2011 Wisconsin Badger Football Recap (Disappointment)
Boy did the addition of Russell Wilson change expectations, especially after the rout of Nebraska in the first B1G game of the year. We looked unstoppable. As it would turn out, Nebraska wasn’t as good as advertised, especially on defense. Heck, some pundits thought they could with the conference in their first year. We all know how that story ends, with Nebraska getting killed in their bowl game. But I digress.
This year was supposed to be different than others. I’ve long lamented the fact that many Wisconsin fans regard the Rose Bowl as the pinnacle of college football. It’s a big game, but it’s not the biggest game. For the first time in the Alvarez era pundits and fans alike were talking about Wisconsin as a possible national title contender. It was not meant to be.
In all three losses we were within a score of tying or taking the lead as the clock reached zero. The Badgers’ average margin of defeat was a measly 5.6 points. An extra third down conversion here, one less turnover there, and things might have played out differently.
It begs the question, can the Wisconsin program ever make it to the big dance? Will the Rose Bowl forever be as good as it gets? Don’t get me wrong, two consecutive Rose Bowl appearances would be a mark of success for most programs in the country so I don’t mean to minimize the team’s accomplishments. But in a year with one of the best QB/RB combinations in the country, something Wisconsin has arguably never had before, it just seemed like this team was destined for more.
The recent shakeup on the coaching staff is a little scarey, but I’m going into it with a glass half ful approach by viewing this as a great opportunity to bring in some great new coaches. Plus Montee “Money” Ball will be back next season and who knows, maybe he’ll bring home the Heisman this time.
See you at Camp Randall in the fall!