First ' Goal: Dec. 18
December 18, 2009 | Football
Dec. 18, 2009
MADISON, Wis. --
The 411
Wisconsin will face Miami (9-3 overall, 5-3 ACC Coastal Division) in the 2009 Champs Sports Bowl on Dec. 29 at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CST. ESPN will televise the game live.
Due to finals, the team will not practice again until Sunday.
Replacing the defensive tackles
As the Badgers prepare for the Champs Sports Bowl against Miami on Dec. 29, there is much work to be done again on the defensive line, Tom Mulhern of Madison.com writes. Five of the top six defensive tackles are leaving. The top three returning tackles after [Patrick] Butrym have never played a snap. They are freshmen Jordan Kohout and Ethan Hemer, who are being redshirted, and sophomore Eriks Briedis.
Watt an option at defensive tackle
J.J. Watt understands he may have to find a new home in 2010. "That has crossed my mind," Wisconsin's sophomore defensive end said after practice Wednesday, "because it is a whole different game inside at tackle. I'd be learning a whole new position. But if that's where the team needs me, I have no problem moving there. If I can stay outside, I'd absolutely love that. I'm kind of getting used to the position now. But wherever the team needs me to get the four best players on the field, I'll play that position." Whether Watt remains at end or slides inside to tackle next season depends on the development of several young tackles, according to Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Clay talks about SI cover
Wisconsin sophomore running back John Clay could eventually be a household name in college football, if he isn't already. Clay won Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors this fall and appears to be the league's top candidate for a Heisman Trophy push in 2010. But Clay had his first brush with big-time fame last week as Sports Illustrated came out with its Pictures of the Year edition. Clay appeared on the cover in a picture that shows his eyes behind a visor and the reflection of the play going on in front of him, writes Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com.
More recognition for Badgers
Coming on the heels of Wednesday’s announcement of the Sporting News’ All-Freshman teams, in which linebacker Chris Borland and offensive lineman Peter Konz were recognized, more accolades have been announced for UW football players.
Dayne reflects on Heisman
Ron Dayne refused to let the Heisman Trophy hoopla affect his outlook on life. Quiet and unassuming, Dayne enjoyed his moment in the spotlight briefly and then didn't hesitate to move on with his life. But even now, on the 10th anniversary of his winning the coveted award, Dayne, 31, readily admits that was easier said than done. While he indeed moved on, Dayne is still surrounded by the Heisman frenzy now more than ever, writes Gus Ostrum of the Courier-Post.
Badgers in the Pros
• Check out our recap of Badgers in the NFL from week 14
• Don Banks of SI.com re-picks the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the benefit of 14 weeks of regular season results to guide by and has Tennessee selecting DeAndre Levy with the 30th pick.
Tweet of the Day
CS_Bowl Champs Sports Bowl DYK? - Wisconsin's John Clay is the Big Ten's leading running back in attempts (265), yards (1396), and touchdowns (16). Posted Dec. 18 at 10:52 a.m.
Follow us at Twitter.com/BadgerFootball and Coach Bielema at Twitter.com/BretBielema.
What you won’t find on Facebook
Kyle Jefferson’s dream job is to be the CEO of a company.
Note of the Day
Wisconsin is 2-0 vs. ranked opponents in Orlando, beating No. 7 Auburn in 2006, 24-10, and No. 12 Arkansas in 2007, 17-14.
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