Wisconsin Badgers: Just Play Ball

JSONLINE.com just released an article about things changing for the Wisconsin Badgers' football team; the rumor is that this year they are going to focus on being disciplined and just playing the game.  What?  Is this the same Badgers team that ripped off 7 wins and was embarassed 13-42 in their bowl game against FSU?  The same team, that in that game, made a tackle after a 13 yard gain being down by 20+ points and celebrated like this?  I'm pretty sure the first 30 seconds on that video are game footage from the Champs Sports Bowl.  This is also the same team that ripped off a solid 69 penalties last year for 616 yards, including their Head Coach getting a 15 yard unsportsmenlike conduct penalty at Michigan State in an epic meltdown.  Here are some "highlights" so you can remember that game.  (How does somebody cover a game and not show a coach getting flagged?  It's not like that happens a lot to football coaches.  This isn't basketball or baseball where it's expected.. it's football.  How many coaches have you seen getting flagged?  Remember Coach B:  OWNERSHIP)

Anyway, last year's team said a lot of the right things (hint, senior linebackers) but Saturdays came and nothing changed.  They were still undisciplined, they still made Chad Ochocinco's celebrations look Pop Warnerish, even if they were losing or the opponent picked up a 1st down.  The coaching staff was nowhere to be found then, that is something that needs to be done in-season.  Not after the team is embarassed and wins 7 games.  Of course, it all starts at the top, and when the coach spends mroe time eating steak and 2lbs of cheese with a bottle of vodka those kind of things will happen. 

I'm glad the statement was made, but now it's time to do something about it on the field.  I know I will not be happy if I see the same type of shenanigans this season, as last.  I don't care if the team wins 12 games, bobbing your head like Merton Hanks isn't the answer after every tackle.  Make the tackle, get up, go back to the huddle and do it again.  You are probably getting a free tuition, free food, and free tutoring so do what you need to do.