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Good afternoon from Memorial Stadium. Stories galore leading up to today’s Illinois-Wisconsin game. Let’s run them …
– Bret Bielema spent nine seasons in Wisconsin and was in charge of the program for seven seasons. He won three Big Ten Championships with the Badgers. Now coach of Illinois, Bielema is not very interested in framing this game like his new team playing his old team.
–A homecoming game against Wisconsin actually brings back fond memories to Illinois fans. Two years ago (not quite overnight), Illini kicker James McCourt punched a 29-yard field goal to secure the surprise victory. The land was taken by storm. McCourt found himself at the bottom of a bunch of his teammates and nearly passed out from lack of oxygen.
– Let’s just say that neither Illinois nor Wisconsin have put together a hugely effective attack on the pitch this season. The Illini have at least handled the ball well in the last two games with Josh McCray and Chase Brown. The Badgers didn’t even do that well.
Neither team has a quarterback worthy of mention. Brandon Peters was ineffective after returning from injury for the Illini. Graham Mertz of Wisconsin enjoyed the best game of his career last year against Illinois and has done nothing to match his efforts since.
So there is plenty to watch as the Illini and Badgers face off at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin probably need a win more than Illinois in the grand scheme of things, but the Illini are looking for more than just beating Charlotte last week. That’s not what Bielema is here for.
Scott Richey is a journalist covering college basketball at The News-Gazette. His email is [email protected], and you can follow him on Twitter (@srrichey).
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