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.

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.

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.