In the aftermath of an impressive 38-20 victory in Champaign, Ill., Wisconsin (1-0 Big Ten, 4-1 overall) looks to ride the victory into a strong week of practice in preparation for a trip to Penn State this upcoming weekend.
Smith runs wild
Sophomore running back Dwayne Smith did not look like a backup Saturday against Illinois as he punished the Illini defense all game. Smith finished the day with 193 yards rushing on 34 carries, including three touchdowns. He was named Big Ten offensive player of the Week for his performance.
\To see Dwayne come back this past week and have the day that he did, I really thought he ... made a lot of yardage after contact, and he was very physical and was really into the game,"" said Head Coach Barry Alvarez.
Injury update
Two notable injuries occurred in Saturday's game against Illinois. Senior quarterback Jim Sorgi went down in the second half and had a brace wrapped around his lower back. Sorgi returned and showed minimal pain in helping UW solidify the victory.
Although Sorgi admitted that he had trouble sleeping Saturday night from the pain, he will be fine for the upcoming week of practice. Nonetheless, Sorgi's performance helped the morale of the team come together to finish off the Illini.
""I think football players always respect teammates that are injured and then respond; get hurt and then come back and play,"" Alvarez said. ""I think that your teammates understand that you are playing for the team, and that you are a tough guy, a guy that you can count on. I really thought it was important for him to come back and play and play effectively.""
Freshman defensive back Joe Stellmacher was also hurt Saturday. He was brought off the field on a cart as he was unable to leave the field on his own power. Head Coach Barry Alvarez announced Monday that Stellmacher broke his leg and will not be returning any time soon.
""I don't know if they are going to have to operate on him or if they are going to put it into a cast,"" Alvarez said.
Glimpse at Penn State
Penn State is off to a rough start to the 2003 season. Their loss this past weekend dropped them to 2-3. However, Alvarez and the rest of the Wisconsin team know that they cannot look past Penn State because of the talent that they possess.
""You take a look at their football team itself. Defensively, they are loaded with tremendous athletes... They have a good nucleus back, are very athletic, are very fast on defense and physical,"" Alvarez said.
