<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top" width="610"><table border="0" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top" width="99%">
Journal Sentinel beat writer Jeff Potrykus answered your questions in his weekly Badgers football chat.
</td></tr> </tbody></table>
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Mark of Milwaukee - Do you think UW will win another Big Ten game? Who? Have you seen ANY improvement in ANY part of the game- penalties, defense, special teams, covering recievers???
A: Jeff Potrykus - So is everybody happy tonight? I'm sure all the questions/comments will be lucid, even-tempered and on point. So let's go. Indiana, Minny and perhaps Michigan. Coverage units are solid; Ike is playing better; Shaughnessy; Levy better this week; some of the freshmen have shown promise. [/FONT]
<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Chad Bertrang of Fairchild, WI - I'm sure they'll be doom and gloom following a tough loss, but in reality, Wisconsin is still in the hunt for a BCS bid. Indiana's a W. Ohio State is OVERRATED! Michigan is terrible. The toughest game will be at Minnesota. Book it, we'll be sipping champagne in Arroyo Seco this January!
A: Jeff Potrykus - No way, Chad. Not this crowd. But I'll say this: I want whatever you're sipping right now. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: m of nyc - why are they awful? how about finding some kids who can play and a defensive coordinator who knows how to coach??? DISGRACE
A: Jeff Potrykus - Do you think the coordinators make up the game plans without running them past the CEO? [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Mike of Colorado - Jeff: well - 2-2 in the weak Big Ten. None of this is TD's fault,but might it not be time for the preverbial "most popular player on the team"?
A: Jeff Potrykus - ALL areas of this team need tweaking and/or improvement. ALL. Get my drift? [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Dostoi of Sky - You were asked why an O-line that looks good wasn't blocking well for Hill last week. The statement was made that Hill is overrated. You gave a smart-@55 response. You are probably the journalist most intimately familiar with the team. Why don't you give us a real answer? Hill was supposed to be a Heisman caliber RB. Heisman candidates don't fumble on their first carry of the game. What's going on Jeff? Where is this team headed and what would YOU do to fix it?
A: Jeff Potrykus - I see it's time to take the trash out -- again. You'll get a similar answer this week. I believe I asked you overrated by whom and you still haven't provided a response. Can't think of one? You write he was supposed to be a Heisman-caliber TB. According to WHOM? I don't recall every writing Hill was a Heisman candidate or saying so in even the most casual conversation. Thus, it isn't my job to make a case as to why the kid isn't living up to the expectations of someone else, someone I don't even know. If you saw that written or posted somewhere and fell for it, that's your problem. Or better yet, write the guy who wrote it and ask him to defend Hill. P.J. is an above-average college TB who can be very good. He is better than he was a year ago and I wager he'll be better in the future. As for your point about Heisman candidates not fumbling on the first play, I can think of a pretty good former college runner who got shut out, stuffed, in the second half of a key game against Michigan his senior season. And regarding Hill's fumble, which was unacceptable, did you count the missed blocks on the play, the missed blocks that led to the fumble? [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Mauer 88 of Las Vegas - Jeff- In law, there is a saying that if you don't have the facts, argue the law, and if you don't have the law, argue the facts, and if you don't have either, just argue real loud. At this point, taking both offense and defense as having equal difficulty, please, without giving a witty, unresponsive reply, tell me do we not have the players and hope for the coaching, or do we not have the coaching and hope for the players, or do we not really have either and just keep yelling real loud so nobody notices we have neither?
A: Jeff Potrykus - Next time just ask the question. The problems on defense have been written about over and over and over again. I really don't know how to package what I've already written any differently. You've got issues on the line, which affects the backers and secondary. You have new guys at MLB and both safety spots who are struggling Their struggles have been exaggerated by the inconsistent line play. I think 11 and 2 will be fine. I have doubts about the middle, though I'd like to see Hodge healthy. They are addressing the safety issues, though I suspect Carter may be a more natural corner/WR type. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Mike of Chicago - With the return of Crooks,the other TE have less reps.It appeared to be Saturday that Graham was in the short yader package-Turner was out.Can't figure this one out because it would appear to me that Turner is a better blocker then Graham & he'd be the one you want in the double TE blocking package.
A: Jeff Potrykus - Crooks didn't play nearly as much as some think. Graham has some substance to him and can block. Plus, he is a better receiver than Mickey. I've seen people complain that certain personnel groupings tip off the opponent as to whether the play will be a run or a pass. Graham gives you the option of both. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Buzz of Tampa - From one very bitter fan, here are my predictions....We stink in the 1st half against NIU, but win. We win ugly against IU. We play the best game of the year against OSU, but lose in the final minutes. The hangover from that game makes us lose against UM in a game we should have won. We barely keep the axe in Minny. We play an SEC team in our bowl game and get crushed. Accurate?
A: Jeff Potrykus - Depending on what happens with OSU in the BCS, the may not face an SEC team in the bowl. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Buzz of Tampa - It seems in both basketball and football when we are ranked so high early in the year that we can never live up to the expectations. Is it being overrated, or too much stress? It is really hard to be a Wisconsin fan. In years we are not supposed to make it to March Madness we go to the elite 8. Last year in football we go 12-1. Again, this from a very bitter Wisconsin fan.
A: Jeff Potrykus - This has nothing to do with not handling the stress. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Merritt of Danbury, CT - Jeff, serious question: does 6-6 get you in a bowl game? Iâ€(tm)m already looking ahead to next year and they need the extra bowl practice for this young team. If you think 6-6 is out of the question, Indiana is the pivotal game. Theyâ€(tm)ll probably squeeze out an unimpressive win over NIU, lose to OSU and UM. Theyâ€(tm)ll lose a track meet to the Goophs who have plenty of motivation to regain the Axe and an offense that is The Redâ€(tm)s nightmare this year. Can they eke out a win versus Kellen Lewis…I hope so.
A: Jeff Potrykus - Yep. You are eligible but someone still must want you. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: peter of Princeton, New Jersey - Given the recent play of the defense, do you think UW can even beat Indiana or Minnesota?
A: Jeff Potrykus - Yes and Yes. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Dan of Stoughton - Jeff do you think there will be any chances to the defense side of the ball.Maybe changing a linebacker our a safety?
A: Jeff Potrykus - Wrote about one today. Royston at SS. I'll be curious to see if Valai gets time this week at FS. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Bill of Racine - Jeff-The JS Sports Poll question of the day for Oct. 14 asked "Which change in UW's starting lineup would you like to see most next week? Aaron Henry for Allen Langford at cornerback Jay Valai for Shane Carter at free safety Culmer St. Jean for Elijah Hodge at middle linebacker Allan Evridge for Tyler Donovan at quarterback Kim Royston for Aubrey Pleasant at strong safety" Why wasn't there a choice for "All of the above"?
A: Jeff Potrykus - Again, I don't have anything to do with those ridiculous polls. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Mike of Strongsville - Well, no need to pile on after seeing how the badger, both player and coaches, have performed this season. One curiosity I did have is I didn't think there was a halo rule in College. On the punt where the Penn St returner was disloged from the ball, it looked to me as if the ball hit the return man before our guy hit him. There was also no replay from the officials. Is there a halo rule in college and is that a reviewable play?
A: Jeff Potrykus - There isn't a halo rule per se but you need to allow him to catch the ball. The refs ruled the hit came at the same time, according to the head coach. That is not a reviewable play. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Kevin Scott of Tampa - Obvious statement of the year: Our linebackers aren't very physical. I remember after losing to Georgia a few years back there were people saying that we needed more speed at LB. In your opinion, do you think we've recruited LB's that have speed but in return, aren't very phisical? Also, Do you think that Wisconsin next spring might try moving a guy like cassillas(sp?) to safety and try converting someone else to LB that's more phisical and nasty.
A: Jeff Potrykus - Two of the three guys played last year. Question: Did you doubt their ability to run and hit in 2006? I didn't. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Dave of Clermont, FL - Assuming Bucky goes 8-4 overall, with Ohio State & UofM in BCS, what is our most likely Bowl bid?
A: Jeff Potrykus - Well, if you have TWO teams in the BCS they'd be in Florida in a normal year. But with UW having been to Tampa, Orlando and Orlando in the last three years bowl officials might want a fresh face. In that case, San Antonio. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: badpack of janesville - Hello Jeff What is the most important thing that coach should do to turn this team around. Thanks for the good work
A: Jeff Potrykus - Resist the urge to do what many fans are doing, losing their composure and calling for some of the most ridiculous position changes in the history of football. Then you take another long look at your personnel and see which areas need the most help. I can see Henry getting more PT this week; Royston at SS since he is No. 1 on the depth; Valai at free if the game is in hand. People want to see more of McFadden but he isn't a MLB. And I don't think they're giving up on Casillas. Just don't have many options on the DL, though I'd put Chappy at DE and move Newkirk inside. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Bill Pfeiffer of Columbus, Ohio - Just how bad is our defense this year? We made Anthony Morelli, one of the most erratic and maligned QBs in the Big Ten if not the nation, look like Joe Montana. Let's not forget he was booed off the Beaver Stadium field at halftime in their game against Iowa. I refuse to believe its because of what we lost in the middle of our defense, as TV analysts have said over and over again this season. Zalewski was a nice player, but he was certainly no Pete Monty or Chris Ghidorzi. And while Stellmacher and Rodgers were assignment sure, I wouldn't label them irreplaceable. In my mind the problem begins and ends with the coaching. Jeff, if the problems persist, which you'd have to be crazy to think they won't, do you see Mike Hankwitz losing his job at the end of the season?
A: Jeff Potrykus - Bill, if memory serves you're normally pretty lucid. But Zalewki could play every damn down. Pete Monty could not. If he were playing for UW today they ask him to play on the line. Ghido is another story but he played in a different scheme. Why would Hankwitz lose his job? People are starting to pile on him so I'll ask this question: Do you think the defensive game plan of Hank and Doeren is created without approval from a higher power? [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Andy Shovers of Atlanta, Georgia - Jeff: It was very disturbing to read that a couple of players said that the team gave up in the second half. That, along with BB's curious decision not to go for it at the end of the half, seemed to indicate that he has lost confidence in his team. What do you think? With three of the next four games at home, and Minnesota being so awful, I know that I have not given up. Thanks. Andy
A: Jeff Potrykus - I chalk up such comments by the players -- Vanden Heuvel used the word "demoralized" in one response -- to frustration. I can think of a number of players off the top of my head who didn't reduce their effort in the second half. You get your butt kicked and then you have to share with the world, it isn't easy. As for the coaching decision, I didn't agree with it then and I still don't. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Kevin H of Madison - With the lack of depth at wide receiver, I was wondering what has happened to Lance Kendricks. I remember reading over the summer that he had been switched to tight end, but with the way things are going I thought he might be switched back. As you recall, he was our #1 recruit last year.
A: Jeff Potrykus - He was moved to TE last YEAR. He will contribute at that position in the future. The last thing they need is to make a kneejerk reaction, move that kid for X number of games and then move him back to TE again. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Mac of Oshkosh - I know Brett likes to pass but Saturday there were a lot of first down passes with Swan and Hubbard out. Only 19 carries for PJ. Doesn't seem like they put TD in position to succeed. Do they expect too much from a first year guy? Senior or not he doesn't have game experience to put it up 102 times in 3 games.
A: Jeff Potrykus - They were down 24-7 at halftime and by 31-7 the first time they touched the ball in the second half. That sort of dictates passing more often. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Badger-Ron of Houston - Jeff, from your observations who has shown to be the true leaders of this team?
A: Jeff Potrykus - You've got a lot of quiet guys, led by example types. I was really impressed by the way Levy handled the Illinois debacle. He came back from that, worked his butt off and played better. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Clint of San Clemente, CA - The defense is a disaster, in part because of a lack of depth in the line. No pass rush, in particular, and Newkirk playing out of position. What would you think of moving him back inside, and playing one or more of the following linebackers at DE? Culmer St. Jean, or Jaevery McFadden, both sophomores with some speed, and/or a couple seniors who aren't playing much anyway, Casey Hogan and Brandon Kelly. Obviously, the two safeties and one corner are getting killed - maybe a little better pass rush would require them to cover for a much shorter time.
A: Jeff Potrykus - I'd personally move 54 inside and put 91 at end. Hogan doesn't have enough speed due to the injuries Oor substance); Kelly is a DE. Culmer is just learning the LB position. Moving guys in the middle of the season from one positon to another isn't going to solve any problems. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Mark of Minneapolis - I am torn about whether Bielema should give Evridge a chance. Donovan has played okay (and is not the reason for the losses), but this team has not (and will not) meet the expectations that they, I and you all had for them. Do you give Evridge a chance and get him some experience for next year?
A: Jeff Potrykus - If your sole purpose is to prepare for next year with five games left this season, not a chance. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Corey of Oregon - Hi Jeff, well that was one of the uglier games I've ever seen and I was there in person to witness it! This team is just terrifyingly bad on D and seem to be getting worse as we go along here. Again, this season is feeling just like 2000 (high expectations coming in, with no results). Did you get a sense that the team seemed to "mail it in" in the 2nd half? I know Coach B had made mention of it, wanted to get your thoughts. Thanks
A: Jeff Potrykus - The team? No. A few guys hung their heads because they were getting their butts kicked all over the field. But not the team. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Doug Greenberg of san antonio - Jeff-Can the Badgers win the next two while improving/getting healthy, and then, give OSU any kind of a game?
A: Jeff Potrykus - Yes and doubtful. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: James Skidmore of Chicago - Jeff, This presents an interesting situation for Bielema; rally the troops and get them in position to salvagage the season. Unchartered waters if you will for him. Do you think he can do it, or is the injury situation too much to overcome?
A: Jeff Potrykus - I think they'll win the next two and close with a W vs. Minny. OSU? Nope. Michigan? Only if they get their act together these next two weeks and are in full health when Lloyd and the boys come to town. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: LA Dan of Back in LA - Jeff, long time no speak. Basically, because times were good. You were your normal skeptical self and the Badgers kept winning. Sadly, you got on your high horse and predicted great things this year and the bottom has more or less dropped out. What is the most surprising cause of this fall from grace? Also, is it me or is this team just getting physically out muscled, especially on D?
A: Jeff Potrykus - If you've watched one game this season you know the answer to the second question. As for the first, that we're in Week 7+ and the same mistakes (mostly) are being made. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Jeff of LA - By all accounts Jay Valai hits like a train, which is something that's been sorely lacking from this d. Any chance he's back from his concussion and stong enough to take a whack at safety? Might as well let some of these kids play.
A: Jeff Potrykus - He is the No. 2 FS, as I wrote this morning on the blog. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Jim V of Powell OH - Re: the crazy state of college football â€" I know scholarship limits rightly get most of the credit/blame for leveling the playing field, but I think 2 other factors play a big role too â€" only 15 practices allowed prior to the season & the propensity for recruits to sign in their junior years thus late bloomers end up going to schools previously viewed as 2nd tier â€" what says Jeff?
A: Jeff Potrykus - Well, the number of practices are the same for everyone. So in a word, no. Recruits can't sign until they are seniors. They can give a NON-BINDING commitment befoe then but it is pretty much meaningless. The scholarship limits allow those "second-tier" schools to get players who'd rather play now than sit the bench at Big Time U. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Chris of Delafield - Jeff, pathetic peformance, isn't time to make the switch to AE? It's obvious Donovan is not ready to be a big time college starter. He manages a game poorly and makes too many mistakes. Give me Allen Everidge!
A: Jeff Potrykus - First, it's ALLAN. And for the second time in a week the HC noted publicly, out of the blue, that TD's job is not in any danger. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Kevin of Janesville - Jeff, With the Defense giving up big play after big play, why have the Badgers not tried to blitz more. Maybe if the put pressure on this could lead to turnovers.
A: Jeff Potrykus - They tried bringing pressure Saturday but generally didn't get there. But you've got to remember. If your last line of defense (safeties) is struggling the desire to blitz is greatly diminished. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Ed Blau of Marshfield - Jeff, I guess that we should have had a clue when the defensive unit could not find a captain among the starters. Did Coopers dismissal also cast a pall of bad karma over the unit? Thanks.
A: Jeff Potrykus - Bad karma. No. What it did was take away a good edge rusher and force a good tackle to move to end. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: John of Downers Grove - Jeff, Obviously, it has been a disappointing season thus far. Even in the five victories, the team has looked less than impressive and likely should have lost two additional games. In my opinion, there has not been any phase of the game that has CONSISTENTLY been good. At this point in the season, what would you classify as the strength of this year's team?
A: Jeff Potrykus - TE, TB, OL, several freshmen. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Steven of Grafton - I asked it last week and you disagreed....are the badgers going to mail it in? That may not mean they lose all their games, but do they have any chance against scUM or OSU?
A: Jeff Potrykus - No, they aren't going to mail it in. And I promise if you ask the question next Monday my answer will be the same. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Steve of Washington - Where is Dan McCarney when we need him? I hope Hankwitz is renting so he can leave Madison faster. Seriously, did the UW coaches make a mistake in recruiting "athletes" on defense rather than football players? The best UW defenses had guys like Adamov, Leonhard, Zalewski, Stellmacher, who were not big or fast but were in position, tackled and played with composure. These new guys - the 2 safeties and Hodge may be faster, bigger, more heavily recruited, but they have zero football IQ and it shows on the field. Thoughts?
A: Jeff Potrykus - I'm sorry but I'm shaking my head. Yes there are issues on this defense. But those best defenses had one other important trait they shared. That is, a DLine that controlled the line of scrimmage. That's where it starts. That's where it always starts. Do you need a ball-hawking FS and a sturdy/smart/gutsy SS? Of course. But the games are still won at the LOS. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Geno of Spooner - Jeff: I am of a group that feels the Badgers are better off playing a "tune-up" game opposed to a bye week. Do you believe we will see a lot of new faces filtering in/out of the line-up especially on the defense side, and will we see new faces trying to complement Jefferson at wide-out? If so, what new faces may we see? Finally, is Hubbard due back for the Indiana or OSU game?
A: Jeff Potrykus - A lot? No. You'll see some, which I've written about on the blog. You may see more -- if the game is in hand in the second half. But their starters need the tuneup, not the new faces. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Ken Karstedt II of West Bend - Hey Jeff, enjoy your work! How can the Badgers turn their season around when they are having a difficult time stopping anyone and their offense is lacking? And why not play some of the younger guys to get them the experience they'll need for next year?
A: Jeff Potrykus - Because you play for THIS year, particularly when you're 5-2. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Erik of Waukesha - Were you as unimpressed with Everidge as I am? Seems the coaches know what they are doing. Thus far, he fumbled, had 3 false starts- and then on Sat- threw two easy passes into the turf, almost got another picked, and couldn't move the ball against the second string defense. What about the other options for QB next year?
A: Jeff Potrykus - I honestly don't know how to answer that one. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Chris of Middleton - Hi Jeff, Do you think the situation with Jamal Copper is contributing to this years defensive problems? I don't mean the fact that he is not on the team, but the circumstances behind his dissmisal. Is it possible that there are some guys, maybe real close to Coop, that are letting their feelings with what went on getting in the way of the way they play the game? I've heard lack of effort being brought up a couple of times. Wondering if the two correlate. Thanks for chats.
A: Jeff Potrykus - I don't believe Oswald shot JFK. I also don't believe players are dogging it because their angry Cooper was dismissed. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: JB of Los Angeles - Jeff, another friend of Bres' comes out of the woodwork after the debacle on Saturday. What happened to any and all of the soph and junior receivers? Anderson, Harris, Kendricks (tight end?), etc? Did we not recruit any for a few years? Thanks.
A: Jeff Potrykus - Anderson is redshirting. Kendricks is a TE. The frosh have passed them by. You could argue that Harris deserves a bit more PT than 85 but no way anyone plays instead of Jefferson. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Cam of Shorewood, Wisconsin - Not really surprised with the Badgers season. I had high hopes, but after the UNLV game I knew this team had defecenices. My question is this. Do you feel this team will take a nose dive knowing that the best the can hope for is playing in the Capital One Bowl yet again?
A: Jeff Potrykus - No nose dives; no relying on the US Post Office (mailing it in). They'll play hard. Whether they play well, that is another topic. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: David W of Waukesha - I don't mean to suggest by asking this that I think Tyler Donovan is to blame for the play of the offense ... or even that he has played poorly. However, is there a point at which it would make sense for there to be a change at QB, if for no other reason, than to give your likely starter next year an opprotunity to get meaningful reps, and establish game chemistry with the young recievers who will be targets for him? All I have heard is that the two are VERY close talent wise ... so you wouldn't expect much, if any drop off in quality of play ... and with the Big Ten title and elite bowl bid chances virtually gone, would it make sense to start thinking about next year a little?
A: Jeff Potrykus - You think about next year when you look at certain young guys in bowl practice and then in the spring. Only exception, in my book is if you're not bowl-eligible and you get a look at guys in-season. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Paul of Tosa - Early on you saw the Badgers taking all or nearly all Big 10 games. Your judgments have been astute, and I'm wondering what you saw then that hasn't panned out. Great coverage.
A: Jeff Potrykus - I thought the drop-off on defense would be minimal, not Grand Canyon-esque. I also thought the offense would be more efficient. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Tim of LaCrosse - Coach bielema talked about his players giving up .Didn't he set a bad example when he chose to punt instead of going for a field goal that was within TM's range at the end of the second period?
A: Jeff Potrykus - First, you're assuming it was in Mehlhaff's range. Each game he tells Bielema his max distance going both ways. But, as I noted in the Sunday paper, I didn't agree with the decision at the time. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Dozer of Waukesha - By now everyone has come to the conclusion we over estimated how good this young team would be this year. The question now is the talent there to grow into a great team or are we looking at an average bunch of guys?
A: Jeff Potrykus - It is too early too tell on certain guys. Carter has lots of physical talent. But is he a safety? He looked very good at CB as a frosh in camp. And I think he can be a hell of a WR. But do you have other options at safety? And how long do you give him -- or any first-year starter -- before you begin to contemplate a change? [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Adam Loewy of Austin, TX - With the defense struggling, the starting wide receivers out and the offense and special teams dropping balls, shouldn't we demand that Bret Bielema yank the starting quarterback?
A: Jeff Potrykus - You can demand all you want but your idol isn't going to make that switch. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Jerry of Green Bay - Jeff, With Luke & Hubbard out, Beckum doulbed teamed why don't we throw deep to Garrett Graham more. I have seem him wide open on so many plays I don't understand why the coaches don't point it out to TD. He has the hands and speed for big gains and seems to be a clutch reciever on 3rd & 4th down plays.
A: Jeff Potrykus - Jerry, please don't make the assumption that such things haven't been discussed/noted. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Terry of Appleton - Jeff, the spread has been the bane of Bucky's existence for years. Many Big Ten teams run a version of the spread, yet we appear incapable of stopping it. I'm not talking only about this year's defense, but most of BA - BB era. In your opinion, is the primary problem scheme, talent or refusal to face facts - the spread is spreading?
A: Jeff Potrykus - Terry, if you look at how UW did vs. Brees (2-1) against NU in 2004; against Hawaii and Colt Brennan in '05; Vegas this season, etc., they've also had days in which they've done very well. I'd bet you UW's 2006 defense, which controlled Indiana's spread, by the way, would have fared well against NU, too. [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: BadgerFan of SaintPaul,MN - Hi Jeff, What a miserable performance from the start! That defense is worst I have seen in years. It apears defensive line is NOT putting any effort to stop anybody. They look like they are even tring at times. I believe getting rid of Cooper was the worst decision Bielema made. I don't know what Cooper must have said to the coaches that they got rid of him. That tells me Bielema has low threshold for tolerance, which sucks. Also, Bielema should fire himself because of uglu special team play. Any opinion about Cooper and Bielema's special teams play?
A: Jeff Potrykus - BF: Did you now watch any of the 2005 season? Bielema dismissed Cooper because he felt it was the right thing to do -- regardless of the effect it would have on the peformance of the team. How can you argue with that? [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Andrew of Muskego - Jeff, Do you still think Hankwitz will be back next year? If he is, Barry might want to have a little talk with Bielema.
A: Jeff Potrykus - I've asked this of others and I'll ask you to think about it. Do you think the defensive game plan is created in a back alley on a Thursday night and implemented without the knowledge of the head coach? [/FONT]<hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
Q: Mike of Minnetonka, MN - I always appreciate how you give your unvarnished opinions. So here is my question: As a consistent and diligent observer of Badger football, what has surprised you the most about this years team (either pro or con or both).
A: Jeff Potrykus - Last question for our Minnetonka contingent. Looking forward to hitting the Loon Cafe in November, by the way. Cons: The fall of the defense, particularly the alignemnt/assignment issues. Big off-season coming as I see only minimal improvement the rest of this season. Pros: G. Graham, Gabe Carimi and Kyle Jefferson. That's it for this week. Until next week when I'm sure I'll have to explain to one reader, for a third consecutive week, that P.J. Hill is a good college back despite his protestations that Hill isn't a "Heisman-caliber" back. (yes, that was a gratuitous cheap shot) Off to work. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]
<!-- END JSO_INDEX_CONTENT --> [/FONT]</td> <td colspan="2" width="1">
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
