Whether it is due to the rampant milk consumption in America's Dairlyand or the hard-working mentality of the Midwest, Wisconsin seems to always possess an offensive line that ranks among the best in college football, and this year is no exception. As the Badgers come off a defining win last week against former No. 1 Ohio State, they will once again turn to the veteran group to lead the charge in Saturday's matchup with No. 15 Iowa.
""We eat well in Wisconsin,"" sophomore center Peter Konz joked.
But Konz noted that the strength of the O-line is about much more than just big bodies
""I think its our ability to work hard,"" he added. ""We just bring in a lot of disciplined kids and then when they come here, the discipline carries into the weight room.""
Bostad echoed that sentiment, noting the style of play meshes perfectly with the local recruiting scene.Bostad
The strength on the line has been a big asset in the Badgers' recruiting efforts, not only on the line itself but also at the running back position.
""I knew Wisconsin had the best O-line in the nation, so who wouldn't want to come running behind these guys,"" freshman running back James White said. ""We support each other because they're out there working their tails off blocking and opening up holes and they're counting on us to make our reads and get through those holes.""
In the lead-up to last week's game against the Buckeyes, junior running back John Clay made clear the appreciation that the Badger rushing attack has for the offensive line when he etched the numbers of each lineman into his hair.
""John's always been really grateful, giving us credit,"" left guard John Moffitt said. ""So it was really great of him to do that, but not surprising.""
The success of the line as a group has been aided greatly by the chemistry between Moffitt and fellow fifth-year senior Gabe Carimi.
""We do have a good feel for how each other plays,"" Moffitt said. ""I think the communication is very clear between us in practice.""
After passing the challenge of a physical Buckeye defense, the Badgers must deal with a new challenge this weekend against a similarly physical Hawkeye front seven.
""Now it's [time to] notch it up again, because no one thinks we can do it again,"" Konz pointed out. ""Similarly, they've got a good D-line … [But] they're completely different defenses. Ohio State kind of tries to disguise things, Iowa's just straight forward, they're giving you what they've got.""
With this weekend's hostile environment putting the Badger running attack to the test yet again, the size, strength and experience of the men up front will be much needed if Wisconsin is to end their two-year drought in the battle for the Heartland Trophy.
