On Wisconsin

On Wisconsin! On to Ann Arbor where you haven’t won since 1994! It’s like the Democrats this election cycle; if you can’t do it this year, call it quits.

Forget Bo and Woody. Wisconsin epitomizes Big Ten Smash Mouth Football. Pound the defensive line with your elephant size offensive linemen. Spring the running back, who may win a Heisman, but fail in the pros.

The quarterback’s role is to master the various forms of handoffs: straight ahead, right and left with an occasional quarterback keeper for a first down. The forward pass is for the opponents trying to play catch up. Michigan’s porous secondary may not be severely tested.

On defense the Badgers will stack the line. Since Michigan has yet another starting offensive line because of injuries, the Wisconsin should dominate the lineplay. A long afternoon is the sunny forecast for Ann Arbor.

And yet, this is the same Wisconsin team that barely, and I emphasize “barely,” outlasted Fresno State two weeks ago.

Wisconsin has won two of the past three games. Three years ago the Badgers pulled out a victory in the fourth quarter as the Wolverines yet again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by being out of condition. That will not be the case this year.

Last year the banged up Wolverines failed early against the Badgers. But for the lack of continuity on the offensive line, tomorrow would be an easy call for a Wolverine victory.