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2003 Football Preview By Barry The Bear |
IdataSports.com Sports Staff Writer
barrythebear@webtv.net
Posted Tue Aug 26 19:21:04 2003
Hey Badger Fans!!!!!!!!
Are you ready for some football?
Barry Alvarez and his 2003 team are set to go. This season will mark the FOURTEENTH year that the Badger football program will be directed by Barry Alvarez. And despite the fact, that he will replace Pat Richter as Athletic Director next Spring, Alvarez is showing no signs of slowing down. He has stated that he plans on still coaching football for many years to come.
The Badgers are entering the 2003 season, after a somewhat down 2002 campaign. It was a season that saw the Badgers post an 8-6 overall record, including a THRILLING overtime victory in the Alamo Bowl over #14 rated Colorado. But the Badgers were a very disappointing 2-6 finish in the conference.
But overall, the Alvarez era at Wisconsin has been very good. 3 Big Ten Championships and Rose Bowl victories, including BACK to Back in 1998-99. Bowl game appearances in 8 of the last 10 years.
This season, all predictions apear to have the Badgers headed back to the top of the league. Of 44 players listed on the two deep charts of positions, eight are Seniors, including seven starters. Of the 44, sixteen are Sophmores of which five are starters.
Some KEY players this year include: Senior Quarterback= Jim Sorgi...... Senior wide receiver.... LEE EVANS. Corner Back= Scott Starks..... Running Back= Anthony Davis
Now for a preview of the schedule:
Aug 30 at West Virginia: Last year at Camp Randall, the Badgers prevailed with a 34-17 victory. But opening the season on the road, could prove tough for Bucky.
Prediction= Loss
Sept. 6 vs. Akron: Look for Wisconsin to get out of the slow forthe home opener, and allow Akron to threaten. But in the end..... Prediction= WIN
Sept. 13 vs UNLV: Last time these two teams met in Vegas, the Badgers and their fans partied all weekend, sold out the stadium, and brought back a victory to Wisconsin.
Prediction= WIN
Sept. 20 vs North Carolina: The Tar Heels carry a great game and tradition for basketball, BUT not in football.
Prediction= Bucky WINS this one easily and posts a 3-1 record heading into Big Ten action
Sep 27 at Illinois: Conference opener on the road. the last few years, Illinois has dominated Wisconsin. Look for the Badgers to play tight, but fall to 0-1 in the conference.
Prediction: LOSS
Oct 4 at Penn State: Alvarez has a winning record against
Papa Joe in Happy Valley(2-1).Last year, Penn State came to Madison and left with a victory. This year, Wisconsin returns the favor.
Prediction: WIN
Oct 11 vs. Ohio State: ? Do you have your tickets for this game yet??? If you don't, stay home and watch it on tv at 8pm. The National Champs come to Mad City for a rare night game with or without Maurice Clarett. Last year, Ohio State escaped with a slim victory. Look for this year's game to go down to the wire, but in the end.... Bucky will prevail with a VICTORY over the champs.
Prediction: WIN!!!!
Oct 18 vs. Purdue: Purdue could possibly be a national contender this year. Look for another close game at home.
Prediction: WIN
Oct 25 at Northwestern: Generally considered a "home game" on the ROAD, given the close proximity and the fact that there are thousands of Badger alums living in the Chicago area.
Prediction: WIN
Nov. 8 at Minnesota: Something about football teams from Madison and Green Bay having MAJOR PROBLEMS when playing in the dome. Look for Bucky's dome troubles to continue.
Prediction: LOSS
November 15 vs. Michigan State: MSU has many unanswered questions heading into the 2003 season. Many of those qestions will still be unanswered when the Spartans come to Madison.
Predition: WIN
nOVEMBER 22 VS. Iowa: The Hawkeys played very well in 2002, and earned a BCS game. While it will be a bit of a rebuilding year, the Hawkeyes will still be a strong contender in 2003.
Prediction: WIN
So to revew...... 3-1 in the non-conference and 6-2 in the Big Ten for an OVERALL mark of 9-3.
GOOD ENOUGH for another post season bowl game.
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