Fire Bret Bielema

Unwavering faith is always the answer.

2009-01-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

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.

Turn that frown upside down Big Ten.

2009-01-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

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.

When you're a rising star, it's good to be paid like a star.

2008-12-27T16:35:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-27T14:27:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-12-26T20:31:00.000-08:00

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.

When Michigan loses an angel gets its wings.

2008-11-29T21:38:00.000-08:00

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!

Context, it's all about context

2008-11-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

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.

Bielema mounts heroic 4th quarter comeback.

2008-11-22T15:56:00.000-08:00

That's going to be the standard headline tomorrow. Every time the Badgers have won, I've praised the team and any areas of improvement. I thought it was unfair and hypocritical to demand change and then complain when the team wins, even if the win is ugly. Today, that standard is getting thrown out the window. I'm standing out there in the cold, and for the first time ever I don't feel happy that we won. I feel relieved, but also a little angry and dejected. I really don't like watching us celebrate like we clinched the conference when really we just barely avoided abject humiliation. The defense spent 4 quarters being mystified by the option and the offense somehow managed to not drop 60 points on Cal Poly. This game makes me not want to watch, talk, or even think about Badger football. I need to get some air and clear my head. More posts later and the poll is back up.

the good and the bad

2008-11-15T16:42:00.000-08:00

Great game. While not as statistically dominant as the Indiana win, I believe this was definitely the best game of the season. With the exceptions of Barry's final win at home against Michigan and the 2003 win against Ohio State, this was the best football game I've watched in person. Unfortunately, the excitement from the win is tempered by Jefferson's injury. Anytime the ambulance pulls onto the field is a stark reminder of dangerous hits to the head and neck area can be. There was also a particularly dirty block in the back on a punt in the first half. I'm not sure how it would be implemented, but I would wholeheartedly support a rule, similar to hockey, that if you end another player's day with an illegal hit, you are out for the game as well. With any luck, Jefferson will be walking out of the hospital by 10 PM.

Keep hope alive.

2008-11-08T12:26:00.000-08:00

I'd call it a basketball score, but Indiana didn't hold up their end. 443 rushing yards is incredible. P.J. looked great as did Gilreath. It would have been nice to play Indiana earlier in the season when the Badgers were in the midst of the slide, but today's game might be exactly what the team needs before facing Minnesota. Bowl game on the horizon.

I scalp Indiana football tickets, full-time.

2008-11-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

Results to halftime:
Yes 1273 (74%)
No 258 (15%)
Not sure yet 175(10%)

So those are the results of the poll running from after the Michigan State game to halftime of today's game. Gilreath just scored, so it appears as though the Badgers are starting to pull away. Indiana is a great practice dummy squad. The Badgers should benefit from a game where they can focus on execution against a team that cannot effectively take advantage of mistakes. The real story of the game is the replacement of Bielema's windbreaker. The new coat looks good, and I'm hoping its presence inspires the team and propels us to victory.

...and say hi to your mother for me.

2008-11-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

I spent this past weekend in Minneapolis with some friends from the business school and though the trip limited my posting, it did provide a surreal experience. The Gophers were off to an excellent start at 7-1 (3-1) before losing to Northwestern in a game they, arguably, should have won. Oddly reminiscent of the Badgers for the past 8 years. The Badgers are tumbling largely thanks to ineffective coaching and are struggling to make a bowl appearance. Oddly reminiscent of the Gophers for the past 11 years. It was a bizzaro world role switch. In the end, it didn't matter if you were wearing red or yellow because everyone left disappointed.

Obviously the penalty on Bielema is a topic of significant discussion. I read Bielema's explanation here. Bret's version of events:
"When I came down and asked the official what was the cause for the foul, he said he was being interfered with to do his job," Bielema said. "I told him that in my opinion he wasn't really doing a good job and that's what drew the 15-yard penalty."

What I want to know is whether Bielema's explanation is a witty summation of what he actually said or is he purporting that telling the official he wasn't doing a good job is the entirety of what drew the penalty. I find it hard to believe that a Big Ten official was so thin skinned as to throw a flag for "I don't think you're doing a good job." In fact, he's more likely to thank Bret for the well-mannered criticism. How have we not seen dozens of these penalties across college football if the standard is so low? I cannot remember ever seeing a similar penalty, and I've watched plenty of replays where you can literally read the coach's lips as he yells "you're a f-ing moron" at a ref and still no flag. Maybe it's because I've worked as an umpire and a referee, but I find it disingenuous to act so coy about the exchange. Anyone who has officiated will agree that you will not survive long as an umpire, judge, or referee if you have rabbit ears.
As a matter of necessity, referees do not discuss games with the media and so Bielema's statement is our only source of information. Further explanation is warranted, though likely not forthcoming.

Call timeout! Call timeout!

2008-11-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

Tough loss today. We played really well and the dynamic duo of Clay and Hill trampled the Michigan State* defense. However, the story of the game is clock management. Some might say that spiking the ball when you have a timeout is a mistake. Those same people might also tell you that it's unwise to call timeout and allow the opposing kicker to settle himself when that kicker is about to attempt a game winning, 44 yard field goal. Bret Bielema disagrees with these people and their views on football. Who do you agree with?
On a side note, did the announcers have a bet over how many times they could use the word mayday in one minute?
mayday, mayday, mayday, mayday
*my apologies to MSU fans

Stocco? Never heard of him.

2008-10-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

I've thought about how Stocco will be remembered at Wisconsin before and now I'm curious what others think. John Stocco's career culminated in the 2007-2008 season when the Badgers won the Capital One Bowl against Arkansas. Not to besmirch that team and that bowl win, but I've always thought that Stocco was cheated out of his legacy at Wisconsin by the BCS limit on conference representation. He will be remembered as a great Badger quarterback, but he will probably never be lumped with Bevel or Bollinger because of the notoriety of his final bowl game. Let us hypothesize that Michigan loses another conference game in 2007 and the Badgers go to the Rose Bowl to play USC. As good as that Badger team was, they were likely incapable of defeating USC. Say what you will about USC, but under Pete Carrol they have always performed in the Rose Bowl, even in the loss to Texas in 2007.
So what is a better outcome for John Stocco's legacy, a win in the Capital One Bowl over Arkansas, or a loss to USC in the Rose Bowl?

Thanks for the responses so far. However, the comparison I'm suggesting is strictly between and Cap One win or a competitive Rose loss. I think it's safe to assume we'd all prefer a Rose win.

Shoot him like a hor...oh crap, it's a badger

2008-10-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

Farewell Travis Beckum. It wasn't until later on Saturday when I had a chance to see the replay the het that the extent of the injury became apparent. This is a terrible end to what was otherwise a magnificent career. We may disagree on many topics, but all sports fans can agree on the unjustness of a season-ending injury. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Travis. With any luck, this injury will not hinder Travis' NFL career. Travis, you were a Badger for the ages, and you will be missed.

Off the schnide

2008-10-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

Got back from the game. We finally see senior level play from our defense. Great work and a strong finish from everybody. That's what it would have been great to see for the past 4 weeks, but late is better than never. I hope this marks the change that we've been waiting for. It was not by any means a return to a dominant offensive performance and special teams was better but not great. It's not fair to expect everything to be perfect. This was a win that required strong play across 4 quarters, and for us to accomplish that is fantastic and hopefully a sign of things to come.
Finally, Michigan is the most hated Big Ten team, and nobody cares about Michigan State. Sounds about right.

mea culpa

2008-10-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

The poll is closed and probably one day too soon. I screwed up, but as everyone knows you have good weeks and bad weeks. Everyone just needs to relax and give me as much time as I need to turn the site around. To the results!
Yes - 539 - 55%
No - 280 - 28%
Not sure yet - 151 - 15%
The "yes" has won this week. The total number of votes is down significantly this week, so there may be a number of "no" voters who have not taken the time to vote. Shame on them, it's your duty as an American to vote in anything and everything as much as possible.
So, in the gambling world we are a 2.5 point dog. However, we are Adam Rittenberg's upset pick of the week, so we got that going for us. I agree with Adam on this one. We are back at home, it's homecoming week, and Illinois is a flawed team.
The next poll asks which Big Ten team you dislike the most. I want us to viciously and relentlessly destroy every other Big Ten team in every sport, but I truly and deeply loathe Michigan athletics. Everyone has one team that for whatever reason, stands above the rest as an object of disdain. For example, my former freshman roommate hates Purdue. In the comments to this post, please share why a certain team has earned your derision.

Wednesday, just trying to cope

2008-10-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

Badgers now holding the #5 spot in espn's bottom 10. Check it out here. This is probably the only college football poll in which I don't want to reach #1.
Also on espn.com, according to Adam Rittenberg, Bret Bielema knows about the site. And when asked about it here, this transpired:

Despite Wisconsin's losing streak, Bielema maintains a sense of humor, as he showed when asked about the new Web site, www.firebretbielema.com.

"Someone in my hometown finally got the Internet," Bielema said.

My first response was relief. He's not angry and so I guess I can stop locking my bedroom door. Upon further thought, I'll admit that I don't get the joke. Is he suggesting that his hometown doesn't support him, or that I'm from his hometown? Maybe the reporter who asked the question was from his hometown. That would make sense. If anyone actually knows or has a theory, please share.

Adam Rittenberg is just reporting on the question, so he's clean, but what kind of reporter asks that question? What useful Badger football news is this question designed to collect. It doesn't matter what Bret thinks about the site because he has more important things to worry about. If Bret Bielema spends 1 second thinking about firebretbielema.com, it is 1 second too many. Asking him about the site is a lazy, gossipy question masquerading as sports journalism. Is the reporter hoping Bret gets angry? You're a professional journalist, ask a real question.

Homecoming Week

2008-10-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

It's Homecoming week everybody! Time to celebrate the return of our team home from a tough Iowa loss. Homecoming is a week of celebration and that magic time of year when the more "historic" state street bars gather revenue for the year like a squirrel collecting nuts before winter. Jokes aside, it's a really fun week for students and alumni. One of my favorite college experiences was riding in the parade. It's too bad that this year's homecoming has to be under such dire circumstances for the team. Where is Indiana when we need them?
Speaking of Indiana, what is Northwestern doing at #22 in the BCS standings? Is there a smugness factor in the BCS standings that I don't know about?
We need to win this Saturday or it's going to ruin that night's Yael Naim concert. If anyone needs me I'll be in the front starting the mosh pit.

No! We lost the Heartland

2008-10-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

The golden calf trophy is gone. We'll have to wait a year to admire its golden, blank nameplates. Maybe we'll care about it in 20 years when it starts to look old and meaningful.
We could start a pay-pal donation system on the site to buy a quarterback. It wouldn't work though, as was just pointed out to me, because real QB's require OSU coin. Is anyone else watching the Big Ten Network post-game? It's almost like they're sponsored by Hotels.com.
38 points and a fourth straight game without a 100 yard rusher. Total Domination. Fire Bret Bielema.

breakaway speed

2008-10-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

Things are officially out of control thanks to Iowa's explosive offense. I never thought I would find myself describing the Iowa offense as anything other than sloth-like, but here I am. Another pick, and the booth team is calling for Evridge. Screw that, it's time to let a few others guys have a shot. On any given D.1 college team, half the players probably played QB in high school. Let's mix it up. We're now at that part of the game where the booth relentlessly praises the Iowa players. Did you know Shonn Greene is the strongest and fastest running back in the Big Ten? Keep the superlatives coming fellas. If someone doesn't call him a god amongst men by the end of the game, I'm going to be disappointed.
Ok, so Tolzien is in now and touchdown!

Halftime

2008-10-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

Dustin Sherer is the choice with 44% of the vote. He hasn't thrown a pick so far, so I think the poll got this one right.
So it's 14-3 right now. This is dangerous territory against this Iowa team. With the exception of the Indiana game, the Iowa offense is strikingly similar to our own. They run the ball incessantly and grind the opponent down. Shonn Greene is a monster that I thought lived only in my nightmares. Although, I love the way he spells his name. It reminds of of Shawon Dunston. Our offense needs to continue the momentum from the end of the half and put up some points early on in the next half. If we keep giving Iowa the ball, we run the risk of Iowa having some 10 minute drive and not leaving us with enough time to tie the game or take the lead. Honestly, this game is like watching us play ourselves. They even have a cornerback named Fletcher. On the bright side, we are leading in passing yards, so take that Iowa fans.
Here we go, second half.

Talent is overrated

2008-10-15T23:42:00.000-07:00

So we're watching the Big Ten Network. Of course it's fantastic that we can watch the games now, but otherwise, it's not exactly hard-hitting sports television. I guess Coaches Q&A isn't that bad. Minnesota and Tim Brewster are just oozing confidence right now. Studio analyst Chris Martin just told me they're winning because they play with heart and character. Of course! I'll never understand why coaches don't always start with the heart and character when trying to improve. That's going to be the next poll, what do the Badgers most need more of this season: heart, character, or maybe grit? You can always use more grit. I just asked one of my roommates that question and he responded with, "wins."
Next up, Michigan Football Memories.
I'm so excited we'll be appearing on this show in a few years.

The results are in

2008-10-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

Mounting a late comeback, the No's have won.
Yes - 604 - 39%
No - 694 - 45%
Not Sure - 224 - 14%
Looking over the comments, both sides of the debate have made some strong arguments for firing or retaining Coach Bielema. Many were quick to point out that Wisconsin football is cyclical, and that a weak start to one season is hardly a pattern. On the other side, many fans pointed out the decline in success as we have moved further away from Barry's recruits and started watching teams composed of Bret's players. Overall, the employment of Bret Bielema is a subject over which reasonable minds can differ. Next up, we're putting up a poll for who should be starting at QB this Saturday. Of course, we're not watching practice so this is entirely a knee-jerk reaction, but who cares? It's just for fun. This is not the starting lineup in an all-star game and so we don't get a vote. I'll put up a new duplicate poll of the one that just finished after Saturday's game.

On a separate not, on the advice of some more experienced sports bloggers, I'm going to start moderating the comments with a heavier hand. Profanity, personal attacks, and advertising will no longer be tolerated. You can continue to call me and others "idiots", but "fu****g idiots" is going to get nixed.

Clearing things up

2008-10-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
Just to make things perfectly clear, the creator of this site and the person(s) threatening to send letters to recruits and start a 10,000 name petition are not affiliated. We may share a common disapproval of Bret Bielema's performance as coach, but are otherwise separate. I do not support the mailing of recruits and I am also dismayed that this other Fire Bret Bielema group is trying to claim responsibility for this site.
To the other group, I would appreciate you putting contact information in a comment to this post so we can work out an agreement.
For everyone else, including members of the media, remember that comments do not equal content.