Stunning. I never would have predicted this reaction out of the Athletic Department. If this extension was meant to inspire confidence, it has failed. No questions about the recommendations? Let's just say I am mildly suspicious that when the conversation turned to football, Barry's words sounded more like orders than recommendations. With this act, the AD has proven that anything is possible. Maybe, in private, Bret is a hybrid of the genius of Belichick and the leadership of Lombardi. Regardless, it is now unquestionable that Bret will have to be fired as waiting for his contract to end is infeasible. Grab the pitchforks and light the torches, we are going to have to do this the old fashioned way.
Update:
This is the University's press release for the Feb. 9, 2007 extension. At this point, Bret's contract runs through Jan. 31, 2012. Fans often forget that an additional year was added, and I am guilty of making the mistake in an earlier post. Today's press release states that a one-year extension was given, thereby extending the contract to Jan. 31, 2014. The MSJ echoes this date in its report. What happened to 2013? Now I am both disappointed and confused. At least they did it on a Friday instead of heartlessly releasing this on a Monday.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Turn that frown upside down Big Ten.
The Big Ten bowl season is over with a disappointing 1-6 record. I really wanted Ohio State to beat Texas. When the bowls start, Big Ten pride takes precedent over any partisan interests. Plus, I really have no particular fondness for Texas, especially after they beat us in hoops with a banked in 3. Take notice, that other than Iowa, the two best performances were by Ohio State and Northwestern. I am dreading the sight of Terrelle Pryor breaking off 25 yard scrambles at-will against us next year. Northwestern put up a good fight and managed to stifle Chase Daniels and the Mizzou offense for most of the game. Didn't Northwestern's defensive coordinator lead the 2006 Badger's defense? Oh yeah, he did, and then Bret fired him.
As for the Badger's assistant coaches this year, Bret acted in accordance with approximately 1/3 of the votes in our poll. As of today, he is making no major changes to the coaching staff. This is an interesting comparison between the Badgers and Packers coaching changes. In Green Bay, the heads are rolling, and even the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator is looking for a new job.
Finally, I was chagrined to read that Bielema received a $140,000 bonus for leading the Badgers to the Champs Sports Bowl given that he was paid $50,000 for the Capital One Bowl two years ago. This past season and the bowl debacle are not the type of performance this bonus was designed to reward. However, Bret has every right to that money as it is a negotiated part of his contract, but I would still love to read that the money is going to the Salvation Army or some other charity.
As for the Badger's assistant coaches this year, Bret acted in accordance with approximately 1/3 of the votes in our poll. As of today, he is making no major changes to the coaching staff. This is an interesting comparison between the Badgers and Packers coaching changes. In Green Bay, the heads are rolling, and even the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator is looking for a new job.
Finally, I was chagrined to read that Bielema received a $140,000 bonus for leading the Badgers to the Champs Sports Bowl given that he was paid $50,000 for the Capital One Bowl two years ago. This past season and the bowl debacle are not the type of performance this bonus was designed to reward. However, Bret has every right to that money as it is a negotiated part of his contract, but I would still love to read that the money is going to the Salvation Army or some other charity.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
When you're a rising star, it's good to be paid like a star.
One word: flat. Again, the Badgers played a solid 1.93 quarters and then checked out. The differential in intensity was stunning. I hate how we crumble as soon as the game starts to slip away. At a minimum, I hope we learned something from this loss. I'll leave it to the professionals to break down the play-calling.
The game was over when FSU scored their third touchdown. Even when playing well, this Badger team is not built to overcome a deficit against a team that is not going to gift back the lead.
Player of the Game: Mickey Andrews
I realize ESPN could name Bowden's left shoe player-of-the-game if they wanted, but why not give the recognition and pride to a senior?
The quality of the officiating was arguably poor. In theory, some of the calls are the result of the pre-game confrontation at midfield. When that happens, it is not surprising that the officials are quick to throw flags for celebration and rouging the passer/kicker. No crew wants to be responsible for another Miami-Florida International debacle.
The game was over when FSU scored their third touchdown. Even when playing well, this Badger team is not built to overcome a deficit against a team that is not going to gift back the lead.
Player of the Game: Mickey Andrews
I realize ESPN could name Bowden's left shoe player-of-the-game if they wanted, but why not give the recognition and pride to a senior?
The quality of the officiating was arguably poor. In theory, some of the calls are the result of the pre-game confrontation at midfield. When that happens, it is not surprising that the officials are quick to throw flags for celebration and rouging the passer/kicker. No crew wants to be responsible for another Miami-Florida International debacle.
Halftime
The Badgers are winning this game. The Seminoles have the lead, but the Badgers are playing well on both sides of the ball. Ponder is going to be leaving the field on a stretcher if he keeps taking hits. PJ Hill is running like a man possessed; unfortunately the possessing spirit also lacks breakaway speed. Regardless, he is punishing the FSU defense and this bodes well for the second half.
-Everything in italics I wrote before FSU's final drive. Uh oh, I'm the bad luck guy.
I question why the TD fumble recovery was not reviewed. However, I have no idea what the replay rules are in this game and it seemed as though the booth team does not know either. Florida St. is the home team, so they should be using ACC replay rules, but this is a Bowl game so the officials may be following the Champs Sports Rules of Football. The play meets the general NCAA criteria for when replay should be utilized. Should Bret have challenged the play? My answer is a tentative probably, but maybe he saw the play clearly and it was a lateral without question.
The sudden appearance of Billy Mays yelling at me almost resulted in the remote being firmly lodged in the screen. I checked the all-powerful internet; he is neither a Florida State alumni nor an Orlando native. ESPN giving the allegedly "legendary" pitchman screen time is indefensible.
These lower tier bowls are more circus act than football game. For this reason, I refuse to give this game too much significance, but Bret can prove something to all Badger fans in the second half.
-Everything in italics I wrote before FSU's final drive. Uh oh, I'm the bad luck guy.
I question why the TD fumble recovery was not reviewed. However, I have no idea what the replay rules are in this game and it seemed as though the booth team does not know either. Florida St. is the home team, so they should be using ACC replay rules, but this is a Bowl game so the officials may be following the Champs Sports Rules of Football. The play meets the general NCAA criteria for when replay should be utilized. Should Bret have challenged the play? My answer is a tentative probably, but maybe he saw the play clearly and it was a lateral without question.
The sudden appearance of Billy Mays yelling at me almost resulted in the remote being firmly lodged in the screen. I checked the all-powerful internet; he is neither a Florida State alumni nor an Orlando native. ESPN giving the allegedly "legendary" pitchman screen time is indefensible.
These lower tier bowls are more circus act than football game. For this reason, I refuse to give this game too much significance, but Bret can prove something to all Badger fans in the second half.
Friday, December 26, 2008
We keep the money if we lose, right?
Good news Bret, I am alive. I have been occupied by a tough stretch of finals and I appreciate the readers who emailed to inquire about the status of site. There are several Badger issues, so I will keep it short.
-Champs Sports Bowl
Nobody seems to have a clue how this game will play out. Either the Seminoles are too fast for the Badgers or the Badgers are too powerful for Seminoles. The game should be exciting to watch and the weather in Orlando is supposed to be gorgeous, so at a minimum the alumni on site will have fun. As for Bret, I have found the surge in Alvarez's public support for Bret interesting. The part of story that is amazing to me is that the pep talk involved Barry confronting Bret in the shower of an empty locker room. I picture Barry emerging from the steam, wearing his Badger truck suit, like a ghost from 1993. I thought when you spoke to Barry, you did so only after kissing his ring and while sitting on the other side of his desk. Sometimes, he does not turn his giant leather chair to face you.
-Badger Hoops
The Texas games was great. The student section really filled out well. Unfortunately for the Badgers, excellent 3-point shooting was canceled out by poor free throw shooting. Also, it's hard to judge accurately in person, but the officiating seemed weak. The game likely has a different outcome if Marcus stays out of foul trouble. Regardless, the team looked good and well prepared for the Big Ten season.
Finally, all basketball fans owe it to themselves to read this blog. I especially recommend the post on "dotting."
-Student Tickets
Recently, a few articles have been written blasting the student section at football and basketball games. I take a more libertarian view of tickets. If you bought a ticket, you can do whatever you want with it and if that means not attending, then that's your prerogative. However, I definitely feel a ticket exchange program would help for basketball. Because they are not fungible, finding a buyer who only needs one ticket and does not mind sitting with people he or she does not know is difficult. This difficulty is compounded when preparing for tests and free time is at a premium. The Athletic Department could give a 10% discount at Bucky's Locker Room, or some other small incentive to give back tickets. Most fans would prefer to receive little and have their tickets used, as opposed to the seats sitting empty.
As for the football student filling in the second quarter, my initial reaction is to blame the 11 AM start times, but I honestly do not believe later games would solve the problem. Suggest your solutions in the comments.
Finally, Badger Hockey Showdown this weekend.
-Champs Sports Bowl
Nobody seems to have a clue how this game will play out. Either the Seminoles are too fast for the Badgers or the Badgers are too powerful for Seminoles. The game should be exciting to watch and the weather in Orlando is supposed to be gorgeous, so at a minimum the alumni on site will have fun. As for Bret, I have found the surge in Alvarez's public support for Bret interesting. The part of story that is amazing to me is that the pep talk involved Barry confronting Bret in the shower of an empty locker room. I picture Barry emerging from the steam, wearing his Badger truck suit, like a ghost from 1993. I thought when you spoke to Barry, you did so only after kissing his ring and while sitting on the other side of his desk. Sometimes, he does not turn his giant leather chair to face you.
-Badger Hoops
The Texas games was great. The student section really filled out well. Unfortunately for the Badgers, excellent 3-point shooting was canceled out by poor free throw shooting. Also, it's hard to judge accurately in person, but the officiating seemed weak. The game likely has a different outcome if Marcus stays out of foul trouble. Regardless, the team looked good and well prepared for the Big Ten season.
Finally, all basketball fans owe it to themselves to read this blog. I especially recommend the post on "dotting."
-Student Tickets
Recently, a few articles have been written blasting the student section at football and basketball games. I take a more libertarian view of tickets. If you bought a ticket, you can do whatever you want with it and if that means not attending, then that's your prerogative. However, I definitely feel a ticket exchange program would help for basketball. Because they are not fungible, finding a buyer who only needs one ticket and does not mind sitting with people he or she does not know is difficult. This difficulty is compounded when preparing for tests and free time is at a premium. The Athletic Department could give a 10% discount at Bucky's Locker Room, or some other small incentive to give back tickets. Most fans would prefer to receive little and have their tickets used, as opposed to the seats sitting empty.
As for the football student filling in the second quarter, my initial reaction is to blame the 11 AM start times, but I honestly do not believe later games would solve the problem. Suggest your solutions in the comments.
Finally, Badger Hockey Showdown this weekend.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
When Michigan loses an angel gets its wings.
I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving. I am thankful for the joy of watching the men's hockey team beat Michigan 3-0 tonight. The team is back to .500 and that's impressive given their early season schedule. They were running some sort of an auction at the Kohl Center, and I think you could bid on having Adam Burish fight someone you dislike. I'm kidding of course. Actually, Burish was matching bids on some item or something to that effect in an effort to give money to charity, so good for him. I'm also thankful for former Badger hockey players who go on to have NHL careers as enforcers. Mark my words, Burish will be coaching at Wisconsin sometime in the future.
I've attached my personal favorite fight video and a link to Adam's blog. Also, I've put up a new pole on which assistant coach will be the first sacrificial lamb led to slaughter after this season is over.
(doing my best Cosell impression) Down goes Nystrom!
I've attached my personal favorite fight video and a link to Adam's blog. Also, I've put up a new pole on which assistant coach will be the first sacrificial lamb led to slaughter after this season is over.
(doing my best Cosell impression) Down goes Nystrom!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Context, it's all about context
A common and reasonable argument for Bielema is that Wisconsin will always have the occasional 7-5 (3-5) record. For the most part, those of us who think Bielema must go appreciate that Wisconsin is neither Ohio State nor Florida, and will have mediocre and down seasons. This season is different. This team is sufficiently skilled and experienced to have been competing for a Rose Bowl this season. Wisconsin football is consistently one or two losses away from going to a BCS bowl.
This year the Badgers are capable of superb play, but only two quarters per day. We started the season taking the second half off, and then we switched to taking the first half off. You can play this way and win against inferior teams.
As for Cal Poly, I concede that the triple option is a complicated offensive system. However, I point to: senior day as the final game of the season, two game winning streak, bowl ramifications, and what should be a desire to win every game. Every possession, the Badgers should take the ball down field and jam it down the Mustangs' throats. We should make their defense afraid to come back on the field.
On defense, we should blast them three yards backwards and destroy the option ball movement in the backfield. Instead, the Mustangs attacked us and played with confidence as we played on our heels. The triple option is complicated, but it's not like they have 14 players on the field. Finally, there is no reason to celebrate like we just beat Ohio state on a goal line stand. Cal Poly just spared you a massive embarrassment, so be a good sport and celebrate like you kicked an extra point to win after their kicker just ruined his own life.
Every week, the Badger football team is a circus. Yes this team is 7-5, but the win column does not tell the story. It's all about context. You judge a coach by what happens when he has the tools to win. This Badger team entered the season built-to-win, and turned into a train wreck. Bielema obviously won't be fired after this year or the next. Barry will let him finish his contract. The Badgers will scrap their way to a couple more bowl games on the backs of non-conference and Big Ten bottom-feeder wins. Then it's decision time.
This year the Badgers are capable of superb play, but only two quarters per day. We started the season taking the second half off, and then we switched to taking the first half off. You can play this way and win against inferior teams.
As for Cal Poly, I concede that the triple option is a complicated offensive system. However, I point to: senior day as the final game of the season, two game winning streak, bowl ramifications, and what should be a desire to win every game. Every possession, the Badgers should take the ball down field and jam it down the Mustangs' throats. We should make their defense afraid to come back on the field.
On defense, we should blast them three yards backwards and destroy the option ball movement in the backfield. Instead, the Mustangs attacked us and played with confidence as we played on our heels. The triple option is complicated, but it's not like they have 14 players on the field. Finally, there is no reason to celebrate like we just beat Ohio state on a goal line stand. Cal Poly just spared you a massive embarrassment, so be a good sport and celebrate like you kicked an extra point to win after their kicker just ruined his own life.
Every week, the Badger football team is a circus. Yes this team is 7-5, but the win column does not tell the story. It's all about context. You judge a coach by what happens when he has the tools to win. This Badger team entered the season built-to-win, and turned into a train wreck. Bielema obviously won't be fired after this year or the next. Barry will let him finish his contract. The Badgers will scrap their way to a couple more bowl games on the backs of non-conference and Big Ten bottom-feeder wins. Then it's decision time.
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