94 Ken DeBauche (6-2 212 Fr.)
PR #18 Jim Leonhard (5-8 183 Sr.)
KR #2 Scott Starks (5-10 173 Sr.)
KR #1 Brandon Williams (5-11 175 Jr.)
Mike Allen is back after missing part of last season and most of spring ball this year with a hip injury. Mike was 9 of 12 last year and a perfect 8 of 8 inside 40 yards. He also connected on 32 of 34 PATs. This year Mike is 7 of 10 in the FG department (long of 48, misses of 23, 39 and 49) and 10 of 11 for PATs.
Ken DeBauche (Redshirt Freshman) has taken over the punting duties from R.J. Morse. Ken is averaging 40.9 yards per attempt on 23 tries. He has a long of 57 yards, 3 touchbacks, 7 fair catches and 8 downed inside the 20.
Jim Leonhard has been electrifying at times as a punt returner. His 13.8 yard average last season (and 2 touchdowns) attests to that fact. Jim is in his second season as team captain. This season Jim has improved to 15.5 yards per punt return on 17 attempts. The Bucks better keep an eye on this player.
Scott Starks has gotten the majority of kick returns this season. So far he has averaged 19.8 yards per return on 6 attempts.
Brandon Williams was very steady returning kick, with an average of over 21 yards per attempt last season. This year Brandon only has one return attempt for 19 yards.
Analysis
Look for strong play from the Wisconsin special teams. Leonhard can be a game changer as a punt returner. Allen and DeBauche are steady for Wisconsin in the kicking game, and the return game is solid as well. The coverage teams aren't quite up to part with the rest of the special teams, giving up over 19 yards per kick return, but average a respectable 6.3 yards per punt return.
Overall Special Teams Rating: B
Predictions
daddyphatsac's prediction: 17-14, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 17-15, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State
osugrad21's prediction: 16-14, Ohio State
vrbryant's prediction: 14-12, Wisconsin
Bucklion's prediction: 17-15, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State
osugrad21's prediction: 16-14, Ohio State
vrbryant's prediction: 14-12, Wisconsin
Additional Information
Rebuild or Reload
Starters Returning: 18 (Offense 9, Defense 7, Special Teams 2)
Letterman Returning: 46
Letterman Lost: 18
Incoming Recruits:
Kraig Urbik (OL 6-6 280 Hudson WI)
Gino Cruse DT (6-5 315 Mesa (Desert Vista) Az.)
Marcus Randle-El (QB 5-10 175 Harvey (Thornton Township) Ill.)
Jason Chapman (DL 6'4 260 Bedford Ohio)
Jammar Crane (LB 6'1 200 Garland Texas)
Andy Crooks (TE 6'3 235 Wausau (East) Wis.)
Jameson Davis (DB 5'11 185 Hamden Conn.)
Antonio Freeman (DB 6'0 180 Wauwatosa (West) Wis.)
Nick Hayden (DL 6'5 265 Hartland (Arrowhead) Wis.)
Bill Ikegwuonu (WR 6'1 190 Madison (Memorial) Wis.)
Allen Langford (DB 5'11 185 Detroit (Cass Tech) Mich.)
Sean Lewis (QB 6'7 225 Oak Lawn (Richards) Ill.)
Taylor Mehlhaff (PK 5'11 180 Aberdeen (Central) SD)
Jarvis Minton (WR 6'1 185 Arlington (Mansfield Summit) Tx)
Joshua Neal (LB 5'10 225 Nashville (Pearl-Cohn) Tenn.)
Mike Newkirk (DL 6'3 235 Ladysmith Wis.)
Dave Peck (TE 6'4 230 Wallingford (Strath Haven) Pa.)
Chris Pressley (RB 6'1 265 Woodbury N.J.)
Bill Rentmeester (RB 6'0 230 Beaver Dam Wis.)
Bryan Savage (QB 6'4 210 Haverford (Haverford School) Pa.)
Nick Sutton (LB 6'1 220 Detroit (Crockett) Mich.)
Jamil Walker (RB 6'2 210 Palantine (Fremd) Ill.)
Joe Walker (DB 6'2 200 Green Bay (Notre Dame) Wis.)
Letterman Returning: 46
Letterman Lost: 18
Incoming Recruits:
Kraig Urbik (OL 6-6 280 Hudson WI)
Gino Cruse DT (6-5 315 Mesa (Desert Vista) Az.)
Marcus Randle-El (QB 5-10 175 Harvey (Thornton Township) Ill.)
Jason Chapman (DL 6'4 260 Bedford Ohio)
Jammar Crane (LB 6'1 200 Garland Texas)
Andy Crooks (TE 6'3 235 Wausau (East) Wis.)
Jameson Davis (DB 5'11 185 Hamden Conn.)
Antonio Freeman (DB 6'0 180 Wauwatosa (West) Wis.)
Nick Hayden (DL 6'5 265 Hartland (Arrowhead) Wis.)
Bill Ikegwuonu (WR 6'1 190 Madison (Memorial) Wis.)
Allen Langford (DB 5'11 185 Detroit (Cass Tech) Mich.)
Sean Lewis (QB 6'7 225 Oak Lawn (Richards) Ill.)
Taylor Mehlhaff (PK 5'11 180 Aberdeen (Central) SD)
Jarvis Minton (WR 6'1 185 Arlington (Mansfield Summit) Tx)
Joshua Neal (LB 5'10 225 Nashville (Pearl-Cohn) Tenn.)
Mike Newkirk (DL 6'3 235 Ladysmith Wis.)
Dave Peck (TE 6'4 230 Wallingford (Strath Haven) Pa.)
Chris Pressley (RB 6'1 265 Woodbury N.J.)
Bill Rentmeester (RB 6'0 230 Beaver Dam Wis.)
Bryan Savage (QB 6'4 210 Haverford (Haverford School) Pa.)
Nick Sutton (LB 6'1 220 Detroit (Crockett) Mich.)
Jamil Walker (RB 6'2 210 Palantine (Fremd) Ill.)
Joe Walker (DB 6'2 200 Green Bay (Notre Dame) Wis.)
Awards & Recognition
Preseason-Conference
2004 BigTen Football Media Preseason Poll
1. Michigan (10).........120
2 Ohio State (1).........103
3. Wisconsin...............88
4. Iowa.......................84
5. Minnesota...............81
6. Purdue....................69
7. Penn State..............59
8. Michigan State.........48
9 Northwestern.............36
10. Illinois...................26
11. Indiana.................12
BigTen-Conference Awards
Pre-Season Defensive Player of the Year
LB - A.J. Hawk, Ohio State
Pre-Season Offensive Player of the Year
QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue
Big Ten Player of the Week Honors
Sept. 6, 2004 (Week 1)
OFFENSE: QB - Brett Basanez, Northwestern
DEFENSE: LB - Chad Greenway, Iowa
SPECIAL TEAMS: K/P - Rhys Lloyd, Minnesota
Sept. 13, 2004 (Week 2)
OFFENSE: QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue
DEFENSE: S - Herana-Daze Jones, Indiana
CO-SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Mike Nugent, Ohio State & PR - Jim Leonhard, Wisconsin
Sept. 20, 2004 (Week 3)
OFFENSE: RB - Marion Barber III, Minnesota
DEFENSE: DE - Erasmus James, Wisconsin
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Mike Nugent, Ohio State
Sept. 27, 2004 (Week 4)
OFFENSE: QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue
DEFENSE: DE - Erasmus James, Wisconsin
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Dave Rayner, Michigan State
Oct. 4, 2004 (Week 5)
OFFENSE: QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue*& RB - Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
DEFENSE: LB - John Pickens, Northwestern
SPECIAL TEAMS: KR - Jerome Brooks, Purdue
Preseason-National
Bronko Nagurski Watch List
DT - Anttaj Hawthorne, Wisconsin
Thorpe Watch List
S - Jim Leonhard, Wisconsin
Outland Trophy Watch List
OG - Dan Buenning, Wisconsin
DT - Anttaj Hawthorne, Wisconsin
C - Donovan Raiola, Wisconsin
Maxwell Watch List
RB - Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
Bednarik Watch List
DT - Antraj Hawthorne, Wisconsin
Lombardi Trophy Watch List
OT - Dan Buenning, Wisconsin
DE - Anttaj Hawthorne, Wisconsin
C - Donovan Raiola, Wisconsin
Walter Camp POY Watch List
RB - Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
2004 Rimington Watch List
C - Donovan Raiola, Wisconsin
2004 Heisman Watch List
RB - Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
2004 Doak Walker Award Watch List
RB - Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
2004 BigTen Football Media Preseason Poll
1. Michigan (10).........120
2 Ohio State (1).........103
3. Wisconsin...............88
4. Iowa.......................84
5. Minnesota...............81
6. Purdue....................69
7. Penn State..............59
8. Michigan State.........48
9 Northwestern.............36
10. Illinois...................26
11. Indiana.................12
BigTen-Conference Awards
Pre-Season Defensive Player of the Year
LB - A.J. Hawk, Ohio State
Pre-Season Offensive Player of the Year
QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue
Big Ten Player of the Week Honors
Sept. 6, 2004 (Week 1)
OFFENSE: QB - Brett Basanez, Northwestern
DEFENSE: LB - Chad Greenway, Iowa
SPECIAL TEAMS: K/P - Rhys Lloyd, Minnesota
Sept. 13, 2004 (Week 2)
OFFENSE: QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue
DEFENSE: S - Herana-Daze Jones, Indiana
CO-SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Mike Nugent, Ohio State & PR - Jim Leonhard, Wisconsin
Sept. 20, 2004 (Week 3)
OFFENSE: RB - Marion Barber III, Minnesota
DEFENSE: DE - Erasmus James, Wisconsin
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Mike Nugent, Ohio State
Sept. 27, 2004 (Week 4)
OFFENSE: QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue
DEFENSE: DE - Erasmus James, Wisconsin
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Dave Rayner, Michigan State
Oct. 4, 2004 (Week 5)
OFFENSE: QB - Kyle Orton, Purdue*& RB - Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
DEFENSE: LB - John Pickens, Northwestern
SPECIAL TEAMS: KR - Jerome Brooks, Purdue
Preseason-National
Bronko Nagurski Watch List
DT - Anttaj Hawthorne, Wisconsin
Thorpe Watch List
S - Jim Leonhard, Wisconsin
Outland Trophy Watch List
OG - Dan Buenning, Wisconsin
DT - Anttaj Hawthorne, Wisconsin
C - Donovan Raiola, Wisconsin
Maxwell Watch List
RB - Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
Bednarik Watch List
DT - Antraj Hawthorne, Wisconsin
Lombardi Trophy Watch List
OT - Dan Buenning, Wisconsin
DE - Anttaj Hawthorne, Wisconsin
C - Donovan Raiola, Wisconsin
Walter Camp POY Watch List
RB - Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
2004 Rimington Watch List
C - Donovan Raiola, Wisconsin
2004 Heisman Watch List
RB - Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
2004 Doak Walker Award Watch List
RB - Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
Historical Data
University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, Wisconsin) Founded in 1849
Football 1st Season: 1889
Stadium: Camp Randall (1917)
Conference: Big Ten Conference since 1896 (Independent from 1889-1895)
Colors: Cardinal & White
Mascot: Badger (Buckingham U. Badger, or Bucky)
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 11 total, 1896, 1897, 1901, 1906, 1912, 1952, 1959, 1962, 1993, 1998, 1999 (5 Co-Championships and 6 Outright Big Ten Titles)
Head Coach: Barry Alvarez is not only the winningest head football coach in Wisconsin history, he's also the Athletic Director (since this April). He's the only Big Ten coach to win back-to-back Rose Bowls and will become only the 10th coach to reach to 100 win barrier in the Big Ten (at one school). Alvarez began his coaching career as an assistant for Lincoln Northeast High, head coach at Lexington High (Nebraska), and head coach at Mason City High (Iowa). He then went on to coach under Hayden Fry at Iowa followed by a stint under Lou Holtz at Notre Dame. In 1990 Barry became the head coach at Wisconsin. Barry was born in Burgettstown PA, December 30 1946 and went on to graduate from Nebraska (where he played linebacker) in 1969. He has earned several Coach of the Year Awards, including Big Ten 1993 & 1998, Bobby Dodd & AFCA 1993, and was a finalist for the ESPN coach of the decade (1990s). Barry hold the 6th longest tenure (14 years) for all D-1 coaches at one school. He joined Woody Hayes as the only 2 Big Ten coaches to win at least 3 Rose Bowls.
Consensus All-Americans: 20
College Hall-of-Famers: 9
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 3
Award Winners: Heisman 2, AP POY 1, Sammy Baugh 1, Doak Walker 1, Maxwell 1, Melberger 1, Ray Guy 1., Thorpe 1, Walter Camp POY 2, AFCA Coach of the Year 2, Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year 1
National Championships: 3 non-recognized, 1901 & 1912 Loren Maxwell, 1942 Helms Athletic Foundation
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-13 years, Coaches-15 years
Stadium: Camp Randall (1917)
Conference: Big Ten Conference since 1896 (Independent from 1889-1895)
Colors: Cardinal & White
Mascot: Badger (Buckingham U. Badger, or Bucky)
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 11 total, 1896, 1897, 1901, 1906, 1912, 1952, 1959, 1962, 1993, 1998, 1999 (5 Co-Championships and 6 Outright Big Ten Titles)
Head Coach: Barry Alvarez is not only the winningest head football coach in Wisconsin history, he's also the Athletic Director (since this April). He's the only Big Ten coach to win back-to-back Rose Bowls and will become only the 10th coach to reach to 100 win barrier in the Big Ten (at one school). Alvarez began his coaching career as an assistant for Lincoln Northeast High, head coach at Lexington High (Nebraska), and head coach at Mason City High (Iowa). He then went on to coach under Hayden Fry at Iowa followed by a stint under Lou Holtz at Notre Dame. In 1990 Barry became the head coach at Wisconsin. Barry was born in Burgettstown PA, December 30 1946 and went on to graduate from Nebraska (where he played linebacker) in 1969. He has earned several Coach of the Year Awards, including Big Ten 1993 & 1998, Bobby Dodd & AFCA 1993, and was a finalist for the ESPN coach of the decade (1990s). Barry hold the 6th longest tenure (14 years) for all D-1 coaches at one school. He joined Woody Hayes as the only 2 Big Ten coaches to win at least 3 Rose Bowls.
Consensus All-Americans: 20
College Hall-of-Famers: 9
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 3
Award Winners: Heisman 2, AP POY 1, Sammy Baugh 1, Doak Walker 1, Maxwell 1, Melberger 1, Ray Guy 1., Thorpe 1, Walter Camp POY 2, AFCA Coach of the Year 2, Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year 1
National Championships: 3 non-recognized, 1901 & 1912 Loren Maxwell, 1942 Helms Athletic Foundation
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-13 years, Coaches-15 years
Records
All Time: 551-440-52 (.553) [CFDW lists the record as: 556-445-53 (.553)]
Home 371-200-30 (.642), Away 163-231-22 (.418), Neutral 17-9-0 (.654)
Bowl Games: 8-7-0 (.533), most recently a loss to Auburn (2003) in the Music City Bowl. Wisconsin also has a win over Michigan State in the 1993 Coca-Cola Classic which is not listed in the standard bowl history.
All Time vs the BigTen: 289-341-41 (.461)
All Time vs the Ohio State: 16-50-5 (.261), Last win against the Buckeyes was last season at Camp Randall which concluded 2 seasons in a row at their home field.
Last Season: Wisconsin finished 7-6-0 (.538)
W - West Virginia
W - Akron (OH)
L - Nevada-Las Vegas
W - North Carolina
W - Illinois
W - Penn State
W - Ohio State
L - Purdue
L - Northwestern
L - Minnesota
W - Michigan State
L - Iowa
L - Auburn (Music City Bowl)
Last 5 Years: 39-25-0 (.609)
Last 10 Years: 77-45-3 (.628)
Home 371-200-30 (.642), Away 163-231-22 (.418), Neutral 17-9-0 (.654)
Bowl Games: 8-7-0 (.533), most recently a loss to Auburn (2003) in the Music City Bowl. Wisconsin also has a win over Michigan State in the 1993 Coca-Cola Classic which is not listed in the standard bowl history.
All Time vs the BigTen: 289-341-41 (.461)
All Time vs the Ohio State: 16-50-5 (.261), Last win against the Buckeyes was last season at Camp Randall which concluded 2 seasons in a row at their home field.
Last Season: Wisconsin finished 7-6-0 (.538)
W - West Virginia
W - Akron (OH)
L - Nevada-Las Vegas
W - North Carolina
W - Illinois
W - Penn State
W - Ohio State
L - Purdue
L - Northwestern
L - Minnesota
W - Michigan State
L - Iowa
L - Auburn (Music City Bowl)
Last 5 Years: 39-25-0 (.609)
Last 10 Years: 77-45-3 (.628)
Links
Official Sites:
Official School Site - University of Wisconsin-Madison
Student Newspaper - The Daily Cardinal
Official Athletic Site - UW Badgers
Previews/Breakdowns:
Insiders Big Ten Preview - Insiders
NCAA Football Preview - Wisconsin Badgers - Sports Network
Badgers at a Crossroads - The Ozone
Wisconsin 2004 Preview - CFN
Wisconsin 2004 Offensive Preview - CFN
Wisconsin 2004 Defensive Preview - CFN
Wisconsin 2004 Inside Scoop - CFN
Wisconsin Player Profile (Anttaj Hawthorne) - CFN
Prospectus:
Football Media Guide - UW Badgers
Message Boards:
Message Boards - (Insiders)
Message Boards - (Rivals)
Local News Sources:
Madison Capital Times - Local News
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Local News
Official School Site - University of Wisconsin-Madison
Student Newspaper - The Daily Cardinal
Official Athletic Site - UW Badgers
Previews/Breakdowns:
Insiders Big Ten Preview - Insiders
NCAA Football Preview - Wisconsin Badgers - Sports Network
Badgers at a Crossroads - The Ozone
Wisconsin 2004 Preview - CFN
Wisconsin 2004 Offensive Preview - CFN
Wisconsin 2004 Defensive Preview - CFN
Wisconsin 2004 Inside Scoop - CFN
Wisconsin Player Profile (Anttaj Hawthorne) - CFN
Prospectus:
Football Media Guide - UW Badgers
Message Boards:
Message Boards - (Insiders)
Message Boards - (Rivals)
Local News Sources:
Madison Capital Times - Local News
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Local News
Notes of interest
• In Bucky the Badger's early years he had the names: Benny, Buddy, Bernie, Bobby and Bouncey. At one point there was a push the change the mascot to Henrietta Holstein, a loveable and productive cow.
• Paul Bunyan Axe - The most-played rivalry in Division I football continues this fall when Wisconsin and Minnesota meet. The UW-UM series is the nation's oldest and has been played continuously for since 1890 (except for 1906). The precursor to the Paul Bunyan Axe was the Slab of Bacon trophy. Yep! Do you think I could make that up?
Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
Two Cousins College Football Emporium - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data
