Before this season, questions regarding the quarterback position and team chemistry lingered for Wisconsin. Any team would expect breaking in a new quarterback to be a hurdle to overcome, especially one coming from a different offensive scheme a month before the season's start. The case of Russell Wilson and the Badgers suggests otherwise.
Wisconsin is a program that prides itself on building up players from the very beginning— transforming them into leaders. When it comes to their quarterback, this is unfamiliar territory the Badgers find themselves in this year.
Five games into the season, the undefeated Badgers' team chemistry appears to have been helped, not hurt, by the addition of Russell Wilson. Few would have guessed how vital Wilson would be for what was previously a run-heavy offense.
Last year, quarterback Scott Tolzien didn't need to do much because of the Badgers' unstoppable running game. Against Michigan, he handed the ball off 29 times in a row. Tolzien was simply an efficient quarterback. Wilson is very efficient and then some.
Auburn faced a similar situation last year when Cam Newton carried the Tigers to a national championship after enduring a fierce SEC conference schedule. It can be assumed Auburn was fueled by great team chemistry; it is hard to imagine a team running the table without it.
At this point in the season, chemistry for Wisconsin appears to be as healthy as anyone could have hoped, and it shows no signs of weakening.
""Just to start off with summer conditioning and all of that, that really is where we built [chemistry],"" junior running back Montee Ball said. ""It was really strong then, but you know going through the season with wins under your belt really keeps the team closer together. That's a really important thing to have.""
Considering how solid team chemistry is looking after just one conference win, it is an exciting prospect that it could continue to grow, as Ball described.
What makes this year's chemistry so special to offensive coordinator Paul Chryst is that it allows for vast improvement.
""It's because you got good guys,"" he said. ""[Senior right tackle Josh Oglesby] could've taken a purple heart many times. I think he truly cares about this team and truly cares and likes to play football. The guys, across the board, are doing everything they can to truly contribute to our school.""
Indiana, who lost to the Badgers 83-20 last season, hasn't been able to prove itself this year, struggling this season as much as the last. With all of the momentum and chemistry—not to mention the Badgers coming fresh off of a bye week—Indiana is facing the Badgers at the wrong time.
Another blowout could very well be in store for the surging Badgers. Indiana allowed a whopping 308 yards on the ground last week against Illinois. If those numbers don't make Ball and James White eager to play on Saturday, it's likely nothing will.
Even though Indiana might not be capable of putting up the biggest of fights on Saturday, don't expect the Badgers to let off the gas, as Wilson made it clear he will not.
""I think that our work ethic is there,"" he said. ""Coach Bielema is not going to allow us to coast, and the captains aren't going to allow us to coast. Our mindset is to get better every day and just to push ourselves to try to be the best that we can on a daily basis.""
Don't discount the defense; even after a handful of injuries, the chemistry hasn't appeared to crack. Strong defensive depth on the roster has played a large role in propelling the Badgers to the nation's third-ranked defense.
""I think that injuries are an unfortunate part of the sport,"" co-defensive coordinator Charlie Partridge said. ""I think we've done a pretty good job of recruiting for some depth, and we've had some guys that have done a good job of stepping into their roles and taking advantage of it.""
Five games into the season, the Badgers are poised for a shot at the national championship game in New Orleans. Wilson and the rest of the newcomers have demonstrated they fit well into the team's chemistry. For Ball, the teams' relationships adds up to more than team chemistry.
""Coming to Wisconsin, you know you're going to be thrown into a family, and I feel like I was,"" he said. ""The players deciding to come here, I hope they feel the same way.""
After all the success the Badgers have had this year, it's hard to imagine them feeling any different.
