Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Preview

Losing to Cornell in the second round of the NCAA Tournament was a huge disappointment for the Wisconsin Badgers, and for the people who had picked Wisconin to go far in their March Madness bracket. However, with head coach Bo Ryan stilly in charge, the Badgers are poised to yet again make the tournament field and be a potential threat. However, this year the expectations are low—Wisconsin only returns three key contributors—as college basketball analysts are picking the Badgers to finish only as high as fifth in the Big Ten.
It's clear that the talents of Trevon Hughes and Jason Bohannon will be dearly missed—as Hughes almost seemed to carry the entire team at times—which begs the question: Who will want the ball in the final seconds when the game’s on the line? Junior Jordan Taylor looks to be that guy. Last year Taylor led the Big Ten with a three assist-to-turnover ratio, which was also good enough to be third best in the entire country. Taylor also averaged 11.1 points per game in Big Ten play, a time when points become vital because of how much defense is stressed in the Big Ten. Now an upperclassman, Taylor has the maturity to carry the team on his shoulders when the going gets tough.
Another guy who is able to take over games is Senior Forward Jon Leuer. Leuer needs only 245 points this season to join Wisconsin's 1,000-point club, a club that only so many have been able to join. He averaged 15.4 points per game in 2009-2010, and this season he looks to keep his reign as the Badger's leader in points, rebounds and blocks per game despite missing nine conference games last season due to a fractured left wrist. The high production out of Leuer in 2009-2010 earned him a spot on the John Wooden Preseason Top-50 list, a very prestigious honor in which only the best collegiate basketball players in the country are even mentioned in. A healthy John Leuer for the entire season, and the Badgers may find themselves being crowned conference champions.
The final key contributor from last season is Senior Forward Keaton Nankivil. Nankivil averaged a solid 8.1 points per game, along with the team's most offensive rebounds (68). Keaton is a streaky shooter, as shown in the Purdue game—hitting seven out of eight three pointers—and his teammates are able to get him the ball when he’s on.
The Badgers will rely on players like Ryan Evans, Tim Jarmusz, and Mike Bruesewitz to step up and fill the shoes of Trevon Hughes and Jason Bohannon. If they can combine to produce what Hughes and Bohannon did for the Badgers last season, then success can easily be achieved under Bo Ryan.
Catch the Badgers opening up the Big Ten regular season against Minnesota on December 28^th and with no doubt the Kohl's Center will definitely be rocking. A place where the Badgers went 16-1 last season with wins over Duke and Marquette.

Narrative-revisions

            I had just sat down to watch “The Herd” and enjoy a nice bowl of Cap’n Crunch when I felt a vibration in my pocket.  I pulled my cell phone out and noticed that Ryan Capwell was calling me.  I talked to Ryan everyday at school, but never really hung out with him outside of school or sports.  That’s why I just figured that him calling me was an accident.  I answered with a simple hello and he responded, “Hi Travis, this is Ryan Capwell.  My family has an extra ticket to the Badger game this Saturday and I was wondering if you wanted to come with.”  A big smile came to my face, but I was speechless.  I was able to muster out, “I will call you back once I talk to my parents about it.”  When my mom came home, I told her of the news that I received and she did not have any problems with me going.  I sent Capwell a text that read, “My parents don’t have a problem with me going so just give me the details when you know them.” 

            I received a text from Capwell on Friday night that said, “Be at the West Salem Park and Ride at 10.  My dad drives a Chrysler 300 with the license plate K CAP.”  I got my clothes ready --  a Badgers shirt and sweatshirt -- and set my alarm for 9:00 A.M.  I went to bed at around midnight but did not fall asleep right away.  I was like a five year old on Christmas Eve waiting for Santa Claus to come.  That’s how excited I was to go to my first Wisconsin Badgers game. 

            I woke up to the LostProphets “Rooftops” song and I didn’t even hesitate to get up right away.  After eating a bowl of Cap’n Crunch I departed for the West Salem Park and Ride.  I arrived at 9:54 A.M. and parked at the very end of the lot.  I got out of my car and waited for a car that matched the description from Capwell’s text.  I waited five minutes and a Chrysler 300 with the license plate K Cap pulled into the parking space next to mine.  I opened the left rear door and got in the car.  As I did this, Orrin Oliver arrived, as he too was coming to the Badger game.  Orrin took a seat next to me in the back.  We departed for Richland Center to pick up Ryan, who was going to school there.  The talk between Capwell’s dad, Orrin, and myself was very small.  We all introduced ourselves and said what we were doing with our lives, but that was pretty much it.  Capwell’s dad put some classic rock on his Sirius Radio and that was just fine with me. 

            After what seemed like hours of passing by nothing but trees and fields, we arrived in Richland Center.  Capwell was in one of the buildings finishing up his math homework when we found him.  Not wanting to waste any time, Capwell put his homework in his dorm room and we departed for Madison within ten minutes of arriving in Richland Center.  Even with Capwell I the car now, the ride down wasn’t any more talkative than before.  The style of music changed from REO Speedwagon to Avenged Sevenfold, but I wasn’t going to let that bother me.            

            We finally arrived in Madison at around 1:00 P.M. for the 2:30 P.M. game time.  Just driving down the streets of Madison and seeing all of the red, made me fully realize how special the Wisconsin Badger faithful is.  I have been a Badger fan my whole life, but this being my first game helped me to put everything in perspective.  We parked and headed for Camp Randall Stadium right away.  We passed thousands of fans pre gaming and parted multiple red seas on our way.  I have never seen anything quite like it.  We walked under the Camp Randal arch and found gate two to enter.  I got my ticket scanned and followed Capwell to where our seats were located.  We walked up a set of stairs and when we turned the corner I stopped dead in my tracks.  There it was.  The playing field.  Seeing that was one of the greatest feelings I have ever felt.  It was a greater feeling than opening presents on Christmas morning and getting exactly what you wanted. 

            I made my way down to my seat: Section U, Row 29, Seat 5.  It was on the 40 yard line which is nearly perfect for football.  The stadium still had a long way to go to reach its capacity of 80,000 as only a few thousand had made there way in already.  Since we hadn’t eaten anything yet, Capwell’s dad took us to the concession stand and bought us a brat and a soda.  The soda came in a Barry Alvarez commemorative cup in which I still have to this day.  I wandered around a little bit looking at the history and photos that Camp Randall had to offer before going back into the stadium. 

            Wisconsin Hall of Fame running back Ron Dayne was the honorary guest to do the coin flip, which Wisconsin won the toss and elected to receive.  Arizona State lined up to kickoff and 70,000 Wisconsin Badgers fans were on their feet yelling, “OOOOHHHH!”  James White took the kick and returned it to the 25 yard line setting up first and ten for Wisconsin.  It was a rough start for both teams as each kicker missed a field goal in the first quarter.  With 40 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Wisconsin kicker Philip Welch redeemed himself by drilling a 49 yard field goal to put the Badgers up 3-0.  The cheers from the made field goal turned into thunderous boos when Arizona State took the ensuing kickoff back for a touchdown to go up 7-3.  After trading field goals, the score was 10-6 Arizona State until Wisconsin quarterback hit Lance Kendricks for a 14 yard touchdown to put the Badgers up 13-10 with just ten seconds left in the first half.  Yet again the cheers turned into boos when Arizona State was on the verge of taking yet another kick back to end the half.  That was until Shelton Johnson saved the day and saved the field from being used as a garbage can.  Johnson tackled Arizona State kick returner Omar Bolden just one yard short of the end zone.  Halftime.  Wisconsin 13 Arizona State 10. 

            The second half started with a series of sarcastic cheers as Wisconsin was able to tackle Bolden with plenty of yards to spare this time.  An Arizona State field goal tied the game at 13 until Badger running back and Heisman Trophy hopeful John Clay burst threw the line and into the end zone from 19 yards out to put Wisconsin up 20-13.  The third quarter ended and to any Wisconsin Badger fan, that only meant one thing: JUMP AROUND!!!  House of Pain’s “Jump Around” hit the speakers and Camp Randall Stadium did its best impression of an earthquake as the fans and players jumped around.  There is no tradition like it in college football.

            The fourth quarter started and when Wisconsin couldn’t run the clock out, Arizona State made them pay.  With just over four minutes remaining, Cameron Marshall scampered into the end zone to make it a one point game, with the extra point coming.  All American Thomas Weber lined up for the kick.  The snap was good, but the kick was blocked!  My favorite Badger player Jay Valai had jumped over the line and had gotten a hand on the football.  Camp Randall Stadium went into a state of pandemonium as the Badgers were able to preserve the one point lead.  John Clay was able to run the clock out as the Badgers hung on for a 20-19 win. 

            After the game, we met up with Capwell’s mom and they bought us dinner at the Texas Roadhouse.  I order a hamburger smothered in Swiss cheese and mushrooms and it had to be the biggest hamburger I have ever eaten in my life.  During the drive home, I tried my best to stay awake, but I failed right after we dropped Capwell  back off in Richland Center.  I woke up shortly before entering West Salem.  When I made it home I flipped the television on to ESPN, and Iowa, my most hated team, was losing to Arizona.  I stayed up until 1:00A.M. to watch the upset.  It was indeed a perfect day.  Being able to witness your favorite player make the game winning play, to see your favorite team win in person, and to be able to watch your most despised team get upset on national television. 

                   

Halfway There

We’re now at the halfway point of the college football season even though it seems like just yesterday we were watching Utah upset the then Number 16 ranked Pittsburgh Panthers in overtime to kick things off to start the year. I remember it like it was indeed yesterday. Time flies when you’re having fun and the first half of this college year has given us a plenty of fun moments to be witnessed. The number one team in the nation, Alabama and then Ohio State, have both lost when they were number one they were in consecutive weeks. Guys like Cam Newton, Taylor Martinez, Darren Thomas, and Denard Robinson are doing their best to make college football the year of the running quarterback. The Big Ten is actually competing with the SEC for the rights to best conference, or that was until Cinderella story Michigan State is the only undefeated team left out of there. With the coveted Heisman Trophy still up for grabs, lets take a look at some halfway hopefuls who are leading the race.

1. Cam Newton, Quarterback, Auburn Tigers
Why He’s Here: He’s leading this list because he has led his Tigers to an undefeated record so far and a number 4 ranking in the nation. Along the way the 6’6”, 250 pound QB has compiled 25 touchdowns and over 2,000 total yards. With big games against LSU and Alabama, Newton will prove if he and his Tigers are for real or not.

2. LaMichael James, Running Back, Oregon Ducks
Why He’s Here: I put James ahead of Robinson, despite the stats only because the Heisman Trophy depends partly on your team’s success.LaMichael James is a big reason in why the Oregon Ducks currently hold the number 2 ranking the BCS Polls. With nine touchdowns and 848 rushing yards, James has his Ducks in prime position to go to the National Championship Game.

3. Denard Robinson, Quarterback, Michigan Wolverines
Why He’s Here: .“Shoelace” leads the nation in rushing yards-and he’s a quarterback! He’s compiled 18 touchdowns and over 2,300 total yards along the way. He’s the focal point of Michigan’s offense. A recent shoulder injury versus Iowa likely won’t cost him any time and that can only be good for Michigan. He’s going to need to pick the pace up if he wants to catch Cam Newton in the race though.

4. Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State Cowboys
Why He’s Here: Blackmon has really burst onto the college football scene and have made Oklahoma State fans forget about Dez Bryant and the trouble he was in last year. The 6‘1" sophomore currently leads the nation with 955 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, and he's a major reason why Oklahoma State is undefeated. If OK State can keep their winning ways, look for Blackmon’s stock to rise. The Bedlam Football Game could be the deciding factor in which school goes to the Big 12 Championship-Oklahoma State or Oklahoma.

5. Kellen Moore, Quarterback, Boise State Broncos
Why He’s Here: Sure, Boise State doesn’t play anyone. Well for Moore, the proud owner of a 32-1 career record, has the top quarterback rating in the country. Along with the accolades, Moor has calmly guided his Broncos past BCS foes Virginia Tech and Oregon State this season. As long as Boise State doesn’t slip up versus Nevada, then Moore should have his Broncos in the BCS National Championship game, along with the Heisman Trophy stock producer that comes with it.

Concussions

Every day, patients are being taken to a hospital after taking a hit to the head. The same question is always asked right away by someone or another: “Is it a concussion?” A concussion can happen at any time, especially in sports. According to the Brain Association of New Jersey, over 300,000 sports and recreation related brain injuries occur in the United States alone. Professional sports need to crack down on the penalties for delivering a hit to the head of an opposing player. I think a suspension of one game should be given to the player initiating the helmet to helmet hit. A second offense should be at least four games. The National Football League is not doing enough. A fine does not teach the players a lesson because the players have plenty of money to pay it off. Along with a fifteen yard penalty, the player should be ejected for the rest of the game. If the NFL has any concern over the safety of their players, then they will act accordingly with suspensions. Concussions need to be taken seriously because of the effects of them. The NFL has already seen multiple concussions and they are only in week five of the regular season. To name a few players to have had concussions this season: quarterback Kevin Kolb and linebacker Stewart Bradley of the Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore and Giants tight end Kevin Boss just in week one alone. The number of quarterbacks suffering concussions is growing every week with the Chicago Bears, Jay Cutler, and the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers, both recently suffering concussions. The recovery time needed is forcing players to miss at least one week if not more, and today’s studies are finding out that players are missing more weeks than from past years.
The NFL has a series of guidelines or tests that a player needs to pass before they are considered cleared to play again. Part of the test includes a computer test in which players are shown several series of shapes and then are later asked to identify which shapes belonged to which series,
as well as another neurological exam administered by an independent doctor before being allowed to practice.
These tests are very necessary because past NFL players who have played with a concussion have admitted to having post concussion syndrome years after they have retired. Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS) is a combination of post concussion symptoms that last for weeks and months after the injury that caused the concussion. Former San Francisco 49ers lineman George Visger’s life has been compared to that of Drew Barrymore’s role in “50 First Dates”. He says that if his day is not written out, then he does not know what he is supposed to do for that day.