At this point in the Badgers season, it was anticipated that UW would be undefeated and heading into Big Ten play firing on all cylinders. However, the non-conference portion of the schedule exposed the Badgers' imperfections and handed the team a loss early in the year.
\Sure I'd like to be undefeated right now, but 3-1 sounds better than 1-3,"" said senior quarterback Jim Sorgi. ""We came through when we needed to, and we do have a winning record.""
Coach Alvarez acknowledged he was unsatisfied with the play up to this point, but also mentioned the difficulty of winning games at the college level.
""A win is a win anytime,"" Alvarez said. ""I know everyone wants to win perfect by going up 21 points and having fun, but that really doesn't happen much anymore.""
Preparing for the Big Ten
Despite the Badgers' noticeable problems on special teams and areas of defense, Coach Alvarez was more optimistic after taking in the film from Saturday's game.
""Going back and watching the game, I thought we were very physical,"" Alvarez said. ""I feel we did a lot of good things and committed very few mental errors.""
Overall play must continue to develop as the Badgers prepare for the Big Ten opener against Illinois on Saturday, especially with the intensity of the games mounting.
""The play gets a little faster in terms of speed, but we have players who know what a Big Ten conference season is like,"" said Sorgi, commenting on transition from non-conference to conference games.??""Playing in the Big Ten, that's why I'm here, that's why I'm at this school.""
Alvarez also seemed to be impressed with the confidence the inexperienced offensive line had in themselves, more specifically sophomore center Donovan Raiola, who wanted to run the ball rather than passing on a third down.
""I want to hear that because they're in the mix,"" said Alvarez.?? ""That shows me he has the confidence along with the offensive line in their abilities.""
Coaches and players appear eager to get a fresh start on their new season, realizing the goals that they can accomplish this year.
""We're not where we need to be, yet we have the potential to be a good football team,"" Alvarez said.
Possible shootout vs. Illini
If recent history is any indication of how the upcoming Illinois game will unfold, it figures to provide plenty of offense from both teams.??The Fighting Illini are led by senior quarterback Jon Beutjer who led the Big Ten in passing yards per game last year and has already eclipsed 1,000 yards in four games this year.
""Well, let's hope we don't have to,"" Sorgi said to the possibility of focusing primarily on an aerial attack. ""But if it does come to that, I'm confident in myself and teammates that we can come through with a win.""
So with the Badgers determined to continue pounding the ball on the ground, the next question that arises is the status of injured starter Anthony Davis and back-up Dwayne Smith.
""Well, I don't know about Anthony yet, but they tell me he continues to improve daily,"" Alvarez said.??""A groin strain doesn't last very long, so we anticipate that Dwayne will be healthy as well.""
Fortunately enough for UW, redshirt freshman Booker Stanley's presence established this past week that he is more than capable of stepping in and keeping the offense moving efficiently down the field.??
""It's amazing for me to see someone step in and learn so quickly because I remember how hard it was for me,"" said Sorgi complimenting Stanley on his three touchdown performance against the Tar Heels.
If the status of both Davis and Smith do not improve during the week, Wisconsin will once again turn to Stanley to provide the running game necessary for the Badgers to prevail in their Big Ten opener.
