Toon and Gilreath Practice

That's right...they're back. At least for one practice. For the first time in a couple weeks, both wide recievers Nick Toon, and David Gilreath practiced together.

Toon last played in the UNLV game before going down with turf toe. Resulting in Toon missing the last three games versus San Jose State, Arizona State, and Austin Peay.

Gilreath on the other hand was injured in the San Jose State game while recieving a punt. After Gilreath was knocked unconscious he was taken off the field in an ambulance.

After missing the last few games both players expec to play on Saturday against Michigan State. That could be bad news for red-shirt freshman Jared Abbredaris and senior Isaac Anderson, because of their cut in playing time, but one could only imagine that both of them will welcome Gilreath and Toon back.

After missing the depth at wide reciever for the last two weeks, the return of Toon and Gilreath should bring that depth back. Not to mention open things up even more for tight end Lance Kendricks.

Dantonio Will Coach Against Wisconsin

At his weekly press conference today, Mark Dantonio announced that he will be with his team this weekend, but not on the sidelines.

When the Spartans take on the Badgers Saturday in East Lansing Dantonion will be in the coaches box, and will coach his team from there. The decision comes just over a week after Dantonion suffered a "mild" heart attack, and underwent minor heart surgery.

Last weekend Dantonio was obviously on the Spartans mind, and on their helmets during their win over Northern Colorado. The Spartans sported a decal on the helmet of the letter "D" to represent their coach who was unable to coach because of the recent heart problems.

The return comes rather quickly for Dantonio, but he does have the support of his doctors. As Dantonio put it he will "ease back into this," and that starts this weekend against the Badgers.

Week 4 Poll: Not In, but Out

This week is a little odd to say the least. Not a lot of teams leaving the poll, but quite a bit of shaking up and one major departure from the top ten. Check out below to see who made it in, and who moved out.

Who's Down!

Texas

Not the greatest of weekends for the Longhorns and Mac Brown. Too say that they were manhandled by UCLA would be an understatement. In terms of a ground game the Bruins looked like they could do what they wanted...when they wanted too. There were some doubts about Texas coming into this season, but Garrett Gilbert got plenty of experience in last year's National Championship game. The running game hasn't come around as much as anyone in Texas would like, but the defense also looked terrible in this one. The Longhorns have a lot of work to do to get back in the top ten, but a win over Oklahoma next weekend would be a good start.

Who's Up!

Auburn

The Tigers looked impressive in their win over South Carolina last weekend, but unlike the Associated Press poll we do realize that they did it at home. Not to mention that it was also the Gamecocks' first road test of the season. While the win over South Carolina was impressive it wasn't a route, and South Carolina was in the game even towards the end. None the less, the Tigers once again put together a tough win, but not quite top ten material quite yet...but they are getting a lot closer.

Who's In!

Nevada

We pointed to their matchup against BYU last weekend as a key test for the Wolf Pack, and they passed with flying colors. Nevada has looked impressive so far this season, and wins over Cal and BYU are impressive wins no matter how you look at it. They were a tough pick over the teams that didn't make it, but a win on the road at BYU is a tough one to pick up.

Oh So Close!

Michigan

Once again for another week the Wolverines just miss the cut. In the battle between Nevada and Michigan we had to take Nevada because the wins just look better for the Wolf Pack. Cal appears to be a better home win than UConn, and BYU looks like a better road win than Notre Dame. While Denard Robinson is a great player, and may be the Heisman favorite right now, we don't base this on one player. The Wolverines are close, but sometimes it's hard to look past the 4-0 start, and 5-7 finish last year.

The Poll

1. Alabama

2. Ohio State

3. Boise State

4. Oregon

5. TCU

6. Nebraska

7. Oklahoma

8. Wisconsin

9. Arizona

10. Florida

11. Auburn

12. Miami (FL)

13. Utah

14. LSU

15. Stanford

16. Iowa

17. Arkansas

18. South Carolina

19. USC

20. Texas

21. Penn State

22. Florida State

23. Michigan State

24. Oklahoma State

25. Nevada

Lucky Number Thirteen for Bucky

The preseason hockey poll is out, and Wisconsin is once again in the top 25. Only this time at number thirteen.

The Badgers join five other WCHA teams in the top fifteen in the country, and will face Boston University who is immediately behind them in the rankings to open the season.

The slide to number thirteen is not much of a surprise after losing eleven players from last years team, and two assistant coaches. Wisconsin will replace ten of those eleven players with freshman this year making them one of the youngest teams in the country.

Rounding out the five other teams that made the top fifteen from the WCHA is No. 6 St. Cloud State, No. 9 Minnesota-Duluth, No. 11 Denver, and No. 15 Minnesota.

My Take: Why the hate...on the Big Ten?

If you watch college foorball enough you constantly hear the hating on the Big Ten. How the Big Ten is slow. How the Big Ten doesn't go out and play anybody. Or how about the myth that the Big Ten can't win big games.

Watching the Arizona State game on Saturday the commentator made a remark about how the Big Ten didn't play anybody out of conference this week. Kind of an odd comment being that Wisconsin just beat Arizona State the week before.

Sticking to being the great minds of football they obviously are...they neglected to mention that Arizona State played two FCS schools before the Wisconsin game. Oregon on the other hand played Portland State the week before playing the Sun Devils in Tempe...that's right another FCS school.

Today on the Scott Van Pelt Show, SVP and Ryan Rusillo mentioned that they can't take the Big Ten seriously because they have "beaten up on the MAC." Obviously SVP and Russilo must be forgetting the bowl teams that the Big Ten has played this year. So for a refresher course here is the list.

Illinois: Missouri, Northern Illinois
Michigan: Connecticut, Notre Dame
Michigan State: Notre Dame
Ohio State: Miami (FL), Ohio, Marshall
Penn State: Alabama, Temple
Minnesota: USC, Northern Illinois
Purdue: Notre Dame
Northwestern: Central Michigan
Iowa: Arizona, Iowa State

That appears like a list that many conferences would fail to fill themselves. Not only is it a list of bowl participants from last year, but many bowl game winners...including the defending national champions.

Wisconsin does not appear on the list because none of their opponents played in bowl games last year, but Arizona State last season lost four games last season by five points or less. Not too shabby when your schedule includes Georgia, Oregon, USC, and Cal all in the same season.

A key thing to remember when bashing on teams for the schedules they play is that these games are scheduled years in advance. Three years ago Arizona State went 10-3, and lost to Texas in the Holiday Bowl.

So, I guess the moral of the story is that you shouldn't judge a schedule by it's cover. And not to mention don't just look at this week...look at the whole season.

What Should Bucky Want Out of Austin Peay?

There have been a lot of problems with Wisconsin football already this season, but one of them is quite obvious...injuries.

The Badgers have already lost Chris Borland for the season, and Nick Toon as well as David Gilreath have missed significant time as of late. The last thing that Bucky needs coming out of the Austin Peay game is more injuries.

Yes, the Badgers do need to get some solid work in against the Governors; the last thing they need is more injuries to a team that is becoming less and less deep as the weeks go by. Without Borland the defense has lost a significant player, and the offense has looked sluggish without Gilreath and Toon.

While you don't necessarily want Toon and Gilreath to play against an FCS school that Wisconsin should roll over, you don't want anyone else to be injured either.

If the Badgers come in and dominate the Governors like they should; the back-ups should be in by the third quarter. The injuries to Toon and Gilreath have given a load of playing time to wide recivers that are lower on the depth chart, but injuries to the recievers filling the void would also eliminate the depth Wisconsin would have when Toon and Gilreath come back.

Bucky needs to get in and get out against Austin Peay, and keep players like John Clay, Scott Tolzein, and Lance Kendricks on the sidelines in the second half. To be honest it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep Mike Taylor, J.J. Watt, and Jay Valai on the bench either.

The Badgers do need to work on a lot of small things in this game, but one thing they do need to work on is staying healthy. Especially with Michigan State and a trip to East Lansing just a week away.

Games of the Week: Let's Go Pigs

It may not be as good as two weeks ago, but in terms of the national landscape this Saturday will feature a better group of games. While the Big Ten is by no means being challenged this week as a whole, the other conferences are playing some very interesting games. Let's take a look at some of the best.

Best Top Ten Battle

Alabama @ Arkansas

While College Gameday may be in Boise the best game this week is once again in the SEC. So far this season the defending National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide have looked untouchable, but this week will be their first real test of the season. The other three games do not compare to traveling on the road in the SEC and playing a solid passing offense that will challenge the Rolling Tide defense. Alabama is replacing nine starters on defense from a year ago, and the Arkansas offense has looked impressive so far this season. Don't be too shocked to see the Razorbacks break the Tide.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

Alabama should win this one, but it will be close. The Tide defense should be strong enough to limit the Razorback offense, and with Mark Ingrham healthy expect the Tide to run the ball all day. We're not saying that the Razrobacks aren'ta good team yet...just not good enough to beat Alabama.

Best of the West

Oregon @ Arizona State

Bucky got their taste of the Sun Devils last weekend, and this weekend Arizona State will look to burn some duck. Oregon comes into this game looking like the best offense in the country, but Arizona State's defense looked impressive in Madison last weekend. If the Sun Devils hope to compete in this one it will be the defense that keeps them in it. And don't underestimate the power of home field advantage, but Oregon has already been tested on the road this season at Tennessee.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

While the Arizona State defense did look impressive last weekend, the Oregon offense is a completely different machine than the Badgers. Oregon is averaging over a point a minute this season, and it's unlikely that the Sun Devils will be able to stop the Ducks. While Arizona State will keep this game a little closer than some people think it might, the Ducks should be able to walk out of Tempe with a victory. Sorry Sparky.

Put Up or Shut Up!

South Carolina @ Auburn

This game is a good one for either of these teams to show exactly what they're made of. While both of these teams are 3-0, they both need this win to establish themselves as a legitimate threat in the SEC. South Carolina has looked impressive so far this season, but they have not needed to show it on the road yet. Auburn has traveled to Mississippi State this year, but the Tigers have not looked impressive in either wins over Clemson and Mississipi State.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

While Auburn's season may not have started the way most Tiger fans would want it. By that we mean they haven't destroyed every opponent by thirty, but Auburn is still undefeated. The Tigers are a very talented football team, and Jordan-Hare Stadium is one of the hardest places to play in as the road team in the country. The fan should make a huge difference, and challenge the Gamecocks, and help lead to a Auburn victory. Lesson for the wise, when you have two teams that are very similar...take the home team.

Best Big Ten (Upset Alert?)

Northern Illinois @ Minnesota

We have to ask whether or not this would be an upset. Minnesota has already lost to FCS South Dakota this year at TCF Bank Park, and Northern Illinois is not the Bison nor are they an FCS school. While the Gopher did hang with USC last week at home, they did give up over 400 yards of total offense, and 216 of that was on the ground. The Huskies on the other hand do feature a solid running game with runningback Chad Spann, and quarterback Chandler Harnish, but the Huskies too lack on the defensive side of the ball. Both teams have plenty to improve on, and whoever corrects their mistakes will be the one who walks away with this one.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

Unfortunately for the Gophers it's them that will need to fix the most mistakes. The defense has not been good at all up to this point in the season, and the Huskie offense should have no problem getting points on the board against them. On the offensive side of the ball the Gophers have already committed one mistake this week...well one Gopher did. Top returning reciver from last season Troy Stoudermire will miss the game after being suspended this week. On an offense already looking for an identity...losing a key player is not a good way to find that identity. Huskies win a close one late....

Video of the Week: Take that Brutus!

We here at Boynton's Badgers by no means condone violence. Especially violence against parishable food products, but we'll make an exception in this case. At the beginning of the Ohio State versus Ohio football game the Ohio University mascot, Rufus, went after Ohio State's Brutus when the Buckeyes came out of the tunnel.

Needless to say that there was some hilarious moments in the quick confrontation, and without surprise security ran the Bobcat off. Maybe at the Wisconsin game Bucky can finish what Rufus started.

So for this week's "Video of the Week" I give you.: Take that Brutus!

Week 3 Poll: Special Teams Shake Up

This weekend's games showed everybody why special teams truly matters. Teams that were able to make plays on special teams survived. Teams that were unable too...suffered. The major changes in this week's polls are from teams that made big plays on special teams, or failed to make any.

Who's Down!

Iowa

The Hawkeyes are one of those teams that failed to make plays on special teams last week. A blocked punt that resulted in a touchdown. Then giving up another touchdown on a kick-off return. Without those plays Iowa may still be in the top ten, and be feeling a lot better from their trip to Arizona after what would have most likely been a win, but that is not what happened. The Hawkeyes drop this week because they couldn't make the big plays on special teams.

Who's Up!

Arkansas

The Razorbacks make their debut in the top ten this week after a solid win at Georgia. While the Bulldogs are not as solid as they have been in the past, anytime you win on the road between the hedges is a great road win. While it was not that impressive in the final score, the Razorbacks owned that game. Although they are in the top ten this week they will need to win a big one this weekend to remain in the top ten. Bring on Alabama!

Who's In!

Michigan State

While we haven't put in the Wolverines quite yet we are putting the Spartans in the top 25 this week. The exciting overtime victory over Notre Dame puts them over the top, and once again shows how teams that made big plays on special teams are moving up this week. The Spartans once again looked like a solid all-around offensive football team, and were able to hang with what is starting to look like a strong passing offense in Notre Dame. For our Michigan fans that want to know why the Wolverines were once again left out....keep reading.

On the Bubble!

Michigan

The Wolverins could have made it this week, but once again we will remind everybody that we look at how you played, and who you played. A narrow win over FCS Massachusetts is not enough to push the Wolverines into the top 25 this week. All the win over UMass showed the world is that the Wolverine defense still needs a lot of work after giving up 37 points in the Big House. Better luck next week.

Nevada

The Wolf Pack are right on the edge of the top 25 after their victory over Cal last week. Nevada looked solid again but just like Michigan it is hard to reward teams that don't have solid victories. The key word is victories...that's a plural. So far this season Nevada has beaten Eastern Washington (FCS), Colorado State, and Cal. While Colorado State in the past may have been a solid victory...it is not this season. But don't worry quite yet Nevada fans...a win at BYU this weekend will definitely push the Pack into the top 25.

The Poll

1. Alabama

2. Ohio State

3. Boise State

4. Oregon

5. TCU

6. Texas

7. Nebraska

8. Arkansas

9. Oklahoma

10. Wisconsin

11. Florida

12. Arizona

13. South Carolina

14. Miami (FL)

15. Utah

16. Iowa

17. Auburn

18. LSU

19. USC

20. Stanford

21. Penn State

22. Florida State

23. West Virginia

24. Michigan State

25. Oklahoma State

"Little Giants" Takes Down More than the Irish

We've all seen it. We were shocked by it. And we're not talking about the movie. We are talking about the call of the year by Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio, but that call did more than just take down Notre Dame...it took him down too.

The emotions were running high in East Lansing after the surprise call for a fake field goal in overtime trailing by just three points. It was one of those calls that if it works you're a hero; if it fails you're the goat.

A day later that euphoric feeling was replaced by one of the not so pleasant kind. On Sunday morning Dantonio was taken to the hospital with symptoms of heart attack. After putting in a stint into Dantonio's chest to get blood flowing into his heart again properly, a potential tragedy was avoided.

The Michigan State coach is expected to make a full recovery and could be released from the hospital this week, but his return to the sidelines is still up in the air. It's not a question of if Dantonio will be back...it's a question of when.

While every Badger fan would like him to take some time off and get better, especially after seeing "little giants", we all wish him and his family the best, and hopefully we'll see more great plays in the future. Just after the Wisconsin game...

A Defensive Nightmare

In the first quarter it looked like it was bad. Now we know it is even worse. Sophomore linebacker Chris Boreland is officially out for the season.

As many people noticed in the first game, it was Boreland that made the Wisconsin defense work. While Borland was in the game the Badger defense was able to create penetration, and stop UNLV in the backfield.

In the second half Boreland left the game with numbness in his shoulder. The next week Borland was again on the sidelines for the San Jose State game. Then this past weekend Borland started against Arizona State, but rather short lived after Borland left the game early in the first quarter.

Now it appears that will be the last we see of Chris Borland in 2010. Tuesday it was announced that Borland will miss the remainder of the season, and apply for a medical red shirt once the season is over.

Regardless of the red shirt, Borland's injury hampers the Badger defense significantly. Last season Borland racked up five sacks and ten tackles for loss while only starting six games of the thirteen games he played in.

Borland was the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year in 2010 on the defensive side of the ball, and will undoubtedly be a missed on the field this season.

My Take: Punish Pete...Not Just Bush

Much of the talk this week in college athletics has not been about a team, or even a player that is still in college footba. The talk has been all about Reggie Bush returning his Heisman Trophy because of violations he made during his time at USC for taking money.

But is Bush the only one that should be paying the piper personally. USC is already paying with the sanctions that have been put on the football program. The university also fired their Athletic Director Mike Garrett after the sanctions were put in place. But there seems to be one person missing from all of this...Pete Carroll.

All of these violations took place under the watchful eye of the former head coach. Then when it looked like the NCAA was about to come down with sanctions against the program...Carroll bolted for the NFL.

It seems quite odd that a man that had offers from NFL teams time and time again all of the sudden decides that now is the time to leave town. Right before the sanctions hit. Taking his millions he made while at USC, and making millions more in Seattle.

While Bush should not have been taking money, doesn't the head coach deserve part of the blame? Shouldn't Carroll have known what his star player, and future Heisman winner was doing? The answer is of course yes.

It is by no means fair that now Reggie Bush can never return to USC. He can never look at his Heisman trophy again. Meanwhile, Pete Carroll who did get paid millions by USC took his money and ran, and now is making even more money.

The only true punishment for Carroll would be to forfeit his sallery from the years that Reggie Bush was at USC. I mean Bush gave up his Heisman Trophy, and dignity. USC gave up millions of dollars, a National Championship, and countless wins. So why doesn't Carroll have to return the money he made while obviously not doing his job? That's a question that will probably never be answered, but it isn't like Pete is going to miss the money anytime soon...he can just take it out of the 33 million he's making from the Seahawks.

Week 3: Games of the Week

Last weekend was packed with games that to the untrained eye appeared to be solid, but that didn't turn out to be the case. Penn State and Alabama turned into a route. Ohio State and Miami was a closer game but it never looked like the Buckeyes lost control.

The only major upset from the week was Virginia Tech losing to James Madison at home. Georgia Tech losing to Kansas was a minor surprise but not that much in the grand scheme of things.

This week should be just as good if not better in terms of entertaining football.

Best Top 25 Battle!

Iowa @ Arizona

Talk about a game that has the best of both worlds. Arizona has be dominating on offense this season. While it may have been against inferior competition, the Wildcats have been impressive to say the least. The Hawkeyes on the other had have looked solid on all sides of the football, but it's the defense that will be put to the test.

This should be an exciting game because of the contrasting styles of both teams. The power running game against the spread. A stout run defense versus a solid defensive secondary. Both teams play a completely different styles of football, and whoever plays their style the best wins this one.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

You've heard that defense wins championships. Well in this one defense wins football games. The front seven of Iowa should get pressure on Nick Folls and force him to make quick decisions. When those decisions aren't the right ones the Hawkeyes will either take over the field position game or create turnovers. Once that happens Ricky Stanzi and the Iowa offense will take advantage.

Best Rivalry Game!

Florida @ Tennessee

Another game of teams in two totally different situations and whoever can correct their mistakes the best will win this one. Florida has started out slow in each of their first two games this season, but this isn't Miami (OH) or South Florida, this is Tennessee. Not only does Florida have to get of the gate faster; they have to do it on the road in Knoxville.

The Volunteers on the other hand need to finish what they've started. Last week it looked like Tennessee was on the verge of upsetting Oregon in Knoxville after jumping out to a 13-3 lead in the second quarter. The Ducks then ran off 45 unanswered points, and the Vols went from upset to embarrassment.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction

While the Florida defense have kept the Gators in games early so far this season; they have yet to try to do that on the road. Knoxville is not exactly the best place to make peace with your sins. If the Gators' offense comes out flat like they have in the first two games...it will be a long trip back to Gainseville. Unfortunately the Vols have already learned from their sins. Tennesse should come out with the attitude needed to finish the game off and start of fast. Not to mention playing in front of 100,000 of your own fans against a rival will help Tennessee.

Upset Special!

Nebraska @ Washington

Another game with a stout defense against a solid offense. This is an outside pick for the upset of the week, but Washington does have perhaps the best quarterback in the country. Jake Locker has already put up 555 yards this season with five touchdowns; all while not throwing a single interception in the first two weeks.

The Cornhuskers on the other hand feature one of the best defenses in the country, but the offense leaves much to be desired in reality. So far this season the offense has been very impressive for Nebraska, but that comes against Western Kentucky, and Idaho. The defense will be the major play maker for Nebraska in this game, but the offense will need to be able to make plays late.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction

It's a rather bold pick, but we are going with the upset for this one. The Cornhuskers defense is solid, but if Locker can comes up with a big drive to start the game, that could give the Huskies the confidence they need. While Washington struggled against a strong defense in the season opening loss to BYU, they did have to do it at home. Now it's Nebraska's turn to go on the road for the first time this season, and it should be intresting to see how their freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez responds in a hostile environment. And if you don't think Washington can pull an upset at home...just ask USC about their trip to the "Apple State" last season.

Week 2 Poll: Should Michigan Make It?

There has been a lot made of Michigan's start to the season this year. Oddly enough this season is the same as last season. The Wolverines started off the season 4-0 last year, and it looks like that could be a possibility again. But Michigan finished the season 5-7, and missed a bowl game for the second consecuative season.

It's not that we think that Michigan is not a quality team....it's that we've seen this movie before, and we know how it ends. Until Michigan plays a team that has the potential of being a solid top 25 team, the Wolverines could remain outside of the rankings...at least in this poll.

In the Top Ten

Oklahoma

Unlike the major polls we didn't put the Sooners in the Top 10 in our first poll. The reason why...a top ten team doesn't win by seven at home against Utah State. In week two the Sooners looked like a top ten team. The way that the Sooners crushed Florida State pushed them right back into the top ten. If the Sooners can keep playing like they did against the Seminoles, don't be too surprised to hear about them creeping into the BCS picture.

Who's Up!

South Carolina

While the jury was out on Georgia, anytime that you pull off a victory in Athens it has to be worth something. The Gamecocks have looked solid so far this season. In the opening game they crushed Southern Mississippi, and last weekend they were able to travel to Georgia, and walk away with the victory. The next three weeks are key for South Carolina. While this week's game against Furman is by no means a tough one, they do have two solid challenges in the weeks to follow. A game on the road at Auburn, and a home matchup with Alabama will show everybody how good South Carolina really is.

Who's Down!

Virginia Tech

This season is by no means going the way any Hokie fan would want it too. A heartbreaking loss to Boise State in the season opener may have hurt, but compared to week two it had to feel like a mosquito bite. Losing to James Madison is not just a huge loss, it borders on the Michigan-Appalachian State level. With just minutes to play against Boise State the Hokies went from National Championship aspirations to an ACC Championshp prayer. While Virginia Tech may have plenty of time to move themselves into a BCS game, they have knocked themselves out of the poll.

Georgia Tech

If it wasn't for Virginia Tech's loss to James Madison, Georgia Tech may have been the big upset of the weekend. A week after Kansas was held to just three points against North Dakota State, the Jayhawks stunned the Yellow Jackets in Lawrence. Not that we're doing the "that means North Dakota State could beat Georgia Tech" thing, but we are saying that a team that loses to a FCS school the week before should not beat a team in the top 25 the next week. Especially a team that wasn't highly ranked to begin with.

Who's In!

Stanford

No one was surprised that Stanford rolled over Sacramento State in week one, but everybody thought it would be a closer game in week two against UCLA. But the Cardinal demolished the Bruins, and looked like a complete team. Unlike Michigan, who is sitting just outside the top 25, Stanford looks a complete team that can play defense, has a solid passing game, and an impressive rushing attack. The Cardinal look like a contender in the PAC 10, and should join the long list of challengers for Oregon to contend with.

P.S. Michigan fans, we are giving Stanford extra credit for making it to a bowl game last year and contending with a current top ten team (Oklahoma) in that bowl game.

The Poll

1. Alabama

2. Ohio State

3. Boise State

4. Oregon

5. Texas

6. TCU

7. Iowa

8. Nebraska

9. Oklahoma

10. Wisconsin

11. Arkansas

12. Florida

13. Miami (FL)

14. Utah

15. USC

16. South Carolina

17. Auburn

18. LSU

19. Arizona

20. Stanford

21. Penn State

22. Houston

23. Cal

24. Florida State

25. West Virginia

More Sour Apples for Appleton (Not the city)

If you just read Kraig Appleton's facebook page you'd think he's back on his way to Madison, but Bret Bielema isn't clicking the like option anytime soon.

Appleton who dropped out of Wisconsin this past summer, and was suspended indefinitely by head coach Bret Bielema, is trying to get back with the Badgers. Recently Appleton contacted Bielema about the possibility of returning.

An unlikely possibility because of Appleton's academic status with the university. Because of poor grades Appleton would need to go to a junior college, and then once his grades improve try to get back into the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

While Bielema said that the chances of Appleton returning are bleak, the Wisconsin head coach did say that he will try to help Appleton get into a good junior college. Bielema also did not say that there is no chance that Appleton will not be returning to the program, but there are a lot of steps left in the process for the once highly recruited wide reciever's chances to return to Madison to become a reality.

Our First Poll...

Welcome to the first Boynton's Badgers Poll of the season. To many people's suprise Wisconsin will not be number one in this poll, and there are some disagreements with the major polls. In our poll we don't just look at the final score. We don't just look at the star players. The Boynton's Badgers poll looks at how teams are playing, and how they won...rather than the fact that they did win.

Who's Up!

Oregon

Yeah it may have been against a lesser opponent, but the Ducks rolled over the Lobos in their season opener. While the first string was definitely impressive in week one, it was the second stringers that showed the depth of this team. Expect great things from the Ducks out of the PAC 10 this season.

Utah

Unlike some teams the Utes went out and played someone in their first game of the season. While it may have required overtime to defeat Pittsburgh, the Utes looked impressive throughout the game, and were able to upset a team that is most likely going to win the Big East this season. Don't be too surprised if Utah gives TCU and BYU a run for their money in the Mountain West this season.

Who's Down!

Florida

Like we said earlier in this poll, we will look at how teams win; not just that they win. The Florida offense looked horrible in their season opener against Miami (OH). Last season the Redhawks from Miami (OH) only won one game...the Gators won all but one. These should have been two teams that are heading in two seperate directions. The fact that Miami (OH) hung in with the Gators in the swamp is surprising, and without some big plays from Florida's defense, the Gators may have been upset at home. Flordia by no means looked like a top 10 team, never the less at team in the top 15.

Who's In!

Arizona

The Wildcats, like the Oregon Ducks, owned their opponents in their opening game. Arizona quarterback Nick Foles looked like one of the best quarbacks in the country throwing for 360 yards against Toledo in the season opener. The Wildcats as a team looked like the PAC 10 challenger that could give the Ducks a run for their money for the conference title this season. Can you grow roses in the desert?

The Poll

1. Alabama

2. Ohio State

3. Boise State

4. Oregon

5. Texas

6. TCU

7. Nebraska

8. Iowa

9. Miami (FL)

10. Wisconsin

11. Oklahoma

12. Virginia Tech

13. Gerogia Tech

14. Arkansas

15. Florida

16. Florida State

17. Penn State

18. Utah

19. USC

20. Auburn

21. LSU

22. South Carolina

23. Arizona

24. BYU

25. West Virginia

As Borland Goes...So Go the Badgers

One of the biggest questions coming into this season was how the defense would play with a relatively inexperienced defensive line. Or a new combination at safety. Or how the linebacking corp would come together. If we learned anything in the UNLV game it is that how the defense preforms is all keyed off of Chris Borland.

Throughout most of the game the Badger defense was amazing. Only allowing the UNLV offense to rack up 12 yards of total offense in the first half. Not to mention that other than one play, the UNLV offense was completely on it's heals. While the entire defense looked good, there was one player that always seemed to be near the football...Chris Borland.

In the second half Borland left the game with a shoulder problem. The last thing that the Wisconsin defense needs is another hole at linebacker with Mike Taylor still recovering from knee surgery.

Late in the second half the Badger defense gave up one drive to the Running Rebels that resulted in a touchdown, but other than that it was an impressive performance. But there was that one thing that was missing. That one thing was Chris Borland.

Since last season it has been Borland that has been the spark plug of the defense, and it showed again in the season opener. While Borland was in the game on Saturday he recorded five tackles, three of them solo, and a sack. Not a bad game by any stretch of the imagination, but that is not all that Borland does for the defense.

Borland is in on every play. Whether or not he makes the tackle, Borland is involved and near the football. By changing the play, and providing the spark for the defense, Borland is perhaps the most important player on the defense right now. While it is not known how the injured shouler will respond, and what his playing status is for the next game, there is one thing for sure...Chris Borland will find a way on the field. Even if that means place kicking.

The Badger Breakdown

Now that we've broken down the competition for this season, it only makes sense to take a look in the mirror. The Badgers are being praised all over the media as a team on the rise, but a team with many upsides while having a small amount of questions. Let's take a look at the Badgers football team we'll see this year; warts and all.

Offense

It seems odd to think that the offense will be the upside of the Badgers compared to recent teams. In the years past it has been the defense that has carried Wisconsin for the most part, but this year the offense will need to carry the load.

Running Backs

The running game should be the best part of the Wisconsin offense this season, and the success of the Badgers rides on the back of Clay, Ball, and freshman James White.

Depth is by far an advantage when it comes to the Wisconsin rushing attack. Not many teams in the country can say that they can go three deep in the runningback position, but the Badgers can. John Clay could be a dark-horse to win the Heisman Tropy. Montee Ball is skilled enough at the position to be a starter pretty much anywhere in the country, and James White is a freshman with plenty of upside.

Bret Bielema will no doubt use all three from time to time this season, but John Clay will be the feature back. Last season Clay ran for over 1,500 yards, and Ball rushed for a not too shabby 391 with minimal carries.

The word on the street is stop them, and you'll have a chance beating the Badgers. If the Badgers have a strong season...it will be dependant on the success of the running game.

Offensive Line

They've been called "the largest offensive line in captivity," and if the Badger offense will have any success at all this season it will depend on the "big eaters."

The Badgers return all five of the starters from last season, and that means good things for the Badgers this season. But it is injuries that will determine the success of the offensive line. In years past injuries on the offensive line limited the Badgers offense, and as long as this group stays healthy expecting great things out of the offense is not out of the question.

A key member of the offensive line that needs to have a great season this year is Gabe Carimi. The starting left tackle is without a doubt the leader of the offensive line, and if the big guy can take care of business expect the others to follow suit. As a group they all work together, and Carimi is by far the best of them all. If the offensive line stays together, and works together the offense should be able to flouris. Especially the runningbacks and Scott Tolzien.

Quarterbacks

In the spring the Badgers lost Curt Phillips most likely for the season. The good news is that Phillips is not the starter. Which is something that a lot of people thought would happen coming into last season.

Scott Tolzien stepped into the role last season from day one, and has never looked back; throwing for over 2,700 yards last year. There were a lot of questions about Tolzien heading into last years opener, but this year there is no question he is the guy, and the offense will cue off of him. Including how the wide recievers and tight ends work out this year.

Wide Recievers and Tight Ends

It's been a while since the Badgers featured a wide reciever corp that was this deep. You almost have to go back to the days of Williams, Orr, and Evans to find a better group of recievers. A group that Nick Toon, David Gilreath, Isaac Anderson, and Lance Kendricks would like to replace.

The beauty of the wide recieving corp is their depth. The added dimension of the passing game will open up the offense for the running backs, and vice versa for the recievers. While Toon is perhaps the best of the recievers, he does have plent of company. Gilreath is poised to have a great season, and Isaac Anderson should return to the form he showed early last season.

But the depth goes beyond those three. Lance Kendricks is charged with the task of replacing Garrett Graham this season, but if the Champs Sports Bowl was any indication of the future, that is a task that Kendricks should succeed at. Joining Kendricks in the added depth is veteran Kyler Jefferson, and freshman Jared Abbrederis. Those two add taht extra level of comfort at the wide reciever position meaning that the Badgers may be more than three yards and a cloud of dust this season.

Defense

The question marks are on defense this year. The Badgers need to replace some valuable players from last season. But the veterans that remain will make it a good year for the defense...especially in the front seven.

Defensive Line

J.J. Watt is without a doubt the best of the defensive lineman, but this season he will not have O'Brien Schofield. The youth on the defensive line is a serious concern coming into this season, but having a player like Watt will help pick up the slack.

One of the players that will need to step up this year is Jordan Kohout. The freshman will get the nod at defensive tackle this year, and will need to anticipate that he will see a lot of the running game coming his way. But he does have Watt right next to him to make that adjustment easier.

The other lineman, Patrick Butrym and Louis Nzegwu, will need to play like the upper-classmen they now are. Just like last season when J.J. Watt stepped up his game because he played opposite of Schofield, the other three lineman will need to step up their game as well. As long as the defensive linemen follow Watt they will be a solid unit, and the Badgers will once again be one of the best at stopping the run in the Big Ten.

Linebackers

Helping out the defensive line is an up and coming group of linebackers. While Mike Taylor may be out temporarily, he will make his return and pair with Chris Borland for a solid tandem at the linebacker position.

The other linebacker is kind of a hit and miss. Culmer St. Jean is listed as the other starter, but fellow senior Blake Sorensen could take away some playing time from St. Jean. Just like the defenseive line, both St. Jean and Sorensen need to play like the upper classmen that they are. Replacing Jaevery McFadden will be no easy task but St. Jean and Sorensen have the talent to be compliments to Taylor and Borland.

Defensive Secondary

Perhaps the group that needed the most improvement of the three coming into this season. Too many times in the past has teams that have a big passing game have had their way with the Badgers. If Wisconsin has a good season on defense it will be the secondary that leads.

The Badgers feature a veteran group that knows their way around the Big Ten. In fact the only major change to the secondary is moving Aaron Henry to safety, but it isn't the safeties that need to step up this season. The corners have been at times the downside of the defense.

When Niles Brinkley and Antonio Fenelus have solid games the Badgers have success. In the Champs Sports Bowl last season both had solid games taking away the passing game from a team that throws it around as good as anyone in the country. If the corners play like they can this season the Badgers should limit the opposing offense significantly.

Special Teams

Kickers and Punters

Definitely a none concern coming into this season. The beauty of the kicking game for Wisconsin is that it is remarkably consistant. Both Philip Welch, and Brad Nortman have been solid during their tenure at Wisconsin, and this year they should improve even more.

The only complaint goies to Welch. While he has a very strong leg, his accuracy has suffered in his time in Madison. If Welch is able to find his accuracy he could be one of the best kickers in the country this season. Last season his accuracy improved over his freshman season, and it is possible that it could improve even more this year.

Kick Returners

In a surprise move David Gilreath won't be returning kicks this season. While he may in the season opener, the new man returning kicks for the Badgers will be freshman running back James White.

All the reports on White is that this kid can run. The hope is that he will add a new dimension to the return game for the Badgers and hopefully switch the field position. While the return game has not been a huge positive for the Badgers since Nick Davis left town, perhaps White can return Wisconsin football back to the days of Davis. Expect big things from this kid this season...both in the offensive backfield and on special teams.

Not Getting Lost This Year

This year's Northwestern game takes on a special meaning for me. Last season my girlfriend and I decided to make the trip to Evanston to see Bucky knock off the cats. Then we got lost.

After hours of driving around Chicago, and after a lot of bad directions fron gas stations, we arrived at Ryan Stadium only to see Wisconsin go down to the Wildcats. That will not happen this year.

Northwestern has a major hole to fill, and it is the same hole that a lot of our opponents this year seem to be filling: the quarterback. Mike Kafka has now departed from Northwestern meaning their once potent passing attack will now need to be more balanced. Rather than sling the ball all over the field the Wildcats will need to do more damage on the ground.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats that is one position they have not been solid at since Darnell Autry left Evanston. Last season Northwestern's top rusher only racked up a little over 300 yards, and the second leading rusher was actually Mike Kafka. So if Northwestern wants to be more balanced this season they will need to step it up on the ground, and find a quarterback that can fill the shoes of Kafka and his 3,400 yards from last season.

On the other hand the Northwestern defense should be stron again this season. Pat Fitzgerald is an excellent defensive coach, and the Wildcats return plenty of starters on the defensive side of the football. But this is still a defense that gave up 31 points to Wisconsin last year in Evanston.

The formula for success for the Wildcats in the past has been purely out-scoring their opponents. That cannot be the case this season. Northwestern's offense should be significantly worse, and it will be the defense that needs to be the dominant force on the field for the Wildcats.

That will not be the case for the Wildcats when they travel to Camp Randall for the final regular season game of the year. The Wisconsin defense is perhaps at the same quality as Northwestern's, but the major difference is on the offensive side of the football. The Northwestern defense will need to hold down the Badger offense to have a chance against Wisconsin, but that will not happen.

While this will not be a route, and should be a relatively close game, the inabilities of the Northwestern defense will seal the deal. Expect to see the Badgers run the whole offense on the Wildcats, and the Wisconsin defense to stymie the Northwestern offense. Giving me the revenge for last season's loss in Evanston, and a lot of wasted gas in Chicago. (P.S. I now own a GPS.)

Boynton's Badgers Prediction: Badgers 20 Wildcats 10

Hail to the Badgers...

They are the winningest program in college football. They were a Big Ten contender year in and year out. They still are Michigan, but not your grandfather's Michigan.

To say that Rich Rodriguez is in the hot seat would be in the hot seat would be an understatement. The only "person" on a hotter seat than Rodriguez is Satan himself. Since Rodriguez left West Virginia following the 2007 season, Michigan has went a whopping 8-16, and has suffered two consecuative losing seasons. In the history of Michigan football, which started in 1879, the Wolverines have never had three consecutive losing seasons.

The heat is definitely on in Michigan, but it should be cooling off in November. Not because they'll be winning...because this team will be so deep in the cellar they can't get out. The final two games for the Wolverines are by no means easy, facing Wisconsin and Ohio State, and the players should be completely checked out by then.

The Wolverines have a lot of question marks coming into this season. One of the big ones being who will be the starting quarterback. One would assume that Tate Forcier will be the starter at the season opener, but this team has so much going on it is no guarantee that Forcier will still be under center by the Wisconsin game.

Defensively Michigan needs a lot of work as well. Last season the Wolverines gave up almost 400 yards a game, and over 170 on the ground per game. Those two statistics should have the Badger runningbacks licking their chops heading into Ann Arbor.

In response to the struggles aginst the run the Wolverines are swtichign to a 3-3-5 defense coming into this season. A defense that puts and emphasis on speed in the secondary, and should create a better pass rush will do nothing against the Wisconsin offense. While the new defensive scheme will put more players in the secondary, it should also put more runningbacks in the secondary. A place that John Clay and Montee Ball would love to spend the afternoon.

It is no secret that the "Big House" has been a house of horros for the Badgers in recent years. Just remember Rodriguez's first encounter with the Badgers when the Wolverines mounted a big second half comeback to beat Bucky. But this is a different team now, and a different defense. That year it was the defense that made the difference in the game for the Wolverines, and it should be the same this year. Just not in Michigan's favor.

Wisconsin will run all over the Wolverines with Clay and Ball, and then make big plays in the passing game with Nick Toon and Lance Kendricks. The Michigan offense at times can be powerful but may be a few years away from being complete. At this point in the season, Wisconsin should be playing solid defense, and the Badgers should tear apart the Wolverine offense.

All in all, this is an improving team in Ann Arbor this season. While it may not show in the record, Michigan will be improving, but it may not be enough to save Rodriguez's job. And a loss to Wisconsin will not help. Good luck against Brutus in Columbus the following week...that will be Rodriguez's last chance to get off the hot seat before he gets burned.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction: Badgers 35 Wolverines 13

Video of the Week: That's No Linebacker...That's a Chevy

It's a common phrase that is used in football. "It's like being hit by a truck." Well now there is one Iowa football player that literally knows what it is like to be hit by a truck.

Thursday, Hawkeye senior offensive lineman Josh Koeppel was hit by a pick up truck while cruising on his mopped. When Koeppel was going through an intersection he was hit, and then went flying through the air.

Amazingly, after striking the ground Koeppel stands up. That's right he stood up. Koeppel was later taken to the hospital where he was released with only some scrapes and bruises. When it comes to playing...he won't be out long. Koeppel is expected to miss the season opener, but he will be back for week number two.

Koeppel had been a tough battle with Kirk Ferentz's son James for the starting spot, but will be second on the depth chart to start the season. Once you watch the video...you'll know who should have won that starting job.

For this week's "Video fo the Week" I give you: That's No Linebacker...That's a Chevy

Just Go One and Oh!

A good question about the Indiana Hoosiers is what a Hoosier? The answer is a native of Indiana. A better question about the Indiana Hoosiers is how good can this team be? The anwer is of course...not very good at all.

The Hoosiers should come in with a respectable record for Indiana football, but by no means a good record compared to the Badgers. Indiana comes into this season with a lot of question marks, and a big one is the defense.

Coming into the season Indiana will be replacing seven key players from their defense from a year ago. That could be good, but that could be bad if your a Hoosier fan. Las season the Hoosier defense wasn't winning any awards for the defensive abilities. In their meeting with the Badgers in Bloomington the Hoosier defense allowed Wisconsin to gain almost 300 yards on the ground. John Clay put up 134 yards with only 15 carries. For those of you keeping track at home that's a whopping 8.9 yards per carry.

This year it will be the Hoosier defense that needs to improve. A realistic possibility with seven new starters on the defensive side of the football. If Indiana is unable to improve from their numbers from last season they should be expecting a tough day at Camp Randall. On the other hand if the defense vastly improves their offense is potent enough to compete with anybody.

In Bloomington last season the offense was the bright spot for the Hoosiers. The passing offense was particulary bright with quarterback Ben Chappel throwing for over 300 yards, and three of Indiana's 4 touchdowns. The rushing game was another story for Indiana a year ago. The Hoosiers were only able to rack up 63 yards on the ground and their top rusher Bryan Payton only ran for 48 yards. (That's a third of his total last season which was just over 150.)

Unlike the defense, the Hoosier offense returns plenty of fire-power. Quarterback Ben Chappel is back, and joining will be their top three in terms of recieving from last season. While the ground game was by no means powerful for Indiana last year they do return their top rusher Darius Willis. And all of this with only losing one member of the offensive line.

So if Wisconsin keeps Indiana out of the endzone this will be a very easy game. Just as we've stated for the whole season, as long as Wisconsin plays defense, and pounds the football on the ground it should be "easy like Sunday morning."

While the Hoosier offense will put up solid numbers again this year the Badger offense will be the major difference in this game. The defense, or lack there of, will be the weakness Wisconsin exploits in this game. Expect both Montee Ball and John Clay to have solid games on the ground in this one, and Wisconsin will own the time of possession. That keeps the Hoosiers weapons on the sidelines, and puts one more in the win column.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction: Badgers 24 Hoosiers 10

My Take: Does Jim Delany Own a Globe?

The title pretty much just says it all, but I guess a map of the United States would have worked just as well. To be completely honest the new divisional allignment doesn't make much sense.

In our original reporting we said that the new divisions would have some geographic relationships, but apparently that didn't factor into the decision. If you look at the new divisions Wisconsin will now have to spend almost their whole season away from all but one state that shares a boarder with Wisconsin. No more Minnesota. No more Iowa. No more Northwestern. And we'll even count Michigan and Michigan state because of the upper peninsula.

Instead Wisconsin will get Illinois as the closest division rival in relations to Madison. The Minnesota rivalry may be still garunteed, but the rivalry with Iowa has been ripped apart completely. The Badgers who have a trophy game with the Hawkeyes, will not have another opportunity to play Iowa for the Heartland Trophy until 2012 after this season.

Now Wisconsin will have to play Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, and Illinois every year. While no one is complaining that the Badgers are guaranteed to play the Buckeyes on a regular basis, the trip to Penn Stat does not make much sense. If you look up the time it takes to drive to State College, Penn. you'll find out that it is just a mere thirteen hours. Not what anybody would consider geographically close.

The arguments about competitive balance are completely legitimate, but at the same point it could have been achieved in a more geographic way. And if you don't beleive that take a look at a globe, or at least buy one for the Big Ten.

Derailing Trains in Indiana

Purdue is perhaps the hardest teams to pick apart going into this season. They at times last year looked like a team that was improving, and at others like a team that should be playing intramurals.

In Madison last season they looked like a team that had lost it's way, becoming the first Big Ten shutout for the Badgers since 1999. When the Buckeyes came into West Lafeyette the Boilermakers were a completely different team. While the upset over Ohio State came just two weeks before the shutout by the Badgers, the Boilermakers looked like a team that was improving.

Unfortunately an upset for Purdue at Ross Ade Stadium won't come against the Badgers this season. The Boilermaker defense needs a lot of work, and needs to replace their best player front a year ago. Mike Neal's departure will leave a huge hole for Purdue to fill coming into this season, and expect Wisconsin to exploit that weakness with John Clay and Montee Ball.

The Purdue offense is not without it's own questions heading into the season. For one the task of replacing Joey Elliot at quarterback is a large one, but they do bring in a transfer from a major college program. Robert Marve is going to be the starter in week one for the Boilermakers, and one would expect the former Miami Hurricane to still be the starter in October.

Questions at quarterback can not be good for a team that may not have their starting running back. The Big Ten's third leading rusher, Ralph Bolden, hurt his knee in spring practice, and a return date is still unknown. Even if Bolden is able to be on the field in early November; it is unlikely he will be back at full speed.

So with a defense that is still growing and improving, and an offense that can only pass with a new quarterback means a lot of problems for the Boilermakers. Expect Wisconsin to exploit a lot of these problems and derail the Boilermakers in West Lafeyette. And the possibility of a second shutout against the Boilermakers in two years is not out of the realm of possibilities.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction: Badgers 28 Boilermakers 3

....hey we'll give them three just so they can honk the horn.

Bucky's Steakhouse

Paul Bunyan's Axe is the only rivalry trophy that comes to mind when you're talking Wisconsin football for most fans. The Heartland Trophy not so much. Probably because for the last two seasons the giant bull has been in Iowa City.

The Badgers have only held the trophy for two seasons since the trophy was brought into the rivalry in 2004. And after the new divisions have been released if Bucky can't bring it home this year...it may be a while until it comes back.

To bring back the Heartland Trophy the Badgers need to do just one thing...stop Ricky Stanzi. In games that Iowa has lost it has been Ricky Stanzi who struggled. Last season Stanzi threw 15 interceptions while throwing for 17 touchdowns. By no means an overally impressive statistic for a quarterback that plays for a team with conference championship aspirations.

The key on offense is to take away the passing game, and make the Hawkeye offense beat you on the ground. Last season in Madison it was Stanzi who in the end beat the Badgers. While Stanzi only threw for one touchdown, he did rack up 218 yards in the air last season.

In terms of the Hawkeye defense, expect them to be stingy again this season. Iowa usually fields a strong defense and this year's unity should be no different, but there are always weaknesses. Last season the Hawkeyes allowed 123 yards per game on the ground, but only gave up 87 to Wisconsin.

Their run defense can obviously be exploited, and don't expect them to get the best of John Clay again this year. In last year's game Clay only racked up 87 yards on 21 carries, and this year he should be poised for a bigger game in Iowa City.

If Clay is able to have a solid day, that should open up the passing game for the Badgers. Using play action pass Wisconsion should be able to exploit the Hawkeyes cheating secondary. Don't be too surprised if you see a big Tolzein to Toon connection at some point in this game.

Another key to the offense in this game will be Lance Kendricks. Using Kendricks to move the sticks and keep the defense fresh on the sidelines is a major key in this game. If Kendricks comes out with his game face on and puts up good numbers the game should be come easier for the Badgers.

While all of that sounds like a lot needs to go right for Bucky...it really isn't. That should be the Badgers recipe for success this season in pretty much every game. Control the clock, move the chains, and play tough defense. All of that combined should mean a close Badger victory in Iowa City, and a lot of steak for Bucky in the next two years. See you 2012 Herky.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction: Badgers 21 Hawkeyes 17