The date of the University of Wisconsin football team's matchup with Illinois has been circled on fans' calendars since the schedule was released. But for them, the excitement surrounding Saturday's game has less to do with the players on the field than the coaches leading them out of the tunnel.
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The former University of Wisconsin football coach talks about what returning to Madison means to him while insisting the focus stay on the Illini's matchup with the Badgers on Saturday at Camp Randall.
Twitter reaction: Badgers fans search for the bright side of Wisconsin's loss at Ohio State
Insert Dennis Green quote
Both teams performed exactly as expected. UW getting left in the dust by the handful of elite teams that dominate the polls every year. This is what the NCAA wants: 6 teams competing for the title, 125 teams fighting over scraps in half-empty stadiums. pic.twitter.com/QKHsZzW5Dz
— Russ Evansen (@waunaruss) September 25, 2022
Old school vs. new school
Were these 2 teams playing the same sport? I realize the talent difference, but damn, the difference in coaching, the difference between creative, modern play design vs 1950’style of football is ridiculous
— numbWIsportsfan (@RIPReggieK) September 25, 2022
Going bowling?
Another inspired effort led by the dynamic Chryst. Am already excited 4 The Who Cares Bowl on December 20-something vs another underachieving power 5 school, where an inspiring 13-10 win 2 cap off 7-6 season drives the Athletic Board 2 re-up Chryst like he accomplished something
— Thornton Melon (@URaRa_Wisconsin) September 25, 2022
Seat warmers?
Paul Chryst is 33-17 over last 5 seasons. If he was at any school other than UW his seat would be burning hot. This offense continues to be archaic but Chryst refuses to adapt and the program has no accountability. As long as its profitable he will keep getting extension.
— WiscoFanatic (@608BadgerFan) September 25, 2022
Certainly a difference
Do the Badgers need to recruit more undersized, unathletic 3 star DB’s to have a better chance against the fast, tall, 5 star Ohio State receivers ?
— Average Joe (@signaturedish33) September 25, 2022
More than a talent gap
The talent gap between UW and Ohio State is large; we knew that going in. What’s disappointing is the energy gap between the two teams. Ohio State seemed more up to play Wisconsin than Wisconsin was to play Ohio State. That is inexcusable.
— Brian S (@BrianSm71994635) September 25, 2022
More energy coming
Second game out of three where team didn’t seem like it was mentally into the game. Bert’s going to be FIRED up to be back in Madison next week so UW better be ready to match UofI’s mentality.
— Mark Wolfgram (@markwwolfgram) September 25, 2022
Always a brighter side
At least we aren’t Nebraska?
— Jeff Becker (@jbecker18) September 25, 2022
Few home runs though
At least they scored more than the Brewers
— Chris Cesar (@Cesar_Chris) September 25, 2022
Need the boom stick
Tired of Mertz sliding for the first down and being consistently 2 yards shy every time. Lower the shoulder and take the hit to give us first downs!!
— Rick Thompson (@rgthomp1) September 25, 2022
Tempered expectations
Completely expected. OSU is a different level.
— Zach Kirchenwitz (@zkirchenwitz) September 25, 2022
Identity crisis?
At least with Barry, you knew this team would fight. I have no idea what the identity of this team is. QB play is not as hoped, offensive line no where near WI standard. And defense rebuilding. No trust in this program right now.
— John Grant (@JDGrant1970) September 25, 2022
Dig, set, spike
As Expected - sad- no confidence at all. Badgers are going in the wrong direction, Gophers are going the other way. We are in a dark period of Badger Football. Thank God for Women’s Volleyball- I sincerely mean that. Watch them all!
— Scottie Bee (@bodhijimi) September 25, 2022
Add a little English?
Seems like a waste of time to watch a game between teams that aren't on the same tier. The New Mexico St game was decided before the ball was kicked off. So was this one. College football needs a Premier League-style tier system.
— Brandon Revels 🦅 (@brandonrevels7) September 25, 2022
A fair thought
It will be interesting to see how the disparity in college fball impacts ratings. Wisconsin is a West contender and had no chance. I’m a big fan and this was unwatchable. Why have a 12 team playoff when 3 maybe 4 have a chance.
— Scott Von Rueden (@vonny32) September 25, 2022
Where will wins come?
What’s more likely… 2-6 to finish the season or 6-2? Instinct says 6-2 but not sure there is a gimme on the schedule right now. Bert revenge game, at NW, at MSU, PurDONT and Maryland who can score, at Iowa and Nebby before home for Minny where they’ll clinch the B10W and Axe.
— Mark Wolfgram (@markwwolfgram) September 25, 2022
It always could be
Could be worse pic.twitter.com/MoBWIL7lpL
— Joel bartels (@Joelbartels4) September 25, 2022
Then what?
If Bielema rolls into Madison and wins next Saturday....
— J. Smith (@edgehatfield) September 25, 2022
How's the weather?
— Daniel Lavender (@DoctorAdmirals) September 25, 2022
He can do it all
Braelon Allen is the most accurate passer in the history of Wisconsin football
— Brian Bruhn (@bcbruhn) September 25, 2022
Maybe just one bad night?
The game being over before the end of the first quarter reminded me of the pre-Barry days. But at least we don’t look that outclassed against most opponents? 🤷♂️
— Andrew Miller (@heyapm) September 25, 2022
Regressing toward restoration point
It is obvious that the Badgers have plateaued and even regressed with Chryst. Need to make a change or risk losing all that Alvarez restored. Big test for McIntosh.
— Censete Libere (Think Freely) 🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@CenseteLibere) September 25, 2022
Sensible target
Tough but used to it at this point. Measuring against OSU is wrong. First need to get to Penn state/Michigan level.
— Michael Burger (@Burgscom) September 25, 2022
Two keys to winning
Two things for me; our defense doesn't seem to know how to tackle; and our O-line, which is supposed to be in the same league with theirs, isn't
— GT Schutz (@GTSchutz) September 25, 2022
Rodgers vs. Brady
Yeah, Jim. The Packers play tomorrow. That's about all I can muster.
— Belmin (@BelminTwo) September 25, 2022
The No Fun League?
Ohio State should be in the NFL.
— Backmerry (@BrendaMerryfie1) September 25, 2022
