Badger fans had a wide array of opinions some believing the Badgers will upset LSU while others don’t like Wisconsin’s chances, but most were right in the middle thinking it would be a good game, including a Pulaski drummer.
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It is the third year in a row Wisconsin has opened with an SEC opponent. LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda held the same position the previous three seasons in Madison, where the Badgers had one of the top units in the nation.
It’s a run that’s become a staple of spread teams that use an H-back tight end, but LSU executes it really well out of the I-formation with a fullback kicking out the end man on the line of scrimmage behind the zone-blocking line. For those born and raised in Wisconsin, this game represents their wildest dreams. Instead, the matchup moves up to the Badgers’ territory in the form of historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay. To call this a truly “neutral” site would be foolish.
“Lambeau Field is awesome”, he said. And also overall, I think I’m a better leader for the younger guys coming in. “It’s more the formations that they’re going to be in. There is a lot of pride involved”.
The LSU Tigers are expecting big things this season and starting the year with a in this spot would go a long way for them. Bart Houston appears to be the starter at QB for the Badgers but the coaches are also big on Alex Hornibrook who could see action.
Houston will be tested, but he will have a stable of highly talented backs to relieve some of that pressure.
The rushing attack is a strength once again with home-run threat Corey Clement complemented by fellow senior and all-around back Dare Ogunbowale.
The Badgers need to start winning big-time games if they hope to elevate the program’s status from very good to elite.
“Last year we did $10 a auto and we filled up one time”, said Beck.
“I’m glad I came because I had to have a break”, said Marchand. “I think our guys are up for the challenge”. The college football odds for the game have the Tigers favored by double digits to pick up the win in this one.
Though Clement is back and healthy, he likely won’t be the most brilliant back on the field on Saturday.
If you are like me, you’ll be taking in as many of those games as possible. The Badgers could start the season with four sophomores and a new left tackle up front on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016.
This weekend sees four matchups of ranked teams and six more ranked teams facing Power Five opposition. Justin Wilcox, formerly under the USC label, has taken Aranda’s place and has continued a similar intensity and defensive philosophy.
Of the 13 games played in Big Ten country, nine were part of the long-standing series between in and Kentucky and only one – Alabama at Penn State in 2011 – involved an SEC power.
It’s the Badgers defense, however, that gets the most attention.
Despite all the recruiting star talent USC gets each year, the Trojans were very average on defense in 2015 and downright disgusting at stopping the pass. UW outside linebackers Vince Biegel and T.J. Watt have to win their battles.
The Badgers are not your usual Wisconsin team from over the past 20 years. He finished second on the team in total tackles with 84, tackles for a loss with 10, and passes broken up with seven. But, the unique environment and bright lights could make a huge difference. Even if they (all) had been at every practice this fall camp I didn’t think that we’d get to that point that we’ve arrived….
He has orders for them to take no “Lambeau Leaps”, which Packers do after touchdowns into the arms of their adoring fans in the stands.
“I don’t know. I think I won’t be able to think if I get in the end zone.”, said Ingold with a smile.
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“Oh, butterflies. I already know it’s going to be butterflies”, he said.
