BADGERS

Zack Baun emerging as leader for stout Wisconsin defense

September 15, 2019 Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s defense hasn’t dropped off a bit after losing last year’s top pass rusher, Andrew Van Ginkel, to the NFL. Zack Baun, who had 2½ sacks in 25 career games before this season, is a big reason why. Responding to a challenge from coach Paul Chryst to improve his pass rush […]

NEWS

UW-L’s D wins it in OT against No. 14 Illinois Wesleyan

September 14, 2019 Rick Solem

It was about as unconventional ways to win an overtime collegiate football game as there can be. Rusty Murphy recovered a fumble and took it 86 yards for the score to give the 23rd-ranked University of Wisconsin-La Crosse a 33-27, overtime victory over No. 14 Illinois Wesleyan. When it’s all said and done, the UW-L […]

BADGERS

AP Top 25 Takeaways: LSU’s masterpiece, Michigan’s mess

September 8, 2019 Associated Press

Much was made in the offseason about two high-profile programs trying to revamp their offenses. On Saturday, Michigan’s makeover looked like a mess and LSU’s like a masterpiece. The sixth-ranked Tigers won the game of the day at No. 9 Texas, with Joe Burrow becoming the first LSU quarterback with a 400-yard passing game since […]

BADGERS

New-Look Wisconsin O-Line Answers Bell In Season Opener

September 2, 2019 Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — One of the biggest question marks surrounding the 19th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers entering this season was their offensive line. That question was answered emphatically in the season opener, as the Badgers dominated South Florida up front on Friday in a 49-0 win on the road. “It was good to get guys playing […]

BADGERS

No. 19 Wisconsin to start QB Jack Coan in season opener

August 26, 2019 Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — There was no formal announcement on Sunday when Jack Coan was named starter at quarterback for 19th-ranked Wisconsin, which opens the season Friday at South Florida. The news came as no surprise, since Coan took the first-team reps in fall camp, ahead of Chase Wolf and highly touted freshman Graham Mertz. […]

BADGERS

Reality Check: Why your Top 25 team could tank in 2019

August 22, 2019 Associated Press

Sorry to be a bummer at a time of the year usually reserved for hope and optimism, but there is a decent chance your favorite college team is going to be a big disappointment this season. The preseason AP Top 25 presented by Regions Bank is out. There were no real surprises at the top. […]

BADGERS

Running track sped up success for Badgers RB Jonathan Taylor

August 20, 2019 Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Jonathan Taylor is one of the best running backs in college football. He would be the first to say his success isn’t due to just one person. There are, of course, his parents, Elizabeth Taylor and Jonathan James, and several other family members and coaches. But a single observation by a […]

COLLEGE

Pick 6: Minnesota, Baylor among dark horse league contenders

August 19, 2019 Rick Solem

College football is a chalky sport. Parity tends to be found in the middle class. The favorites usually win the championships. For some teams, though, simply being in contention late in the season or reaching the conference title game is a huge accomplishment. Just ask fans of Northwestern or Pitt, both of which were surprising […]

BADGERS

Pick Six: Top college awards could feature repeats

August 14, 2019 Associated Press

The race for the top individual awards in college football this season will have some standout players seeking repeats. Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back last season, while Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy earned the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the most outstanding receiver. Both players are back for their […]

COLLEGE

Michigan, Nebraska look set to make breakthroughs in Big Ten

August 13, 2019 Associated Press

The power structure in the Big Ten could be in for a shakeup. Jim Harbaugh enters his fifth year at Michigan overdue for a breakthrough, and two-time defending conference champion Ohio State is transitioning from Urban Meyer to Ryan Day and replacing a first-round NFL draft pick at quarterback. Momentum Nebraska built the second half […]