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Badgers lose more than just the game
Three key starters sidelined by injury
By MARK STEWART
mstewart@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Nov. 3, 2007
Columbus, Ohio - As the score grew increasingly one-sided Saturday, one had to wonder if it's possible for Ohio State to account for two Wisconsin losses in a row.
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Jason Chapman, one of three UW starters injured Saturday, is carted off the field.
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WHAT: UW (7-3, 3-3) vs. Michigan (8-2, 6-0)
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However, the Badgers' chances of knocking off the Wolverines appeared to take a major blow, with three starters lost to injury during the game against the Buckeyes. Cornerback Allen Langford went down with a knee injury in the first quarter, right tackle Eric Vanden Heuvel was sidelined with an apparent lower leg or foot injury in the third and defensive tackle Jason Chapman appeared to suffer a knee injury in the fourth.
Also, return man David Gilreath sat out the second half because of a tight hamstring.
UW coach Bret Bielema didn't provide details on the injuries, but what he said about Langford and Chapman wasn't good.
"I know Allen's was pretty significant, they feel, and the same thing with Chappy," he said.
Langford's injury was announced by UW. Chapman's wasn't, but his leg was immobilized, just as Langford's was. Both players needed crutches. Vanden Heuvel's injury also wasn't announced, but after he was taken to the locker room for further examination, he returned with his shoe off.
The Badgers have capable backups in the secondary and along the offensive line.
Langford was replaced by freshman Aaron Henry, who starts in the nickel package and has come off the bench often this year. Where Langford's loss could hurt the most is when UW goes to its nickel package, where there appears to be a significant gap between Henry and Ben Strickland, the next man in line.
Vanden Heuvel was replaced by sophomore Jake Bscherer, who opened camp as the No. 1 left tackle, but saw the job go to redshirt freshman Gabe Carimi.
Replacing Chapman won't be as easy. The Badgers were already thin on the defensive line, particularly at tackle.
Mike Newkirk, who has played end and tackle, could play more tackle, his natural position, and freshman end Kirk DeCremer could get more snaps. Sophomores Jeff Stehle (6 feet 6 inches 297 pounds) and Dan Cascone (6-3, 291) could also play tackle.
The unit's play will be critical against Michigan, which entered play Saturday ranked fourth in the league in rushing with 203.4 yards per game.
The Wolverines' defense will also provide a major test. They entered play Saturday ranked fifth in the league in rushing defense, allowing just 128.6 yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry.
Bscherer says he's ready for the challenge, if called upon. As Joe Thomas' backup last season, Bscherer practiced with the starters every Tuesday, Thomas' day off. And two weeks ago, he took every snap in practice one day when Vanden Heuvel didn't practice because of a minor injury.
"I've prepared before with the (first team) and stuff so if Vandy is not ready to go, I'll step in there and be prepared," Bscherer said.
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