Following close on the heels of Hurricane Ophelia, the force of nature that is the 2005 Badger offense will look to rain points upon the Tar Heels and continue their record-setting displays of the last two weeks. Averaging a staggering 60.5 points per game, albeit against two porous defenses, head coach Barry Alvarez likes the Badger's prospects as the level of defensive resistance ramps up.
\I think we could be a very solid offense,"" Alvarez said. I thought that all along. I think everyone's question mark coming in was three new starters in the offensive line and whether John could take a step.""
If the Badgers' first two contests are any indication, these two questions have been answered. With the offensive line opening up gaping holes for the rushing attack (325.5 yards per game) while providing excellent protection for John Stocco to operate (20-29, four touchdowns), the Badgers have proven they can get the job done on the ground or through the air.
However, this week Wisconsin will have to play away from Camp Randall and step into what could very well be a hornet's nest Saturday night at Kenan Stadium. Miami experienced firsthand the hazards of playing a night game before a sea of Carolina Blue last season when the Tar Heels knocked off the No. 3 ranked Hurricanes on then-freshman kicker Connor Barth's 42-yard field goal as time expired.
North Carolina's biggest challenge this season will be replacing record-setting quarterback Darian Durant who led Carolina to a 6-5 record last season while averaging 390.7 yards per game, good for second in the powerful ACC conference. When Durant graduated, he took with him 51 school records, including career marks, passing yards, touchdowns and completions.
Stepping into Durant's large shoes is fifth-year senior Matt Baker, whose first collegiate start came last week in a near upset of No. 17 Georgia Tech. Despite his relative lack of in-game experience, defensive coordinator Bret Bielema holds the senior in high regard.
""I really like the way he [Baker] competes,"" said Bielema. ""What jumped out at me was when their head coach made reference to that he's been a leader for two years. He's the type of kid whose dad's an old ball coach, he's been around the game and sometimes you can't put a price tag on that heritage or those things they've experienced through the years without ever playing.""
Baker will be protected by an offensive line that is considered by many to be one of the strengths of the team. The Tar Heel signal caller will also have at his disposal a deep and talented receiving corps, ""They've got, in my opinion, four to five receivers who could start probably at any program,"" said Bielema of the senior- laden group.
Charged with the task of slowing down the prolific Badger offense will be nine returning starters on the Carolina defense. Hardly a top notch unit a season ago, UNC ranked last among ACC teams in total and scoring defense, the Tar Heels' hope to sport a much stronger unit this season, led by sophomore tackles Khalif Mitchell and Kyndraus Guy. The Carolina defensive line will also be bolstered by the return of tackle Chase Page, a senior who redshirted last season after tearing a tendon in his left hand.
A young Badger squad will have to overcome it's lack of experience and stay focused if it hopes to come away with a victory in it's toughest test of the season to date.
""You always worry about big eyes. You worry about guys being distracted,"" Alvarez explained. ""You try to stay focused on what you have to do.""
Hoping to prep his squad for the unique challenges of playing a night game, Alvarez said the team will practice either at NC State or Duke's field on Friday night.
""We're going to go to the stadium under the lights that night just to get a feel for the stadium and see the lights,"" Alvarez said.
