Gophers vs. Badgers- Border Battle Game Preview (the Badger angle)

Badger fans called him 'Nutpunch Decker', but look at Blake Sorensen
molesting Minneosota's favorite receiver - photo by Gophersports.com

Like last week, we've got another opposing fan's perspective on the week's upcoming game. This week its good friend and Wisconsin alum, Roger Murdock.  You may recall last season I lost a bet with Roger, and had to don the cardinal and white for an evening of post-work drinking.  That same bet is on for this year, and I am dreading the possibility of having to wear another article of Badger apparel.  Roger would look much better in my Maroney #22 or Darkins #44 jersey.  Here's what Roger had to say:

As a UW grad and lifelong Badger fan, I was asked by Mr. Bandanna Guy to provide an analysis of the upcoming Badgers-Gophers tussle from a Badgers’ perspective. Now, before I go on, I must admit that my nickname is Goldy. Sucks for a Badger fan. Even worse when Goldy is getting rammed crotch first into the goal post by Bucky and you have the entire student section at Camp Randall chanting, “Crush Goldy’s nuts!” A bit unsettling.

Anyhow, on to the game. This year’s Wisconsin team is disappointing fans for the 11^th straight season. No Big Ten title equals disappointment. Big things were expected out of this year’s team. Most of the offense returned and several defensive starters returned. They were sluggish out of the gate but the hope was they would get it together come Big Ten season. Well, they started on the road with a solid MSU team. Now, Spartan Stadium has not been kind to the Badgers in the past, and 2010 was no different. The Badgers lost by 10 but had a good shot to win this game. Down 3 with about 8 minutes to go they twice had MSU in a 3^rd and long situation and couldn’t stop them. MSU drives the length of the field to seal the game. One 3^rd down stop and the Badgers could have won. Oh Well.

The Badgers offense is not what it was expected to be this year. Some of it has to do with injuries and some has to do with expectations that were a little overboard. In regards to injuries, it has hurt the passing game that Toon and Gilreath have missed 3 games. The only real option with them out is TE Lance Kendricks (who has developed into a great blocker as well). Toon was back against MSU but looked rusty. Hopefully he gets his shit together for this week. With those guys out, the receiving corps is a bunch of JAGs (just a guy) and a white walk-on from Wautoma. John Clay has been a bust this year. He had off-season surgery on both ankles and came into camp looking like the Michelin Man. I believe he spent too much time at Chick-Fil-A back in Racine in the off season. He never had a burst, but he looks slower this season and is not finishing off runs like he did in the past. The O-line was supposed to be the best in the country and looks very pedestrian. Don’t know why, but they look like liquid dog poo.

The D is about what was expected out of them. Not the greatest, but respectable. Chris Borland going out with a season ending injury was a huge blow. As Gopher legend Glenn Mason said about him 68 times in a broadcast last season, “Chris Borland is a FOOTBALL player.” That guy did everything. JJ Watt is very good along the line. He bats down a ton of passes and gets in the backfield a lot. However, he isn’t the best at changing directions and QBs and RBs can put a move on him and get by him. He gets in the backfield like O’Brien Scofield did last year, but he just can't finish the deal. The secondary is crappy but that has been the case since Jamar Fletcher left. Look for a lot of 10 yard cushions, even on 3^rd and 5.

Now, as any good Badger fan would do, I have watched parts of the Minnesota losses. It is just kinda fun. It is obvious that the Gophers can’t stop the run. The killer also seems to be the lack of success on 3^rd and short. You keep giving it to the big white guy and he keeps failing. Now, the 3^rd and short issue shouldn’t be a problem against Wisconsin since they couldn’t stop Case High School (losers of 58 straight games) and 3^rd and short. Now the running thing may be more of an issue. As I mention earlier, Clay has been a disappointment. However, he may have a big day against Minny’s run D. There has been talk this week about Freshman James White taking over the starting role, but I think that was just the coaches going to the media to light a fire under Clay’s ass. White is a quick back that loves to run to the outside but can also pick his gaps in the line, but I see Clay just rumbling up the gut all game long.

So, I see a 31-24 Wisconsin victory. I don’t see Wisconsin punting much, which would be great since the coverage team blows. I see a bunch of 7 minute Wisconsin drives and the game ends with Wisconsin running out the clock with a 6 minute drive to seal the game. Minnesota will move the ball with the passing game but in the end, Tim Brewster coaches the Gophers and Wisconsin will win and retain the Axe for the 43^rd straight year. Honestly, I love watching the Badgers run around with the Axe. It’s my favorite part of the football season. There is nothing more galling than seeing scenes like an English Gophers place kicker running for the Axe. Blah.

I will be at the game with several crappy beers in the system. Should be a good time. On Wisconsin!

There you have it. A bounce-back Wisconsin win, predicted by a Badger fan, but the Gophs easily cover the massive -21.5 points the Badgers are laying.  My prediction coming tomorrow.