The last time the Wisconsin Badgers were able to defeat the Michigan Wolverines, Bill Clinton was the President of the United States, Barry Alvarez was in his fifth season as Badger head coach and freshmen defensive end Matthew Shaughnessy was only eight years old.
A lot has happened since the SuperPrep All-American selection from Norwich, Conn.
\I can't remember that game,"" Shaughnessy said, who also lettered three years in basketball and two in track while in high school. ""But just being in the locker room and stuff, you can tell how much this rivalry and game means.""
The road to Madison started early for Shaughnessy, as the Badger coaching staff began recruiting when he was in tenth grade.
""They started recruiting me when I was a sophomore and coach B. [Bielema] came down and told me how great things were over here,"" said Shaughnessy, who also considered scholarship offers from the University of Conneticut, Purdue and Boston College. ""After that, I took my official visit and committed right after.""
It's been a crash course for the true freshman ever since he arrived on campus. Initially, the potential for redshirting was realistic until recent injuries to the defensive line forced Shaughnessy into the playing rotation.
""When I got here, coach said there was a chance to play in a certain defense so I was just working hard to get to that spot,"" Shaughnessy said about the start of fall camp. ""But then with all the [injuries] going on, I kind of just found my way onto the field.""
Since given the opportunity to play, Shaughnessy has not disappointed. He has been a reliable presence at the end position, tallying three tackles, one sack and one quarterback hurry in a heightened role in Saturday's victory over North Carolina.
""I felt comfortable that game,"" Shaughnessy said, referring to the UNC contest. ""Things started to get going for me.""
Defensive coordinator Bret Bielema is encouraged with the progress his freshman end has made since arriving on campus. It remains uncertain if Shaughnessy will start against the Wolverines, but he is certain to make his way onto the field for Saturday's game.
""I think he has made some great strides,"" Bielema said. ""He's a guy we have to count on now and he has responded well to the challenge.""
Shaughnessy will be celebrating his 19th birthday on Friday, but he likely wouldn't mind a belated gift in the form of a victory over Michigan a day later. For now, Shaughnessy will remain focused on his first glimpse of Big Ten competition.
""It's gonna be fun,"" Shaughnessy. ""I can't say what I'm thinking, but we just want to win.\
