The Badgers' offensive line will look to regroup and play better this weekend after a disappointing outing last week against Big Ten leader Penn State. Not only did the offensive line give up nine sacks, while facilitating a horrific -11 net yards, but they also suffered the loss of senior left guard Matt Lawrence. Replacing Lawrence this week at left guard is junior Marcus Coleman.
The offensive line is attempting to put the game behind them, and focus solely on the challenges that the Iowa defense will present them.
'We can't let Penn State beat us twice,' Coleman said. Coleman, who is usually used in the Badger's jumbo package, is excited and eager to show what he can do in his first start on Saturday. Last week's game experience was key for Coleman, he now feels more comfortable and calmer on the field.
'Last week helped a lot,' Coleman said. 'I'm playing between Joe Thomas and Dominic Raiola and they helped calm me down a lot.'
Offensive line coach Jim Hueber believes Coleman will fill in nicely at left guard. Coleman has also played tackle and center in his short career with the Badgers, and Hueber feels comfortable with him in the starting lineup.
'He went in there and threw it around and was physical,' Hueber said. 'He certainly wasn't the cause of any of our problems.'
Freshman right tackle Kraig Urbik will also look to rebound against Iowa. Urbik played poorly against Penn State defensive end Tamba Hali, who accumulated four sacks on the day.
'I can't go out and not use technique that I'm supposed too,' Urbik said. 'I did that and he (Hali) got by me. So I think it is very important that I do that every play.'
With Coleman and Urbik in the stating lineup, the Badgers will look to their seniors for leadership, as they have all year.
The play of senior offensive linemen Dominic Raiola, Matt Lawrence and Jason Palermo all have been key to the Badger's success up front at the line of scrimmage.
With junior running back Brian Calhoun rushing wild on defenders, people tend to forget the big men up front in the trenches blocking for him. Not only is their presence felt on the field, but the seniors have also had an impact on their teammates.
'They are such great leaders,' Coleman said. 'Last week I don't know how I would have done without those guys.'
Urbik has also used his senior teammates for help or advice.
'If I messed up or if I did something right they let me know,' said Urbik. 'If I need some help with something ,they help me out. Its been a pretty tight group so far.'
The Badgers will take the field Saturday with a chip on their shoulders, not only because of last week's loss, but also because Saturday will be head coach Barry Alvarez's final home game. Alvarez's last home game, accompanied by senior day, will without a doubt bring an electric atmosphere to Camp Randall. This atmosphere is just what the offensive line needs to get back on track.
