Wisconsin Travels to Michigan for Big 10 Opener
The University of Wisconsin has won its last 13 games in the month of September. The streak is on the line as Wisconsin travels to Ann Arbor for a Noon (EDT) Kickoff in the Big House on ESPN. Michigan, coming off its stunning road win over media darling Notre Dame 47-21 extending its record to 3-0. The Badgers are also 3-0 after its game Saturday, a shutout over San Diego State 14-0. Included in the 13 game September win streak by Wisconsin is its upset of 14th ranked Michigan in Madison in 2005. The victory marked the Badgers first win over the Wolverines since 1994.
Come Saturday all predictions can be thrown out the window but one immediate question lingers. Have the Wolverines supplied themselves with enough momentum to defeat the Badgers and continue the season undefeated? Or will a hangover surface at the Big House after the high of defeating the Irish?
Don’t expect Michigan head man Lloyd Carr to overlook the Badgers now coached by first year head coach Bret Bielema. Carr sees the Badgers as pretty much the same team they were a year ago that beat the Wolverines in Madison. When asked about the difference between former coach and now retired Barry Alvaraz and Bret Bielema. Carr said he would know more Saturday. “I think they are an attacking defensive football team, and Mike Hankwitz, who played at Michigan is the defensive coordinator and highly regarded throughout the country as an outstanding football coach. They’re a well coordinated defensive football team, probably more blitzing than maybe they’ve done in the past.”
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Carr is excited the Big Ten season is starting up and is looking forward to the battle with Wisconsin and doesn’t expect anything different from last year. “It’s the same basic Wisconsin team from a year ago that beat Auburn in their (Capital-One) Bowl game.” Carr said. “ They beat us a year ago. They play with great intensity and pursue the ball extremely hard. They are physical and talented up front. Offensively they are a big strong team that wants to run the football. John Stocco (Senior quarterback) has been around forever.
The Badgers played on the road at Cleveland when they played Bowling Green but coach Stocco knows the atmosphere will be much different in The Big House. “I think that is something to be worried about a little bit, especially on offense. We’ve got a lot of young guys,” senior quarterback Stocco said. “That’s where guys like myself and Joe Thomas have to talk to them and try to keep them loose.”
Writers Comments: I am trying to get a big picture in my brain regarding this football game. Michigan is favored by 14 points at most sportsbooks and that is probably where it should be. Look for the Wolverines to cover the –14 line because Wisconsin is too inexperienced with the exception of a few players like QB John Stocco and OL Joe Thomas. If the Michigan players don’t suffer an emotional let down after the win at South Bend last Saturday expect them to score some points and defeat Wisconsin by a healthy margin. I doubt if Lloyd Carr will allow that to happen. It’s a coach’s job to make sure his team is focused on the next opponent. He probably gave his Wolverines 24 hours to enjoy their big win before setting their sights on Wisconsin and the Big Ten season.
