The Collapse is Complete

Last weekend the Badgers snapped a seven game winless streak against Colorado College. A match-up against those same Tigers would determine whether the Badgers could salvage a trip the NCAA tournament.

The likelihood of that trip to the tournament most likely was dashed in the series finale between Wisconsin and Colorado College in the WCHA tournament.

Friday night the Badgers opened with a strong win in Colorado Springs, Col. with a 3-1 victory. Not to mention getting goals from some unusual sources in the victory.

After trailing the Tigers by one in the second period the Badgers answered with a goal by Joe Faust. His first goal as a Badgers, and one that couldn't have come at a better time.

Wisconsin would tack on two more goals by Ryan Little, and Jefferson Dahl in the third period to ice the opening victory. Meaning that the Badgers just needed to win one of the last two to advance to the WCHA Final Five.

Saturday night was by no means a "pitchers dual" with both teams making big strides on the offensive side of the ice.

The Badgers would jump out to an early lead by two goals by Craig Smith and Podge Turnbull in the first period. Taking a 2-0 lead into the first intermission, but the Tigers would not go quietly.

In the second period the only player that would light the lamp would be Jaden Schwartz. Cutting the Badger lead to just one heading into the third and final stanza of the evening.

Throughout the season, and pretty much the entire Mike Eaves tenure, the Badgers have been almost perfect when leading after two periods. Saturday night would not be one of those stories though.

With another goal by Colorado College the Badgers would find themselves back in a tie with the Tigers. Until Sean Dolan would find the back of the net giving the Badgers the lead again at 3-2. Until the Tigers would answer with another goal sending the game back to overtime with the series on the line.

In overtime the Badgers would give the Tigers a powerplay on a tripping call, and Colorado College would take advantage. With another goal by Schwartz the Tigers would take the second game with a 4-3 comeback victory in overtime.

Sunday night would be much of the same for the Badgers in the rubber match. Taking a 1-0 lead after a second period goal by Craig Smith. Giving the Badgers that all important lead again heading into the third and final period.

In the final stanza the Tigers would capitalize on two penalties on the Badgers to cash in on two late goals by Nick Dineen and Stepehen Schultz. Giving the Tigers a 2-1 victory in the final game of the series, and sending the Badgers packing.

Not to mention all but eliminating the Badgers from NCAA tournament consideration. A decision on the big tournament will not come until next week. Meaning a long week of waiting for a Badger hockey team that over achieved most of the season.

Lady Badgers Heading Back to the Frozen Four

That's right the Badger women's hockey team is back, but after an early deficit it may have looked as if they would be done.

Saturday night against Minnesota-Duluth the Lady Badgers found themselves in a 1-0 hole heading into the first break. After a goal late in the first period by Jessica Wong with just seconds left on the clock.

Just three minutes into the second period the Lady Badgers would erase that lead for good with a goal by junior Hilary Knight on a power play. A penalty that only lasted a whopping eight seconds.

The game would remain tied heading into the second and final intermission, and the Lady Badgers would once again strike in the third period.

This time with a goal by Meghan Duggan of an assist by Knight to give the Badgers a 2-1 lead mid-way through the final stanza. The goal would also be the eventual game winner, and Duggan's sixth game winning goal of the season.

The 2-1 victory would cement the Lady Badgers fifth trip to the Frozen Four, and their first since 2009. Now the Badgers will meet Boston College in the next step towards their fourth national title on Friday afternoon at 4 P.M.

Bruesewitz Questionable for Tournament

The loss to Penn State not only hurt the Badgers seeding, but also hurt the knee of a key role player for the Badgers...forward Mike Bruesewitz.

From time to time this year Bruesewitz has come up with some big shots in key moments. As well as made some tough hustle plays that have been key to Wisconsin's victories this season. Now the Badgers may be with out the hustle player they need for the tournament.

Bruesewitz left the game with Penn State after spraining his knee, but was walking around the sidelines for the remainder of the game after going to the locker room.

The official word on Bruesewitz's knee has not been released, but for right now his status for the tournament is up in the air. A decision could come later in the week after sophomore forward has time to work out the injury. Making Bruesewitz a day-to-day decision at this point...

Now That's Embarrassing....

Thursday night's match-up in the second round of the Big Ten tournament between Penn State and Wisconsin made history for the tournament, and the NCAA...but not in a good way.

The final score of 36-33 set a new record for lowest combined total for any team in conference tournament history. Penn State's 36 points was also the lowest winning score by any team in the NCAA this year, and ever in a conference tournament.

To say that the game was hard to watch may have been an understatement. Especially with the Badgers shooting only 29% from the field and 9% from behind the arch.

Penn State was not exactly the pretty girl at the prom on Thursday night either. Shooting only 33% from the field, but hitting 25% from behind the arch. Including a big three pointer by Taylor Battle late in the second half.

The Badgers main problem was the start of the game. Being shut out for the first eight minutes, and only putting up two points in the first ten minutes.

At one time the Badgers trailed the Nittany Lions by 16, and that mark would be too much for the Badgers to finally overcome. Even after cutting the lead down to just four before halftime, and down to two in the second half.

Wisconsin would struggle shooting from almost anywhere on the floor, and worst off all late in the second half. With air-balls, and bricks coming from all directions, and not from just one player.

With the whole team struggling from the field Jordan Taylor led all scorers with a below average 16 points, but that would not be enough to help the Badgers. Especially with only four points coming from someone not named Nankivil, Leuer, and Taylor.

The end result would be an embarrassing loss in the second round of the Big Ten tournament to Penn State. Not to mention a long wait for the NCAA tournament.

Taylor Now A Finalist

A few weeks ago there was some outrage amongst Badger fans regarding Jordan Taylor being left of the list of the Bob Cousy Award semi-finalists. Now Taylor is more than a semi-finalist...he's among the five to make the final cut.

The original list of ten when it was released in January left Jordan Taylor off, but just a short time later Taylor was added to the list as number eleven. Especially after his role in the comeback victory against number one Ohio State at the Kohl Center.

After becoming the plus one on the list Taylor continued his strong play. Most notably with a career high 39 points against Indiana. Not to mention retaining one of the best turnover to assist ratios in the country.

Now Taylor is one the list of five finalists that includes Jimmer Fredette (BYU), Norris Cole (Cleveleand State), Nolan Smith (Duke), and Kemba Walker (UConn).

The award is given every year to the top point guard in the country, and the award will be given out to the final winner on April 1st.

Big Ten: In and Out

With the conference tournament right around the corner that can only mean one thing....March Madness is here. Now it is also time to see who will make it out of the Big Ten and head to the big dance. Or who will be hosting a home game in a couple weeks...in the NIT.

Duh! They're In

Ohio State

The Buckeyes are obviously in, and should be a number one seed. If not the overall number one seed in the tournament. With the Buckeyes having perhaps one of the best well-rounded teams in the tournament they should be the early favorite to win it all. So as much as it may pain Badger fans...you may want to take them all the way in your bracket.

Purdue

The train makers are steaming they're way to the big dance without question. The loss in the regular season finale may hurt their seed a little bit, but it won't hurt that much. Not to mention a win in the Big Ten tournament could restore any of that damage, and may push the Boilermakers up to the number one line.

Wisconsin

Bucky is having a relatively surprising season. Not that people didn't expect to see the Badgers in the big dance, but their seed may be the surprise. A win in the Big Ten tournament may bolt Bucky to the number two line, but regardless of what happens in the conference tournament the Badgers are in. The only question is where will they be seeded.

Still Dancing...But Not By Much...

Illinois

The Fighting Illini have been skating around on the bubble for what seems like forever, but unlike last year they should be in. Their strength of schedule is what should help them get in regardless of the lack of quality road wins. Give the Illini the benefit of the doubt to get in probably on the six seed line, but maybe an eight. A couple wins in the Big Ten tournament could help with that though...

Michigan

The Wolverines may be the surprise of the second half of the Big Ten season. After starting 1-6 in the conference the men from Michigan have quietly snuck into the big dance, and the win over Michigan State last weekend may have put them in. With the Wolverines taking on Illinois on Friday in the tournament they will have the chance to solidify their spot in the tournament, and perhaps improve their seeding. Count on Michigan making the tournament, but they remain the last of the Big Ten teams almost guaranteed to make the dance.

Bubble Bursting?

Michigan State

It seems like the Spartans have been sitting on the bubble for most of the season. With a strong strength of schedule Michigan State may save themselves despite lacking quality wins. But a loss to Iowa may doom the Spartans for good. If they win against Iowa you can assume they are in, but two wins in the conference tournament would cement their bid. Still sitting firmly on the bubble put the Spartans in right now, but nothing is guaranteed.

Win or You're Out

Northwestern

Perhaps the most disappointing team this season, at least in the historical context, has been the Wildcats. After losing Kevin Coble to "retirement" the Wildcats looked to lose a step, but they did play last season without him. Now after an average season the Wildcats have only one option in terms of making the tournament...run the table. A conference tournament win would lock up the spot in the tournament with the automatic win.

Minnesota

Northwestern may be the most disappointing....if it wasn't for the Gophers. At the beginning of the season Minnesota was not just an NCAA tournament team, but an outside pick to win the conference. Now the Spartans are backing their way out of the season. Perhaps even out of the NIT...It's either win or go home for the Gophers, and their is no doubt about that.

It's Complicated

Penn State

The Nitany Lions have been relatively surprising this year with wins over Michigan State, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Now Penn State pretty much needs to win the conference tournament to get in because of their week schedule, and bad losses. On the other hand they could at least make a run to the championship game, and still have a shot at making the tournament, but don't count on it.

Maybe Next Year...

Indiana

The Hoosiers have improved all season, and may be a threat next year to make the tournament. Even turn some heads in the conference next season as well, but all they have left is the tournament. With the only way the Hoosiers can make the tournament being to run the table they still have a shot, but it is a long shot. One that even Vegas wouldn't put odds on...

Iowa

Just like Indiana the Hawkeyes have improved all season, and could be a threat next season. With a little bit of talent, and some good coaching the Hawkeyes are continuing to be a threat to make an upset, but it would requite and upset run to the title to make the dance. But they could still be a spoiler playing Michigan State. Who they already upset this season by twenty points at home.

Defensive Coordinator Questions Answered

With Dave Doeren taking the head coaching job at Northern Illinois a gaping hole remained after the 2010 season for the Wisconsin football team. At least in terms of the coaching staff. Now the question in terms of who will be calling the plays has been answered.

After Doeren left there was some rumors in the public that head coach Bret Bielema would return to calling to calling the defensive plays, but now we know it will be Chris Ash.

The promotion moves the secondary coach to the defensive coordinator position, but he will not be alone in that position.

While Ash will be the primary caller of the defensive plays he will have a co-defensive coordinator in Charlie Partridge. Who will help with the defensive plays, but will also serve as an assistant head coach.

The new system is similar to that in which Bielema worked under while he was at Kansas State. Serving as the assistant head coach, and co-defensive coordinator. A big reason that Bielema landed at Wisconsin as defensive coordinator, and then as head coach.