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Updated: August 18, 5:52 PM ET Badgers good enough to run for Roses By Herb Gould Special to ESPN.com |
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Wisconsin Badgers
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Coach: Barry Alvarez (92-61-4, 14th season) 2002 overall record: 8-6 Conference record: 2-6 Returning starters Offense: 7 Defense: 9 Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Anthony Davis* (1,555 yds) Passing: Brooks Bollinger (1,758 yds) Receiving: Jonathan Orr* (842 yds) Tackles: Ryan Aiello* (105) Sacks: Jake Sprague (6) Interceptions: Jim Leonhard* (11) Outlook: This shapes up as yet another crossroads year for the Badgers. Once again, the Badgers face a tough battle for respect, despite going to three Rose Bowls since 1990 (Michigan, which also has made three Pasadena trips, is the only other Big Ten school that has played in the Rose Bowl more than once during that time). They are merely one of a handful of challengers to the seemingly perennial hold Ohio State and Michigan have on the Big Ten. Wisconsin does have some intriguing offensive pieces in place, though. The Badgers return running back Anthony Davis, who has rushed for more than 3,000 yards the past two seasons. And sophomore backup Dwayne Smith would start at a lot of schools. They also are getting back standout receiver Lee Evans, who missed last season with a knee injury. At the controls will be senior Jim Sorgi, who's finally starting after seeing considerable playing time the last three years. On defense, the front seven looks very strong, and there also is good potential in the secondary. In other words, Wisconsin could be back in the hunt for another Rose Bowl trip -- if it meshes. Keep an eye on: WR Lee Evans. He passed up a chance to turn pro after an outstanding 2001 campaign, then blew out his knee and missed the 2002 season. If his knee is right, he'll give Wisconsin an extra dimension, and the strong-armed Sorgi is well-suited to getting him the ball. Key game: Ohio State comes to Madison on Oct. 11. Ask the schedule-maker why the Buckeyes travel to Wisconsin for the second straight year. And ask the Badgers if they remember the fourth-quarter lead they blew in a 19-14 loss. It's a good year if. . .: Wisconsin flexes its muscle again and becomes a serious Big Ten title threat. After going 8-6 and 5-7 the last two years, the Badgers are due to have an edge again and play in a New Year's Day bowl for the first time since 1999. Herb Gould covers the Big Ten for the Chicago Sun-Times.
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