BadgerExtra football beat reporter Colten Bartholomew and columnist Jim Polzin highlight some of the changes seen already during the early stages of the Jim Leonhard era, along with looking ahead to cross-divisional battle against Michigan State.
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Badgers fans cautiously optimistic as Wisconsin wins Jim Leonhard's debut
Who called the plays?
Seems like PC had more to say about the offensive play calling than we were led to believe.
— Zach Kirchenwitz (@zkirchenwitz) October 8, 2022
Bring the guts
Chimere Dike with an outstanding day coupled with Graham Mertz throwing for five touchdowns. Add the first win for Coach Leonhard and the Badgers set the tone from the beginning that they meant business. Congratulations to the entire team on a gutsy victory!
— Jeff Ostach☮️ (@jeff_ostach) October 8, 2022
What did he say!?
By how many touchdowns will Wisconsin beat Ohio State in Indy? 😁
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) October 8, 2022
Tough week ends great
The team played like they actually cared. What a concept. Kudos to the coaches and players… ended a tough week with a great W against a terrible team. Keep it up!
— Mark Wolfgram (@markwwolfgram) October 8, 2022
Best start
Not only did they win, they won at Northwestern, after a crazy week, throwing the ball all over the field, and they won going away. Wow… seriously impressed. Couldn’t have gone any better for the first game for Coach Leonhard.
— Badger Steve 🧀🍺🦌 (@UW_Steve) October 8, 2022
Have a game
Hard to say against a bad NW team. But it shows that when Mertz has a clean pocket, he's a damn good QB. Still missed on a few, but better decisions were made. Weird to watch them score 42 without a rush TD. Good to win to build confidence going into next week.
— Swagula420 (@LordFrakula) October 8, 2022
See you in New York City
Is it too late for Mertz’s Heisman campaign?
— Average Joe (@signaturedish33) October 8, 2022
Red, red pants
Wisconsin when wearing red pants this season: 2-0
— Blake R. Weiner (@BlakeWeiner) October 8, 2022
Wisconsin when not wearing red pants this season: 1-3
Return to normalcy?
Everyone is going to say it was only Northwestern but today Mertz looked comfortable and like he had more freedom. Defense was more physical than previous games. Still a long season but this looked more like Badgers teams I am used to seeing
— Mark Meddings (@MeddingsMark1) October 8, 2022
Flowing emotions
Emotion showed today from the first snap. It’s been missing most of the year. And, they had fun! Go Badgers!
— Tammy 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 (@TammyHuskyMom) October 8, 2022
Yet they beat Nebraska ...
Northwestern may be the absolute worst football team in Division I.
— Kevin Everard (@kever3) October 8, 2022
More to prove
Meaningless, I'll wait to see how the team does against better competition under Leonhard.
— Tim Snell (@tj_snell) October 8, 2022
Lost in the fun
I guess it’s fine, although I did miss my Saturday afternoon nap I usually catch during the game.
— numbWIsportsfan (@RIPReggieK) October 8, 2022
Modern look
Finally an offensive game plan that isn't 20 years old!
— Jon Meck - Khash Money Stan (@BleedBadgerRed) October 8, 2022
Great teams cover
They covered the spread. Most important thing of the day
— BrockinSB (@HiuraFan) October 8, 2022
You're saying there's a chance?
Path to the Big Ten West Title still exists.
— Trent Probst (@coachprobst) October 8, 2022
Spartans will?
Spartans may prove a stronger opponent and a better test of Wisconsin’s prowess.
— Michael Olneck (@OlneckMolneck) October 8, 2022
How much?
— Christopher Dalton (@_Chipz) October 8, 2022
Let's not get carried away
I want Alabama !!! :)
— david richard (@drg1961) October 8, 2022
Lost
Leipold
— @birdieparbirdie (@birdieparbirdi1) October 8, 2022
