2009 Wisconsin Badgers football team
Encyclopedia
The 2009 Wisconsin Badgers football team competed on behalf of the University of Wisconsin–Madison
during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season
. The Badgers were coached by Bret Bielema
and played their home games at Camp Randall Stadium
in Madison, Wisconsin
. The Badgers finished the season 10–3, 5–3 in Big Ten
play and beat Miami
20–14 in the Champs Sports Bowl
.
, and Northern Illinois finishing 6-7 overall with a loss in the 2008 Independence Bowl
.
On Wisconsin's first play from scrimmage, QB Scott Tolzien
, a surprise winner of the quarterback competition in spring practice, threw an 80 yard touchdown strike to WR Isaac Anderson. 11 seconds into the game, the Badgers led 7-0. Northern Illinois responded with a 40 yard field goal by Mike Salerno late in the 1st quarter. In the 2nd quarter, after the Wisconsin offense brought the Badgers within striking range, Isaac Anderson ran 23 yards for a touchdown to extend Wisconsin's lead to 14-3. NIU kept themselves in the game with another Salerno field goal, and the Badgers led 14-6 at the end of the first half.
In the 3rd quarter, Wisconsin running back John Clay
scored a pair of 1-yard touchdowns to give the Badgers a commanding 28-6 lead going into the 4th quarter. However, Northern Illinois would not go away, as RB Chad Spann tacked on a 1 yard touchdown to cut Wisconsin's lead to 28-12. However, the ensuing 2 point conversion failed and the Huskies trailed 28-12. Spann would add a 2 yard touchdown run to cut NIU's deficit to 28-18, and QB Chandler Harnish converted the 2 point try to make the score 28-20. Northern Illinois recovered the onside kick, but their final drive stalled on the Wisconsin 36 and the Huskies turned the ball over on downs, allowing Wisconsin to come up with the victory.
on a 14 yard TD strike to extend Fresno State's lead to 21-7. Wisconsin responded swiftly, with an 8 yard touchdown run off an end-around by WR David Gilreath to bring the game within a single score at 21-14. Wisconsin K Philip Welch connected on the longest field goal in school history, a 57 yard try that cut Fresno State's lead to 21-17 at the end of the half.
A scoreless 3rd quarter saw the Badgers needing a big play in the 4th quarter. Wisconsin defensive backs intercepted Colburn twice in the 3rd, but the Badgers didn't get any points off those turnovers. After a Fresno State punt, Wisconsin got the big play they needed; RB John Clay
broke several tackles and ran 72 yards for a touchdown to give Wisconsin a 24-21 lead. Fresno, stunned but not yet beaten, rallied and drove late in the 4th quarter for the tying field goal by Kevin Goessling. Wisconsin ran out the remaining clock and the game went to overtime.
Fresno State elected to play defense first in overtime, but Wisconsin scored on their first possession, as QB Scott Tolzien
connected with WR Nick Toon
for a 6 yard touchdown pass to give Wisconsin a 30-24 lead. Philip Welch converted the PAT to give Wisconsin a 31-24 lead. Fresno State too scored a touchdown on their first overtime possession, Colburn finding Ajirotutu for a 7 yard touchdown strike and his fourth touchdown pass of the game. Goessling made the PAT, and the game headed into a second overtime. Colburn would not be so fortunate though, as he was intercepted in the end zone by S Chris Maragos
. Philip Welch kicked a 22 yard field goal to win the game for the Badgers.
With the win, Wisconsin improved to 2-0 on the season.
and Central Michigan
in consecutive weeks. Wisconsin entered the game at 3-0.
After Wisconsin LB Mike Taylor
intercepted Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins
in the 1st quarter, Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien
connected with TE Garrett Graham
for a 15 yard touchdown pass to give Wisconsin a 7-0 lead. In the 2nd quarter, Michigan State responded, as Cousins found WR Mark Dell on a 14 yard touchdown pass to tie the game 7-7. Wisconsin struck back with a long touchdown drive of their own, Tolzien finding Graham on a 6 yard touchdown pass to take the lead back, 14-7. After another Michigan State interception, Tolzien drove the Badgers down the field, and RB John Clay ran for a 1 yard touchdown to give Wisconsin a 21-7 lead. Both teams traded punts, and the score remained 21-7 at the end of the first half.
In the 3rd quarter, Wisconsin RB Zach Brown lost a fumble and Michigan State recovered. MSU drove deep into Wisconsin territory, but the Badger defense stopped MSU in the red zone and the Spartans were forced to try a field goal. MSU K Brett Swenson converted the 28 yard attempt, and cut Wisconsin's lead to 21-10. Wisconsin drove the field on the next drive, but MSU's defense held the Badgers out of the redzone and forced a field goal. Philip Welch converted to give the Badgers a 24-10 lead. Michigan State would not go away so easily, and drove the field for a touchdown, this time from Cousins to B.J. Cunningham. Swenson converted the PAT and Wisconsin led 24-17 at the end of the 3rd quarter. In the 4th quarter, Tolzien found Nick Toon
for a 19 yard touchdown pass to extend Wisconsin's lead to 31-17. After a penalty backed the Spartans up, MSU RB Glenn Winston fumbled the ball and Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt recovered, setting up the Badgers with excellent field position. On 3rd and 1 from the Michigan State 23, Tolzien found Garrett Graham on a 23 yard touchdown pass, his 4th touchdown pass of the game to give Wisconsin a 38-17 lead with 12:14 remaining in the 4th Quarter.
Michigan State, now desperate, drove into Wisconsin territory again, but Kirk Cousins was sacked on a 4th and 10 from the Wisconsin 32 by LB Chris Borland
and the Spartans turned the ball over on downs. Wisconsin drove right back into Michigan State territory, but John Clay was stopped short of the first down on a 4th and inches from the MSU 20 by LB Greg Jones
. Michigan State again drove into Wisconsin territory, but Keith Nichol threw an ill-advised pass into coverage and was intercepted by Wisconsin S Chris Maragos
. Wisconsin was forced to punt, however, and Michigan State made the most of it, as Nichol found WR Keshawn Martin for a 15 yard touchdown. MSU head coach Mark Dantonio
elected to try for two, but Nichol's pass fell incomplete. Wisconsin punted on their next drive, and Dantonio earned the ire of the Camp Randall crowd after Nichol threw a 91 yard touchdown pass to Martin with the game hopelessly out of reach.
Despite the garbage-time score from Michigan State, Wisconsin rather handily won this game and improved to 4-0 on the season. Michigan State's 3rd straight defeat dropped them to 1-3, matching their regular season loss total from the previous season
.
In the first quarter, Wisconsin led 7-0 after a 2 yard touchdown run by John Clay (running back)
. Minnesota fired back with a pair of 1st quarter scoring drives; a 28 yard FG by kicker Eric Ellestad and an 11 yard touchdown pass from QB Adam Weber
to WR Eric Decker
. Minnesota led 10-7 at the end of the first quarter. Wisconsin answered with a 39 yard FG by Philip Welch to tie the game at 10-10, but Minnesota would lead the game at the end of the first half 13-10 after another FG by Ellestad.
In the 3rd quarter, John Clay found the end zone from a yard out to give Wisconsin a 17-13 lead, and the only score of the touchdown by either team. In the 4th quarter, Scott Tolzien
found TE Lance Kendricks
for a 5 yard touchdown pass to give Wisconsin a 24-13 lead. Wisconsin looked to ice the game on their next offensive possession, but RB Zach Brown fumbled the ball and Minnesota S Marcus Sherels returned the fumble 88 yards for a touchdown to keep Minnesota in the game at 24-19. Minnesota tried for 2 and succeeded as Weber found WR Dajon McKnight in the endzone, cutting Wisconsin's lead to 24-21.
Wisconsin refused to let the Gophers back into the game, and after a long drive, John Clay ran into the end zone for his 3rd touchdown of the day and Wisconsin led 31-21. Minnesota responded swiftly, coming within 3 points of Wisconsin after RB Duane Bennett scored on a 1 yard touchdown carry to make the score 31-28. The onside kick attempt failed, however, and Minnesota had to use its remaining timeouts to stall Wisconsin on the Minnesota 39. Brad Nortman's punt was partially blocked and downed at the Minnesota 5 yard line, giving the Gophers one final chance at snapping Wisconsin's win streak.
After a short drive by the Gophers, Weber was sacked on 1st and 10 from the Minnesota 34 by O'Brien Schofield
. Weber fumbled the ball as he was sacked, and Wisconsin LB Chris Borland
recovered. Wisconsin ran out the remaining 30 seconds and secured Paul Bunyan's Axe
for the 6th year in a row, and their first win (in their first appearance) at TCF Bank Stadium
. Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema
is now 4-0 against the rival Gophers. The Badgers travel to Ohio State to take on the Buckeyes in Ohio Stadium
next week.
, holding him to a dismal 5 of 13 passing for 89 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Pryor was harried all game long and sacked repeatedly by the surprisingly effective Wisconsin defense. However, Wisconsin's offense was unable to capitalize on several trips into Ohio State territory, some of which got Wisconsin into the Ohio State red zone. Badger QB Scott Tolzien
threw an interception to Kurt Coleman
that Coleman would return for a touchdown, and on a later series, a tipped pass was intercepted by Ohio State's Jermale Hines
and returned for another touchdown. Ohio State's final boost came from special teams, as KR Ray Small had a 96 yard kick return for a touchdown after a Wisconsin FG by Philip Welch.
Wisconsin dominated Ohio State offensively (with over 368 yards of total offense) and defensively (holding Ohio State to 184 yards of total offense), but failed repeatedly to capitalize on the opportunities Ohio State offered; as Philip Welch missed a pair of field goals and Scott Tolzien failed to complete a pair of passes on 4th and long situations in the 4th quarter of the game. Wisconsin's missed opportunities, combined with the opportunistic Buckeye defense, saw the Badgers drop their first game of the year, 31-13. The loss dropped Bret Bielema
to 0-3 against Ohio State.
recorded his first career rushing touchdown at Wisconsin in the first quarter, Wisconsin wouldn't score another touchdown for the entirety of the game. RB John Clay
was held in check by the Iowa defense, which stymied Wisconsin from the 1st quarter on. Iowa intercepted Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien
3 times in the game to help turn their deficit into an eventual lead and win in Camp Randall.
The loss extended Iowa's winning streak over Wisconsin to two games (from the 2008 contest) and kept Iowa undefeated at 7-0. Wisconsin fell to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the Big Ten, having lost both games to ranked conference opponents.
However, Wisconsin had perhaps its finest game of the season as the Badgers used a pair of touchdown runs by John Clay, a FG by Philip Welch, and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown by Aaron Henry to race off to a 24-0 lead at the half. Purdue QB Joey Elliott
, who had played extremely well against Ohio State, was shaky in the pocket and completed just 5 of his 23 pass attempts to Purdue receivers; he also threw an interception and was sacked twice. In the 2nd half, the Badgers protected their big lead with a pair of Philip Welch field goals and another touchdown run by John Clay.
With the 37-0 win, Wisconsin moved above .500 in Big Ten conference
play at 3-2. The Badgers's 6th win of the year clinched a bowl bid for the 9th consecutive season.
Poor secondary play by Wisconsin kept the Hoosiers in the game, missed opportunities for the Badgers once again hurt their offensive production, as the Badgers recorded just a touchdown off of two interceptions thrown by Indiana QB Ben Chappell. Indiana scored the first points of the game on a touchdown pass by Chappell to WR Tandon Doss
. The Badgers answered with a touchdown drive of their own, as QB Scott Tolzien
found receiver Isaac Anderson for a 18 yard touchdown pass. The next scoring drive of the game came in the 2nd quarter on a 26 yard FG by Philip Welch. A 1 yard TD run by RB Montee Ball
gave the Badgers a run of 17 unanswered points, which Indiana snapped with a 46 yard touchdown pass from Chappell to Doss. Wisconsin countered with a 14 yard touchdown run by John Clay, and the Badgers led 24-14 at the end of the 1st half.
A scoreless 3rd quarter followed, but in the 4th quarter, Indiana brought the game within 3 points on a 6 yard pass from Ben Chappell to WR Terrance Turner, making the score 24-21 in favor of Wisconsin. The Badgers once again answered with a touchdown drive, and Montee Ball found the endzone from 3 yards out to give Wisconsin a 31-21 lead. Not quite finished, Indiana scored another touchdown with just about 4 minutes remaining in the game. After a touchback on the ensuing kickoff, Wisconsin ran out the remaining 4:01 despite Indiana using all 3 of their timeouts. With the 31-28 win, Wisconsin moved to 7-2 on the year.
In the first quarter, Scott Tolzien
found TE Garrett Graham
for a 22 yard touchdown pass to give Wisconsin a 7-0 lead. Michigan countered with a 21 yard touchdown pass from QB Tate Forcier
to RB Vincent Smith
. After a field goal attempt by Jason Olesnavage was blocked by J.J. Watt, the score was tied 7-7 at the end of the first quarter. Michigan intercepted Tolzien on the next series, however, and converted on their next FG attempt, making the score 10-7 in Michigan's favor in the 2nd quarter. Wisconsin drove down the field on the next drive and scored on a touchdown pass from Tolzien to WR Nick Toon
, and Wisconsin took the lead 14-10. On Wisconsin's next offensive series, however, Tolzien was sacked by DE Brandon Graham, and fumbled. Michigan DE Ryan Van Bergen returned the fumble 14 yards for a touchdown to give Michigan a 17-14 lead. But the Badgers refused to go away, using a 9 play, 75 yard drive capped off by a 1 yard touchdown run by John Clay to take the lead right back to Wisconsin, 21-17. Wisconsin stopped Michigan QB Denard Robinson
on a 4th and 6 from the Michigan 46 with 1 second remaining and led 21-17 at the end of the 1st half.
In the 2nd half, Wisconsin marched down the field and scored on their first possession. Scott Tolzien completed a touchdown pass to Nick Toon, who made a highlight reel catch in the endzone despite defensive pass interference. Philip Welch converted the PAT and Wisconsin led 28-17. Forcier led the Wolverines right back down the field and completed a 10 yard touchdown pass to WR Roy Roundtree, making the score 28-24. However, that would be the last points Michigan would score in the game. Wisconsin answered Michigan's long drive with one of their own, and Tolzien capped off the drive by finding TE Lance Kendricks
on a 7 yard touchdown pass to give Wisconsin a 35-24 lead.
In the 4th quarter, Forcier was intercepted by Wisconsin CB Niles Brinkley and Wisconsin capitalized on a 10 play, 60 yard drive topped off by a 1 yard touchdown run by Scott Tolzien, making the score 42-24. Wisconsin forced a Zoltan Mesko
punt on the next series, and used a 15 play, 60 yard drive that lasted 8:08. Philip Welch converted a 28 yard attempt, and Wisconsin led 45-24. On Michigan's final drive of the game, Denard Robinson drove the Wolverines into Wisconsin territory, but again failed to convert a 4th down and the Wolverines turned the ball over with 1 second remaining in the game. Wisconsin ran it out, and won their 8th game of the year.
Wisconsin's 21-point win over Michigan was the biggest in series history by the Badgers, who have won 3 consecutive home games against the Wolverines for the first time in school history.
).
Wisconsin once again had an unsettled quarterback situation, as only Dustin Sherer had seen significant playing time the previous season. It would be Redshirt Junior QB Scott Tolzien
who surprisingly won the starting job from Sherer. Tolzien led Wisconsin to a 5-0 start with wins over Northern Illinois, Fresno State, Wofford, Michigan State, and Minnesota. With their fast start, the Badgers then traveled to Ohio State, and the Wisconsin defense made Ohio State's offense miserable for 4 quarters. However, miscues on offense and special teams allowed the Buckeyes to return both of Tolzien's interceptions for touchdowns and return a kick for a touchdown. Wisconsin fell to 5-1 with their first loss, but the impressive defensive performance was cause for optimism. The very next week, the Badgers returned home and suffered a baffling 20-10 loss to the rival Iowa Hawkeyes
in the confines of Camp Randall Stadium
, which dropped them to 5-2 overall.
After back-to-back losses to Ohio State and Iowa, both of which would go to and win BCS bowls in 2009, the Badgers faced Purdue, who they squashed 37-0 for their first shut-out in Big Ten play under Bret Bielema. Wisconsin won a very close game against Indiana (31-28), and went on to hand Michigan their worst loss in the series between Wisconsin and Michigan, 45-24. With the win over Michigan, Wisconsin improved to 8-2. But in their final game in Big Ten play, the Badgers suffered a stunning 33-31 loss at the hands of the Northwestern Wildcats
, dropping them behind Northwestern in the conference standings (both teams finished 5-3 in Big Ten play). In the final regular season game of the season, Wisconsin smashed Hawaii 51-10 to improve to 9-3.
In their final game of 2009, the Badgers were matched up against a higher-ranked and favored Miami Hurricanes
football team. The Badgers defeated Miami 20-14 for their 10th win of 2009, and their first bowl win since the 2006 season. The Badgers finished with the 5th best rushing defense in FBS, and the best run defense in the Big Ten. Wisconsin running back John Clay
finished with 1,517 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns, winning Big Ten Player of the Year Honors.
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season
2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season
The 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season, or the college football season, began on September 2, 2009, progressed through the regular season and bowl season, and concluded with the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game in Pasadena, California on January 7, 2010, featuring the...
. The Badgers were coached by Bret Bielema
Bret Bielema
-Personal life:Bielema announced on April 1, 2011 that he was engaged to his girlfriend, Jen. The wedding is scheduled for spring 2012.-External links:* *...
and played their home games at Camp Randall Stadium
Camp Randall Stadium
Camp Randall Stadium is an outdoor stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. It has been the home of the Wisconsin Badgers football team in rudimentary form since 1895, and as a complete stadium since 1917. It is located on the center-southern region of the University of Wisconsin campus. The stadium seats...
in Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Dane County. It is also home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison....
. The Badgers finished the season 10–3, 5–3 in Big Ten
2009 Big Ten Conference football season
The 2009 Big Ten Conference football season was the 114th for the conference, and saw Ohio State conclude the regular season as Big Ten Conference champion for the 5th consecutive time, their 34th Big Ten title. This earned them the conference's automatic selection to a Bowl Championship Series...
play and beat Miami
2009 Miami Hurricanes football team
The 2009 Miami Hurricanes football team represented the University of Miami during the 2009 Division I college football season. The Hurricanes were coached by Randy Shannon and played their home games at Land Shark Stadium...
20–14 in the Champs Sports Bowl
2009 Champs Sports Bowl
The 2009 Champs Sports Bowl was a college football bowl game between the Wisconsin Badgers of the Big Ten Conference and the Miami Hurricanes of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Played at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, the game started at 8:00 PM US EST on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 and was...
.
Schedule
Northern Illinois
Wisconsin opened the 2009 season at home against Northern Illinois. Both teams had gone through disappointing seasons the year before, Wisconsin finishing 7-6 overall and 3-5 in the Big Ten with a blowout loss in the 2008 Champs Sports Bowl2008 Champs Sports Bowl
The 2008 Champs Sports Bowl was the 19th edition of the college football bowl game that was played on Saturday, December 27, 2008 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. The game, which had a 4:30 PM US EST kickoff and was broadcast on ESPN, pitted the Wisconsin Badgers against the Florida State...
, and Northern Illinois finishing 6-7 overall with a loss in the 2008 Independence Bowl
2008 Independence Bowl
The 2008 Independence Bowl marked the thirty-third edition of the college football bowl game, and was played at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. The game was contested starting on Sunday, December 28, 2008, with a 7:15 PM US CST kickoff, telecast on ESPN. the contest pitted the...
.
On Wisconsin's first play from scrimmage, QB Scott Tolzien
Scott Tolzien
-San Diego Chargers:Tolzien was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft on July 26, 2011. He was subsequently released by the team on September 3, 2011.-External links:*...
, a surprise winner of the quarterback competition in spring practice, threw an 80 yard touchdown strike to WR Isaac Anderson. 11 seconds into the game, the Badgers led 7-0. Northern Illinois responded with a 40 yard field goal by Mike Salerno late in the 1st quarter. In the 2nd quarter, after the Wisconsin offense brought the Badgers within striking range, Isaac Anderson ran 23 yards for a touchdown to extend Wisconsin's lead to 14-3. NIU kept themselves in the game with another Salerno field goal, and the Badgers led 14-6 at the end of the first half.
In the 3rd quarter, Wisconsin running back John Clay
John Clay (running back)
John Clay is an American football running back. He currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, practice squad, of the National Football League. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football for the University of Wisconsin–Madison football team...
scored a pair of 1-yard touchdowns to give the Badgers a commanding 28-6 lead going into the 4th quarter. However, Northern Illinois would not go away, as RB Chad Spann tacked on a 1 yard touchdown to cut Wisconsin's lead to 28-12. However, the ensuing 2 point conversion failed and the Huskies trailed 28-12. Spann would add a 2 yard touchdown run to cut NIU's deficit to 28-18, and QB Chandler Harnish converted the 2 point try to make the score 28-20. Northern Illinois recovered the onside kick, but their final drive stalled on the Wisconsin 36 and the Huskies turned the ball over on downs, allowing Wisconsin to come up with the victory.
Fresno State
Fresno State entered the game having won their last trip to Madison, back in the 2001 season. They appeared to be well on their way to another win after Fresno QB Ryan Colburn connected with Chestin West for a 13 yard touchdown pass to give Fresno a 7-0 lead over Wisconsin in the 1st quarter. On Fresno's next drive, Colburn found WR Devon Wylie on a 70 yard touchdown strike to put the Bulldogs up 14-0 in the 2nd quarter. However, Wisconsin fought back; running back Zach Brown ran 11 yards for a touchdown to cap off a long Wisconsin drive, cutting Wisconsin's deficit to 14-7. Fresno attempted to pull away again; Colburn found WR Seyi AjirotutuSeyi Ajirotutu
Seyi Ajirotutu is an American football wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2010...
on a 14 yard TD strike to extend Fresno State's lead to 21-7. Wisconsin responded swiftly, with an 8 yard touchdown run off an end-around by WR David Gilreath to bring the game within a single score at 21-14. Wisconsin K Philip Welch connected on the longest field goal in school history, a 57 yard try that cut Fresno State's lead to 21-17 at the end of the half.
A scoreless 3rd quarter saw the Badgers needing a big play in the 4th quarter. Wisconsin defensive backs intercepted Colburn twice in the 3rd, but the Badgers didn't get any points off those turnovers. After a Fresno State punt, Wisconsin got the big play they needed; RB John Clay
John Clay (running back)
John Clay is an American football running back. He currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, practice squad, of the National Football League. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football for the University of Wisconsin–Madison football team...
broke several tackles and ran 72 yards for a touchdown to give Wisconsin a 24-21 lead. Fresno, stunned but not yet beaten, rallied and drove late in the 4th quarter for the tying field goal by Kevin Goessling. Wisconsin ran out the remaining clock and the game went to overtime.
Fresno State elected to play defense first in overtime, but Wisconsin scored on their first possession, as QB Scott Tolzien
Scott Tolzien
-San Diego Chargers:Tolzien was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft on July 26, 2011. He was subsequently released by the team on September 3, 2011.-External links:*...
connected with WR Nick Toon
Nick Toon
Nick Toon is an American football wide receiver for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is the son of former New York Jets and Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Al Toon.-College Stats:-External links:*...
for a 6 yard touchdown pass to give Wisconsin a 30-24 lead. Philip Welch converted the PAT to give Wisconsin a 31-24 lead. Fresno State too scored a touchdown on their first overtime possession, Colburn finding Ajirotutu for a 7 yard touchdown strike and his fourth touchdown pass of the game. Goessling made the PAT, and the game headed into a second overtime. Colburn would not be so fortunate though, as he was intercepted in the end zone by S Chris Maragos
Chris Maragos
Chris Maragos is an American football safety for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Western Michigan before transferring to Wisconsin.-College career:Maragos redshirted at...
. Philip Welch kicked a 22 yard field goal to win the game for the Badgers.
With the win, Wisconsin improved to 2-0 on the season.
Wofford
Wisconsin played extremely well in all phases of the game, as they defeated FCS foe Wofford 44-14. The Badgers improved to 3-0 on the season.Michigan State
Both Wisconsin and MSU looked to win their first Big 10 Conference game of the year. Michigan State entered the game on a 2 game losing streak, having lost to Notre Dame2009 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team
The 2009 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame in the 2009 college football season. Charlie Weis entered his fifth season as head coach with the expectation from the Notre Dame administration that his team would be in position to compete for a BCS Bowl berth...
and Central Michigan
2009 Central Michigan Chippewas football team
The 2009 Central Michigan University Chippewas football team represented Central Michigan University in the college football season of 2009. They competed in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football during the football season. Central...
in consecutive weeks. Wisconsin entered the game at 3-0.
After Wisconsin LB Mike Taylor
Mike Taylor (linebacker, born c. 1990)
Mike Taylor is an American football linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers.-2008:Taylor redshirted his first season. He was named Wisconsin's defensive scout player of the week at Indiana on November 8.-2009:...
intercepted Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins
-College career:In 2007, newly hired Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio recruited Cousins to play for the Spartans. Cousins was redshirted for the 2007 season. In 2008, he spent the season as the back up quarterback to Brian Hoyer. He played in five games passing for a total of 310 yards and...
in the 1st quarter, Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien
Scott Tolzien
-San Diego Chargers:Tolzien was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft on July 26, 2011. He was subsequently released by the team on September 3, 2011.-External links:*...
connected with TE Garrett Graham
Garrett Graham
Graham was selected in the 4th round with the 118th overall pick by the Houston Texans.-External links:*...
for a 15 yard touchdown pass to give Wisconsin a 7-0 lead. In the 2nd quarter, Michigan State responded, as Cousins found WR Mark Dell on a 14 yard touchdown pass to tie the game 7-7. Wisconsin struck back with a long touchdown drive of their own, Tolzien finding Graham on a 6 yard touchdown pass to take the lead back, 14-7. After another Michigan State interception, Tolzien drove the Badgers down the field, and RB John Clay ran for a 1 yard touchdown to give Wisconsin a 21-7 lead. Both teams traded punts, and the score remained 21-7 at the end of the first half.
In the 3rd quarter, Wisconsin RB Zach Brown lost a fumble and Michigan State recovered. MSU drove deep into Wisconsin territory, but the Badger defense stopped MSU in the red zone and the Spartans were forced to try a field goal. MSU K Brett Swenson converted the 28 yard attempt, and cut Wisconsin's lead to 21-10. Wisconsin drove the field on the next drive, but MSU's defense held the Badgers out of the redzone and forced a field goal. Philip Welch converted to give the Badgers a 24-10 lead. Michigan State would not go away so easily, and drove the field for a touchdown, this time from Cousins to B.J. Cunningham. Swenson converted the PAT and Wisconsin led 24-17 at the end of the 3rd quarter. In the 4th quarter, Tolzien found Nick Toon
Nick Toon
Nick Toon is an American football wide receiver for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is the son of former New York Jets and Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Al Toon.-College Stats:-External links:*...
for a 19 yard touchdown pass to extend Wisconsin's lead to 31-17. After a penalty backed the Spartans up, MSU RB Glenn Winston fumbled the ball and Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt recovered, setting up the Badgers with excellent field position. On 3rd and 1 from the Michigan State 23, Tolzien found Garrett Graham on a 23 yard touchdown pass, his 4th touchdown pass of the game to give Wisconsin a 38-17 lead with 12:14 remaining in the 4th Quarter.
Michigan State, now desperate, drove into Wisconsin territory again, but Kirk Cousins was sacked on a 4th and 10 from the Wisconsin 32 by LB Chris Borland
Chris Borland
Chris Borland is an American football linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers.-2009:Borland was named the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year in 2009. Borland played in 13 games, starting six. He led the leam with five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He finished third on the team in...
and the Spartans turned the ball over on downs. Wisconsin drove right back into Michigan State territory, but John Clay was stopped short of the first down on a 4th and inches from the MSU 20 by LB Greg Jones
Greg Jones (linebacker b. 1988)
Greg Jones II is an American football linebacker for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State University.-Early years:Jones attended Archbishop Moeller High...
. Michigan State again drove into Wisconsin territory, but Keith Nichol threw an ill-advised pass into coverage and was intercepted by Wisconsin S Chris Maragos
Chris Maragos
Chris Maragos is an American football safety for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Western Michigan before transferring to Wisconsin.-College career:Maragos redshirted at...
. Wisconsin was forced to punt, however, and Michigan State made the most of it, as Nichol found WR Keshawn Martin for a 15 yard touchdown. MSU head coach Mark Dantonio
Mark Dantonio
Mark Dantonio is the current head football coach at Michigan State University. He was hired on November 27, 2006 and became the 24th head coach at Michigan State. He is credited for winning the 2010 Big Ten Championship and his 4 game win streak over arch-rival Michigan...
elected to try for two, but Nichol's pass fell incomplete. Wisconsin punted on their next drive, and Dantonio earned the ire of the Camp Randall crowd after Nichol threw a 91 yard touchdown pass to Martin with the game hopelessly out of reach.
Despite the garbage-time score from Michigan State, Wisconsin rather handily won this game and improved to 4-0 on the season. Michigan State's 3rd straight defeat dropped them to 1-3, matching their regular season loss total from the previous season
2008 Michigan State Spartans football team
The 2008 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University in the 2008–2009 college football season. The team's head coach was Mark Dantonio. The Spartans played their home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan...
.
Minnesota
Wisconsin looked to improve to 5-0 on the season, and win a 6th consecutive game over the rival Golden Gophers. Minnesota entered the game at 3-1, having defeated Northwestern the week before but having been blown out in a home loss to California the week before.In the first quarter, Wisconsin led 7-0 after a 2 yard touchdown run by John Clay (running back)
John Clay (running back)
John Clay is an American football running back. He currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, practice squad, of the National Football League. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football for the University of Wisconsin–Madison football team...
. Minnesota fired back with a pair of 1st quarter scoring drives; a 28 yard FG by kicker Eric Ellestad and an 11 yard touchdown pass from QB Adam Weber
Adam Weber
Adam Weber is an American football quarterback who currently plays for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played college football at Minnesota...
to WR Eric Decker
Eric Decker
Eric Decker is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
. Minnesota led 10-7 at the end of the first quarter. Wisconsin answered with a 39 yard FG by Philip Welch to tie the game at 10-10, but Minnesota would lead the game at the end of the first half 13-10 after another FG by Ellestad.
In the 3rd quarter, John Clay found the end zone from a yard out to give Wisconsin a 17-13 lead, and the only score of the touchdown by either team. In the 4th quarter, Scott Tolzien
Scott Tolzien
-San Diego Chargers:Tolzien was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft on July 26, 2011. He was subsequently released by the team on September 3, 2011.-External links:*...
found TE Lance Kendricks
Lance Kendricks
Lance Kendricks is an American football tight end with the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. Prior to the 2011 NFL Draft, Kendricks was considered one of the top tight end prospects....
for a 5 yard touchdown pass to give Wisconsin a 24-13 lead. Wisconsin looked to ice the game on their next offensive possession, but RB Zach Brown fumbled the ball and Minnesota S Marcus Sherels returned the fumble 88 yards for a touchdown to keep Minnesota in the game at 24-19. Minnesota tried for 2 and succeeded as Weber found WR Dajon McKnight in the endzone, cutting Wisconsin's lead to 24-21.
Wisconsin refused to let the Gophers back into the game, and after a long drive, John Clay ran into the end zone for his 3rd touchdown of the day and Wisconsin led 31-21. Minnesota responded swiftly, coming within 3 points of Wisconsin after RB Duane Bennett scored on a 1 yard touchdown carry to make the score 31-28. The onside kick attempt failed, however, and Minnesota had to use its remaining timeouts to stall Wisconsin on the Minnesota 39. Brad Nortman's punt was partially blocked and downed at the Minnesota 5 yard line, giving the Gophers one final chance at snapping Wisconsin's win streak.
After a short drive by the Gophers, Weber was sacked on 1st and 10 from the Minnesota 34 by O'Brien Schofield
O'Brien Schofield
O'Brien Schofield is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. As a fifth-year redshirt senior for the 2009 Wisconsin Badgers he ranked second in the nation in tackles for a loss and second in the Big Ten Conference in quarterback sacks...
. Weber fumbled the ball as he was sacked, and Wisconsin LB Chris Borland
Chris Borland
Chris Borland is an American football linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers.-2009:Borland was named the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year in 2009. Borland played in 13 games, starting six. He led the leam with five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He finished third on the team in...
recovered. Wisconsin ran out the remaining 30 seconds and secured Paul Bunyan's Axe
Paul Bunyan's Axe
Paul Bunyan's Axe, named after the mythical giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan, is a prize awarded every year to the winner of the college football game between Minnesota and Wisconsin.-History:...
for the 6th year in a row, and their first win (in their first appearance) at TCF Bank Stadium
TCF Bank Stadium
TCF Bank Stadium, sometimes referred to as either "The Bank" or "The Gopher Hole," is the football stadium for the Minnesota Golden Gophers college football team at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota...
. Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema
Bret Bielema
-Personal life:Bielema announced on April 1, 2011 that he was engaged to his girlfriend, Jen. The wedding is scheduled for spring 2012.-External links:* *...
is now 4-0 against the rival Gophers. The Badgers travel to Ohio State to take on the Buckeyes in Ohio Stadium
Ohio Stadium
Ohio Stadium is the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team and is located on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. The stadium was added to the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service on March 22, 1974...
next week.
Ohio State
Wisconsin entered the game with a 5-0 record. Ohio State entered 4-1 with a 2-0 record in Big Ten play; their only loss a heartrending defeat at the hands of USC. Wisconsin's defense completely shut down Ohio State QB Terrelle PryorTerrelle Pryor
Terrelle Pryor is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2008−2010...
, holding him to a dismal 5 of 13 passing for 89 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Pryor was harried all game long and sacked repeatedly by the surprisingly effective Wisconsin defense. However, Wisconsin's offense was unable to capitalize on several trips into Ohio State territory, some of which got Wisconsin into the Ohio State red zone. Badger QB Scott Tolzien
Scott Tolzien
-San Diego Chargers:Tolzien was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft on July 26, 2011. He was subsequently released by the team on September 3, 2011.-External links:*...
threw an interception to Kurt Coleman
Kurt Coleman
Kurt Coleman is an American football safety for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.-Early years:...
that Coleman would return for a touchdown, and on a later series, a tipped pass was intercepted by Ohio State's Jermale Hines
Jermale Hines
Jermale Hines is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft...
and returned for another touchdown. Ohio State's final boost came from special teams, as KR Ray Small had a 96 yard kick return for a touchdown after a Wisconsin FG by Philip Welch.
Wisconsin dominated Ohio State offensively (with over 368 yards of total offense) and defensively (holding Ohio State to 184 yards of total offense), but failed repeatedly to capitalize on the opportunities Ohio State offered; as Philip Welch missed a pair of field goals and Scott Tolzien failed to complete a pair of passes on 4th and long situations in the 4th quarter of the game. Wisconsin's missed opportunities, combined with the opportunistic Buckeye defense, saw the Badgers drop their first game of the year, 31-13. The loss dropped Bret Bielema
Bret Bielema
-Personal life:Bielema announced on April 1, 2011 that he was engaged to his girlfriend, Jen. The wedding is scheduled for spring 2012.-External links:* *...
to 0-3 against Ohio State.
Iowa
Iowa turned a 10-0 Wisconsin lead into a 20-10 Hawkeye advantage in the 4th quarter. While Wisconsin RB Montee BallMontee Ball
Montee Ball is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-College career:Ball began the 2010 season as the backup running back to John Clay, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year...
recorded his first career rushing touchdown at Wisconsin in the first quarter, Wisconsin wouldn't score another touchdown for the entirety of the game. RB John Clay
John Clay (running back)
John Clay is an American football running back. He currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, practice squad, of the National Football League. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football for the University of Wisconsin–Madison football team...
was held in check by the Iowa defense, which stymied Wisconsin from the 1st quarter on. Iowa intercepted Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien
Scott Tolzien
-San Diego Chargers:Tolzien was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft on July 26, 2011. He was subsequently released by the team on September 3, 2011.-External links:*...
3 times in the game to help turn their deficit into an eventual lead and win in Camp Randall.
The loss extended Iowa's winning streak over Wisconsin to two games (from the 2008 contest) and kept Iowa undefeated at 7-0. Wisconsin fell to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the Big Ten, having lost both games to ranked conference opponents.
Purdue
Purdue entered the game at 3-5 overall, with a 2-2 record in Big Ten play. Having upset Ohio State and defeated Illinois in back to back weeks, Purdue looked for their first win over Wisconsin since the 2003 season. Wisconsin entered after a bye week, having lost two games in a row.However, Wisconsin had perhaps its finest game of the season as the Badgers used a pair of touchdown runs by John Clay, a FG by Philip Welch, and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown by Aaron Henry to race off to a 24-0 lead at the half. Purdue QB Joey Elliott
Joey Elliott
Joseph Preston Elliott is an American football quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Purdue....
, who had played extremely well against Ohio State, was shaky in the pocket and completed just 5 of his 23 pass attempts to Purdue receivers; he also threw an interception and was sacked twice. In the 2nd half, the Badgers protected their big lead with a pair of Philip Welch field goals and another touchdown run by John Clay.
With the 37-0 win, Wisconsin moved above .500 in Big Ten conference
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
play at 3-2. The Badgers's 6th win of the year clinched a bowl bid for the 9th consecutive season.
Indiana
After a 37-0 defeat of the Purdue Boilermakers, Wisconsin was ranked for the first time since their loss to Ohio State.Poor secondary play by Wisconsin kept the Hoosiers in the game, missed opportunities for the Badgers once again hurt their offensive production, as the Badgers recorded just a touchdown off of two interceptions thrown by Indiana QB Ben Chappell. Indiana scored the first points of the game on a touchdown pass by Chappell to WR Tandon Doss
Tandon Doss
Tandon Mic Doss is an American football wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens. He played collegiately for Indiana University...
. The Badgers answered with a touchdown drive of their own, as QB Scott Tolzien
Scott Tolzien
-San Diego Chargers:Tolzien was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft on July 26, 2011. He was subsequently released by the team on September 3, 2011.-External links:*...
found receiver Isaac Anderson for a 18 yard touchdown pass. The next scoring drive of the game came in the 2nd quarter on a 26 yard FG by Philip Welch. A 1 yard TD run by RB Montee Ball
Montee Ball
Montee Ball is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-College career:Ball began the 2010 season as the backup running back to John Clay, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year...
gave the Badgers a run of 17 unanswered points, which Indiana snapped with a 46 yard touchdown pass from Chappell to Doss. Wisconsin countered with a 14 yard touchdown run by John Clay, and the Badgers led 24-14 at the end of the 1st half.
A scoreless 3rd quarter followed, but in the 4th quarter, Indiana brought the game within 3 points on a 6 yard pass from Ben Chappell to WR Terrance Turner, making the score 24-21 in favor of Wisconsin. The Badgers once again answered with a touchdown drive, and Montee Ball found the endzone from 3 yards out to give Wisconsin a 31-21 lead. Not quite finished, Indiana scored another touchdown with just about 4 minutes remaining in the game. After a touchback on the ensuing kickoff, Wisconsin ran out the remaining 4:01 despite Indiana using all 3 of their timeouts. With the 31-28 win, Wisconsin moved to 7-2 on the year.
Michigan
Michigan entered the game having lost 5 consecutive Big Ten games after a narrow 38-31 win over Indiana in their conference opener. The Wolverines thus needed a win over Wisconsin or Ohio State to make the required 6 wins for postseason play. Wisconsin, at 7-2, was hardly going to let Michigan walk into the postseason, especially in light of the previous year's disastrous second half collapse in Ann Arbor and looked to continue Michigan's struggles against Big Ten opposition.In the first quarter, Scott Tolzien
Scott Tolzien
-San Diego Chargers:Tolzien was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft on July 26, 2011. He was subsequently released by the team on September 3, 2011.-External links:*...
found TE Garrett Graham
Garrett Graham
Graham was selected in the 4th round with the 118th overall pick by the Houston Texans.-External links:*...
for a 22 yard touchdown pass to give Wisconsin a 7-0 lead. Michigan countered with a 21 yard touchdown pass from QB Tate Forcier
Tate Forcier
Robert Patrick "Tate" Forcier is an American college football quarterback. He was a starting quarterback for the 2009 Michigan Wolverines football team ahead of Denard Robinson and Robinson's back up for the 2010 Michigan Wolverines football team before leaving the program in January 2011...
to RB Vincent Smith
Vincent Smith (American football)
Vincent Smith is an American football running back and return specialist, who is currently playing his junior season for the 2011 Michigan Wolverines football team.-Early years:...
. After a field goal attempt by Jason Olesnavage was blocked by J.J. Watt, the score was tied 7-7 at the end of the first quarter. Michigan intercepted Tolzien on the next series, however, and converted on their next FG attempt, making the score 10-7 in Michigan's favor in the 2nd quarter. Wisconsin drove down the field on the next drive and scored on a touchdown pass from Tolzien to WR Nick Toon
Nick Toon
Nick Toon is an American football wide receiver for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is the son of former New York Jets and Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Al Toon.-College Stats:-External links:*...
, and Wisconsin took the lead 14-10. On Wisconsin's next offensive series, however, Tolzien was sacked by DE Brandon Graham, and fumbled. Michigan DE Ryan Van Bergen returned the fumble 14 yards for a touchdown to give Michigan a 17-14 lead. But the Badgers refused to go away, using a 9 play, 75 yard drive capped off by a 1 yard touchdown run by John Clay to take the lead right back to Wisconsin, 21-17. Wisconsin stopped Michigan QB Denard Robinson
Denard Robinson
Denard Xavier Robinson , nicknamed Shoelace, is an American football player who is playing his junior season for the 2011 Michigan Wolverines football team. He started at quarterback in all 13 games for the Michigan Wolverines football team in 2010...
on a 4th and 6 from the Michigan 46 with 1 second remaining and led 21-17 at the end of the 1st half.
In the 2nd half, Wisconsin marched down the field and scored on their first possession. Scott Tolzien completed a touchdown pass to Nick Toon, who made a highlight reel catch in the endzone despite defensive pass interference. Philip Welch converted the PAT and Wisconsin led 28-17. Forcier led the Wolverines right back down the field and completed a 10 yard touchdown pass to WR Roy Roundtree, making the score 28-24. However, that would be the last points Michigan would score in the game. Wisconsin answered Michigan's long drive with one of their own, and Tolzien capped off the drive by finding TE Lance Kendricks
Lance Kendricks
Lance Kendricks is an American football tight end with the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. Prior to the 2011 NFL Draft, Kendricks was considered one of the top tight end prospects....
on a 7 yard touchdown pass to give Wisconsin a 35-24 lead.
In the 4th quarter, Forcier was intercepted by Wisconsin CB Niles Brinkley and Wisconsin capitalized on a 10 play, 60 yard drive topped off by a 1 yard touchdown run by Scott Tolzien, making the score 42-24. Wisconsin forced a Zoltan Mesko
Zoltán Meskó
Zoltán Meskó de Széplak was a leading Hungarian Nazi during the 1930s. He led his own Nazi movement during the early 1930s but faded from the political scene when Hungary became a member of the Axis powers....
punt on the next series, and used a 15 play, 60 yard drive that lasted 8:08. Philip Welch converted a 28 yard attempt, and Wisconsin led 45-24. On Michigan's final drive of the game, Denard Robinson drove the Wolverines into Wisconsin territory, but again failed to convert a 4th down and the Wolverines turned the ball over with 1 second remaining in the game. Wisconsin ran it out, and won their 8th game of the year.
Wisconsin's 21-point win over Michigan was the biggest in series history by the Badgers, who have won 3 consecutive home games against the Wolverines for the first time in school history.
Northwestern
Hawaii
2009 Champs Sports Bowl vs. Miami
Season summary
After a disastrous 7-6 campaign in 2008, Bret Bielema would need significant improvements from his team if he was going to remain secure in his position as head coach. For the second time in Bielema's tenure as head coach, the Badgers were unranked entering the season (they were also not ranked before the 2006 season2006 Wisconsin Badgers football team
The 2006 Wisconsin Badgers football team represented the University of Wisconsin–Madison during the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by first-year head coach Bret Bielema, the Badgers completed the season with a 12-1 record, including a 7-1 mark in the Big Ten Conference, good for a...
).
Wisconsin once again had an unsettled quarterback situation, as only Dustin Sherer had seen significant playing time the previous season. It would be Redshirt Junior QB Scott Tolzien
Scott Tolzien
-San Diego Chargers:Tolzien was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft on July 26, 2011. He was subsequently released by the team on September 3, 2011.-External links:*...
who surprisingly won the starting job from Sherer. Tolzien led Wisconsin to a 5-0 start with wins over Northern Illinois, Fresno State, Wofford, Michigan State, and Minnesota. With their fast start, the Badgers then traveled to Ohio State, and the Wisconsin defense made Ohio State's offense miserable for 4 quarters. However, miscues on offense and special teams allowed the Buckeyes to return both of Tolzien's interceptions for touchdowns and return a kick for a touchdown. Wisconsin fell to 5-1 with their first loss, but the impressive defensive performance was cause for optimism. The very next week, the Badgers returned home and suffered a baffling 20-10 loss to the rival Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa Hawkeyes
The Iowa Hawkeyes are the athletics teams that represent the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. The Hawkeyes have varsity teams in 24 sports, 11 for men and 13 for women. The teams participate in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and are members of the...
in the confines of Camp Randall Stadium
Camp Randall Stadium
Camp Randall Stadium is an outdoor stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. It has been the home of the Wisconsin Badgers football team in rudimentary form since 1895, and as a complete stadium since 1917. It is located on the center-southern region of the University of Wisconsin campus. The stadium seats...
, which dropped them to 5-2 overall.
After back-to-back losses to Ohio State and Iowa, both of which would go to and win BCS bowls in 2009, the Badgers faced Purdue, who they squashed 37-0 for their first shut-out in Big Ten play under Bret Bielema. Wisconsin won a very close game against Indiana (31-28), and went on to hand Michigan their worst loss in the series between Wisconsin and Michigan, 45-24. With the win over Michigan, Wisconsin improved to 8-2. But in their final game in Big Ten play, the Badgers suffered a stunning 33-31 loss at the hands of the Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern Wildcats
The Northwestern Wildcats are the athletic teams that represent Northwestern University, a founding member of the Big Ten Conference and the only private university in the conference. Northwestern has eight men's and eleven women's Division I sports teams. The mascot is Willie the Wildcat...
, dropping them behind Northwestern in the conference standings (both teams finished 5-3 in Big Ten play). In the final regular season game of the season, Wisconsin smashed Hawaii 51-10 to improve to 9-3.
In their final game of 2009, the Badgers were matched up against a higher-ranked and favored Miami Hurricanes
Miami Hurricanes
The Miami Hurricanes, of Coral Gables, Florida, are the varsity sports teams of the University of Miami. They compete in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference . The university fields 15 athletic teams for 17 varsity sports...
football team. The Badgers defeated Miami 20-14 for their 10th win of 2009, and their first bowl win since the 2006 season. The Badgers finished with the 5th best rushing defense in FBS, and the best run defense in the Big Ten. Wisconsin running back John Clay
John Clay (running back)
John Clay is an American football running back. He currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, practice squad, of the National Football League. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football for the University of Wisconsin–Madison football team...
finished with 1,517 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns, winning Big Ten Player of the Year Honors.
Rankings
| Poll | Pre | Wk 1 | Wk 2 | Wk 3 | Wk 4 | Wk 5 | Wk 6 | Wk 7 | Wk 8 | Wk 9 | Wk 10 | Wk 11 | Wk 12 | Wk 13 | Wk 14 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 24 | 21 | 17 | -- | -- | 24 | 16 |
| Coaches | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 25 | -- | -- | -- | 22 | 20 | 14 | -- | -- | 22 | 16 |
| Harris | Not released | -- | 25 | -- | -- | -- | 24 | 20 | 15 | -- | -- | 23 | ||||
| BCS | Not released | 21 | -- | 21 | 20 | 16 | -- | -- | 25 | |||||||
Regular starters
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | Scott Tolzien Scott Tolzien -San Diego Chargers:Tolzien was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft on July 26, 2011. He was subsequently released by the team on September 3, 2011.-External links:*... |
| Running Back | John Clay John Clay (running back) John Clay is an American football running back. He currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, practice squad, of the National Football League. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football for the University of Wisconsin–Madison football team... |
| Wide Receiver | Nick Toon Nick Toon Nick Toon is an American football wide receiver for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is the son of former New York Jets and Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Al Toon.-College Stats:-External links:*... |
| Wide Receiver | Isaac Anderson |
| Tight End | Garrett Graham Garrett Graham Graham was selected in the 4th round with the 118th overall pick by the Houston Texans.-External links:*... |
| Tight End | Lance Kendricks Lance Kendricks Lance Kendricks is an American football tight end with the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. Prior to the 2011 NFL Draft, Kendricks was considered one of the top tight end prospects.... |
| Left Tackle | Gabe Carimi Gabe Carimi Gabe Carimi , nicknamed "The Bear Jew", is an American football offensive tackle for the Chicago Bears.Carimi had 49 starts at left tackle in his four-year Wisconsin Badgers college career, which culminated at the 2011 Rose Bowl. He was awarded the 2010 Outland Trophy, as the nation's top... |
| Left Guard | John Moffitt John Moffitt (American football) John Moffitt is an American football offensive guard for the Seattle Seahawks. He played football at the University of Wisconsin.- High school :... |
| Center | Peter Konz Peter Konz Peter Konz is an American football center for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is considered one of the best center prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft.-Early years:... |
| Right Guard | Kevin Zeitler |
| Right Tackle | Josh Oglesby |
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Defensive End | O'Brien Schofield O'Brien Schofield O'Brien Schofield is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. As a fifth-year redshirt senior for the 2009 Wisconsin Badgers he ranked second in the nation in tackles for a loss and second in the Big Ten Conference in quarterback sacks... |
| Defensive Tackle | Dan Moore |
| Defensive Tackle | Jeff Stehle |
| Defensive End | J.J. Watt |
| Outside Linebacker | Jaevery McFadden |
| Middle Linebacker | Culmer St. Jean |
| Outside Linebacker | Mike Taylor Mike Taylor (linebacker, born c. 1990) Mike Taylor is an American football linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers.-2008:Taylor redshirted his first season. He was named Wisconsin's defensive scout player of the week at Indiana on November 8.-2009:... |
| Cornerback | Devin Smith |
| Strong Safety | Jay Valai |
| Free Safety | Chris Maragos Chris Maragos Chris Maragos is an American football safety for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Western Michigan before transferring to Wisconsin.-College career:Maragos redshirted at... |
| Cornerback | Niles Brinkley |
Team players selected in the 2010 NFL Draft
| Player | Position | Round | Overall Selection | NFL Team |
| Garrett Graham Garrett Graham Graham was selected in the 4th round with the 118th overall pick by the Houston Texans.-External links:*... |
Tight End | 4 | 118 | Houston Texans 2010 Houston Texans season The 2010 Houston Texans season was the team's 9th season in the National Football League. The Texans claimed their first winning season in franchise history, with a 9–7 record in 2009, but narrowly missed the playoffs. The Texans selected Kareem Jackson CB from Alabama, with the 20th overall all... |
| O'Brien Schofield O'Brien Schofield O'Brien Schofield is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. As a fifth-year redshirt senior for the 2009 Wisconsin Badgers he ranked second in the nation in tackles for a loss and second in the Big Ten Conference in quarterback sacks... |
Defensive End | 4 | 130 | Arizona Cardinals 2010 Arizona Cardinals season The 2010 Arizona Cardinals season is the 91st season for the team in the National Football League, and their 23rd season in Arizona. The Cardinals failed to improve on their 10–6 record from 2009, and were eliminated from postseason contention in Week 15.... |