This seems like as good a time as any to thank you for reading — to many of you, contributing — to Open Jim.
People are also reading…
The women’s volleyball team is once again making a strong push to win the Big Ten. They are so fun to watch!
— Chris Davis (@cdavis20000) November 21, 2022
Do you feel their team is just as capable as last year to win another National title or is this an overachieving bunch?
Why was job posted on a Saturday night at 8 pm? Jim, do you feel that Chris McIntosh has handled these last six weeks well or not?
— WLKG SportsJam (@WLKGSportsJam) November 21, 2022
Now that things appear set with JL, how will that impact recruiting for the early signing date? Will UW need to focus more on the Portal due to the disruption with the 2023 class?
— Todd (@pilprin) November 21, 2022
Is Graham Mertz the starting QB next season?
— Chris Cesar (@Cesar_Chris) November 21, 2022
I am curious if you have ever asked Jim Leonhard what offensive style is the hardest for him to defend against as a DC. Would his answer to that foreshadow what his offensive approach might be long term as the head coach?
— BP (@BPotter2112) November 21, 2022
Prediction time: if Leonhard is the coach, what will be the biggest change in the program from the Chryst era?
— Craig Smith (@smithcp1) November 21, 2022
Jim, do you think the posting of the job, which seemingly signals a Leonhard hire, was tied to the outcome of Saturday’s game? “Win we do it, lose we don’t”?
— Chris Juzwik (@juz44) November 22, 2022
So, with many now reporting Leonhard will officially get the job. Guess on length of contract? Bonus question-keys to victory over the Gophers?
— Douglas Greenberg (@DougGreenB) November 21, 2022
Assuming leonhard is the permanent HC and knowing him as you do: what coaching and other changes do you expect him to make?
— Fred Ehle (@FredEhle) November 21, 2022
What are your thoughts on how Leonhard will reshape the staff (assuming he's the next coach)?
— Team Slinky (@Buckmaster_FP) November 21, 2022
Assuming JL is HC next year, who is the OC, is Engram toast after Iowa and Nebraska games where the offense looked as bad as ever?
— andrew schwarz (@schwarzaroo) November 22, 2022
If Leonhard does not retain Engram, who could be possible OC candidates?
— Brian S (@BrianSm71994635) November 21, 2022
Does Leonhard have what it takes to bring in big time recruits? If Wisconsin doesn’t get the recruits can Wisconsin win by out coaching the Ohio States/Georgias to win a national championship?
— Brian Klaw (@clu__haywood) November 21, 2022
Your column on the portal makes great points. My concern is it hurts programs that depend on player development because kids (and fans) lack patience. It seems to be “play me or I’m gone” with the portal. How does Bucky adapt to that?
— Russ Evansen (@waunaruss) November 21, 2022
When was the last time that Badgers fans were happy about the play of QB1 over the course of an entire season? Exclude Wilson.
— Badger Local (@BadgerLocal) November 21, 2022
What does this team look like if Caleb Williams decides to come to Wisconsin instead of USC?
— Chris Cesar (@Cesar_Chris) November 21, 2022
Does the new permanent head football coach look for a QB from the transfer portal for '23?
— Leonard Go (@LeonardGo) November 22, 2022
Is Braelon Allen still the number one option in the backfield?
— Michael Paduano (@greenwave70) November 22, 2022
Any chance UW appeals the targeting on Herbig to get him a full game this weekend?
— Matthew (@badgerthematt) November 21, 2022
Will Paul Chryst return to coaching? And where and in what role?
— john berg (@BadgerJohnBerg) November 21, 2022
Best Thanksgiving dinner you ever had and why was it at Ford Field? I’ll hang up and read. Thank you.
— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) November 21, 2022
Stuffing or dressing?
— Bart T🏀rvik (@totally_t_bomb) November 21, 2022
whole berry or jellied cranberries?
— Nuclear Badger (@nuclearbdgr) November 21, 2022
Badgers fans proud of 'gritty' Wisconsin football win at Nebraska
Nitty gritty victory
Eleven down in the 4th quarter and the Badgers overcame the wind, the officiating, and are now Bowl eligible for the 21st consecutive season! Congratulations to both the players and coaches. They never gave up. A gritty performance!
— Jeff Ostach☮️ (@jeff_ostach) November 19, 2022
Just like basketball
The biggest difference between the team that lost to Illinois and the team that won today was that they never stopped fighting.
— Craig Smith (@smithcp1) November 19, 2022
But that was one of the ugliest wins in a long time. Like Badgers MBB over UWGB-level ugly.
Can't take that away
Was looking like the points lost on two Chim drops would cost them. Love the QB sneak and having both backs be the “pushers”. Say this for Mertz: the guy has toughness.
— Rob Finley (@finleyr27) November 19, 2022
Winning battles
This team has been through a ton…yes they played unevenly…but made plays in the end.
— Todd (@pilprin) November 19, 2022
Progression in the ugly?
Ugly on a technical level, but gotta give the team credit for fighting, not sure they win this type of game early in the season
— Dan D. (@One_Punch_Dan) November 19, 2022
Stepping in
Very gutty win... I love CFB because you see kids, most of who won't ay in the NFL, giving 100% effort on every play. And they got rewarded for it.
— seanu82766@gmail.com (@seanu82766) November 19, 2022
Herbig ejection galvanized them a bit I think. And Kaden Johnson played well in his place!!
Not one ...
Never a doubt.
— Bob Bradovich (@BobBradovich) November 19, 2022
Looks good in hindsight
Been saying all year, Get the ball in Guerrendo’s hands!!! Look what happened!
— Richard Earlier (@EarlierRichard) November 19, 2022
Room for running backs
Isaac and Chez carried the load for a very obviously hurting Allen. Great grit shown by all of them.
— DesertEagle (@D3s3rtEagl3) November 19, 2022
Not a great team
They didn’t cover
— BrockinSB (@HiuraFan) November 19, 2022
Shadow of greatness
Coach Leonard stole one. Just like Barry did at times.
— Ilija Radjenovic (@IlijaQZ) November 19, 2022
Going bowling!
Count Chocula Bowl here we come!!! (that’s a thing right?) 🧛🏼♂️
— Russ Evansen (@waunaruss) November 19, 2022
Condiment bowling!
— Corey Otis (@CoreyWOtis) November 19, 2022
Where it always sleets
can't wait for the "welcome to shreveport pirelli tire bowl", but glad to get the win
— Slim Hickman (@SlimHickman) November 19, 2022
The future is now
Fought hard. All you can ask. Give Leonhard the job already. The short term future (and, by extension, long term future) of the program depends on it
— Jon Corbett (@Jon_Corbett) November 19, 2022
McIntosh at work
Gutty win but start the national search. AD needs to weigh alternatives: if Jim’s olan is better and he thinks he can execute it, fine. Otherwise, move on
— Fred Ehle (@FredEhle) November 19, 2022
Not bad for rock bottom?
Great win during a bad year. I hope this proves to be "rock bottom" and Leonhard has the offensive line and defense on the upswing by next year, but I know that's a tall task.
— JZilla (@zillmerjsh) November 19, 2022
The record is the record
Leonhard 4-2 and a few plays from 5-1. Mertz hung tough!
— Douglas Greenberg (@DougGreenB) November 19, 2022
A vote for Jimmy
Painful to watch but love the fight which wasn’t there early in the season. Chez looked good. A much-needed win - give Jimmy the job!
— Susan Balsai (@sesbadger) November 19, 2022
Better ahead
Despite the win, team languishing; barely defeated a bad team. UW better in most metrics yet never appeared dominant.Hope is that once OLine is consistent and healthy, they can blow out teams like this. 6-7 wins=mediocrity. We’ve become accustomed to better.
— Mark Schutta (@MarkSchutta) November 19, 2022
Onto the Axe
Happy for the team after a brutal week. Needed something to go their way. D was special again. Offense arose when needed.
— Chris Davis (@cdavis20000) November 19, 2022
Now let’s go get the Axe!
Extra practice!
A huge win. Bowl practices are really important, particularly with a transition to a new head coach.
— David Roelke (@droelke) November 19, 2022
Winning elsewhere?
Ugly win, BUT very important For the future of the program. Hope it can help stop the recruit bleeding and give them some confidence going into The Axe game.
— Eric M. Tostrud (@EricTostrud) November 19, 2022
Pride on the line?
Get the Axe back. Win the Quik Lane Car Care Bowl….
— Brian Suttie (@BigDaddySutt) November 19, 2022
And pretend this season never happened!!
The real 'football'
With the World Cup coming up, it’s appropriate to note that they call soccer the beautiful game. That does not apply here.
— Peter Healy (@PeterRHealy) November 19, 2022
Contact Jim Polzin at jpolzin@madison.com.
Did anybody explain why the booth didn’t buzz down for a targeting review in the Iowa game?
— BP (@NopeNotABurner) November 21, 2022
