The Big Picture: Wilson, Badgers legit, but can they handle SEC?

[Coach Hank Crisp]

Click here for link

Big Ten teams have had a woeful record against teams from other powerhouse leagues, particularly against the SEC. They no longer get the benefit of the doubt. Not after the past decade or so, and certainly not after what the SEC has done the past five years.

I'll admit I couldn't help but wonder just how well Wilson and the Badgers would do if they were facing the LSU or Alabama D. The comparisons to another one-year transfer QB sensation who carried a good team to greatness have already been broached, but Wilson isn't the freak talent Cam Newton was. That doesn't mean he can't lead the Badgers to a national title. We'll see. At this point, we don't know enough about Wisconsin to call them a great team yet.

But this RussellMania stuff will be interesting, and it'll feel like a steel-cage match if Wilson and his team are fortunate enough to get to face the SEC champ in the BCS title game.

Alabama, which has higher hurdles left ahead than the Badgers, made just as strong of a statement as Wisconsin on Saturday night. The Crimson Tide rolled into the Swamp against No. 12 Florida and brutalized the Gators, knocking QB John Brantley out of the game and short-circuiting a dynamic running game. Florida came into the game averaging nine runs of 10 yards or more. Against Bama, the Gators managed one -- on a 31-yard scramble by backup QB Jeff Driskel. Most impressive, they limited UF speedsters Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey to just 8 yards on 14 carries.

Offensively, Trent Richardson pounded away at the Gators, running for a career-high 181 yards, and barreled his way into the Heisman discussion. Behind a superb O-line, the Tide converted on 7 of 13 third-down attempts against a UF defense that entered the game No. 1 in the nation in third-down stops at 21 percent (11 for 52). All head-nodding stuff. Yes, there is still going to be some skepticism with QB A.J. McCarron, but Nick Saban doesn't need him to be Russell Wilson. With the cast around him, he may not even need him to be Scott Tolzien.

The footprint Nick Saban has put on SEC territory may be best summed by up this: Three years ago, the Gators were the standard-bearer of the SEC, and since then, 'Bama has outscored Florida 101-29 in the past three meetings.

[Chechem]

It makes me proud.  Thanks, Crisp. 

[SUPERCOACH]

I just checked and Wisconsin has not played anybody.  They opened with 4 out of conference cupcakes, now they are into that grueling Big 10 schedule.  They played #8 Nebraska yesterday (overrated) and they play #19 Illinois later.  Those are the only 2 ranked opponents they will play all year based on the current polls.  Alabama has already played and beaten 3 ranked teams with the LSU showdown looming on the horizon.

[Jamos]

The Big 10 is a very weak conference right now, I wouldn't rank them in the top 5. I do think Wisconsin has a good team though but not as good as the top teams in the SEC.

[Marshal Dillon]

I think we will play Wisconsin for the National Championship. Who else is out there, Boise State?



 

[SUPERCOACH]

Oklahoma if they can run the table.  Who knows if they can do that though.

[SUPERCOACH]

Nebraska at Wisconsin replay is coming on ESPNU right now.  I may watch it for a little bit.

[Jamos]

I hope we do play Boise State

[SUPERCOACH]

I hope we do play Boise State

Wouldn't that be awesome?  We could put a stop to that nonsense once and for all.

[Jamos]

I hope we do play Boise State

Wouldn't that be awesome?  We could put a stop to that nonsense once and for all.

AMEN! 

[BAMADCHAMPSHIPS]

I hope we do play Boise State

Wouldn't that be awesome?  We could put a stop to that nonsense once and for all.

I think after this year we will not be hearing about them anymore. With Moore leaving and all 22+ seniors...... they will fade away.

[SUPERCOACH]

I hope we do play Boise State

Wouldn't that be awesome?  We could put a stop to that nonsense once and for all.

I think after this year we will not be hearing about them anymore. With Moore leaving and all 22+ seniors...... they will fade away.

Let's send them out with a BLOOM!!!

[Marshal Dillon]

I hope we do play Boise State

Wouldn't that be awesome?  We could put a stop to that nonsense once and for all.

I knew you guys would love to see us play Boise St. We can't lose either way, if we play Wisconsin we  knock 'em on their fanny and if we play Boise, we destroy them with our defense.


 

[CrimsonCrusader]

Heck put both of em on the field at the same time and let that Bama D show em whats its all about.LOL

[SUPERCOACH]

Heck put both of em on the field at the same time and let that Bama D show em whats its all about.LOL

 I like that!

[Guest]

Username:
Password:
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever

Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

There aren't any users online.

Loading Tweet...