In a season that could have been an absolute disaster after losing so many key players to the NFL and then more players to injury, Barry Alvarez and the No. 19 Badgers (5-2 Big Ten, 8-2 overall) have somehow found a way to overcome adversity and put together a successful season. Quite the fitting finish for a coach that has done incredible things for the program, and the irony of finishing off the Big Ten season against Penn State and Iowa is not lost on him.
'I think it's ironic [that] my last two games here, I play in my home state and then play the school that gave me the opportunity,' Alvarez said in his Monday press conference. 'I'm really fond of the eight years that I coached at the University of Iowa and [was] fortunate enough to be around some unbelievable coaches.'
Even as the injuries keep piling up (starting offensive lineman Matt Lawrence appears to be out against Iowa with a sprained ankle), Alvarez continues to be optimistic and lauds the job that his players who have filled in have done. Four of the team's seniors succumbed to the injury bug at various times this year, but the leadership has still been there.
'[Due to injuries], we haven't had a lot of chance for seniors to have to stand up and be counted as far as leadership,' Alvarez said. 'We've found ways to win, the young guys have stepped up, and they've been a really fun group to coach because they've done what we've asked.'
The unexpected success of this season may have caused some coaches to reconsider retiring, but not Alvarez. After 16 years of coaching, he is content with completing his tenure on a good note, and does not regret much he has done in that time.
'I don't know if I'd do anything over,' Alvarez said. 'I'm sure I've made mistakes, but nothing that we haven't been able to overcome.'
'I still am very at peace with my decision and feel good about it,' Alvarez said. 'And I'm just really pleased that we had this type of year, that you can go out like this and enjoy the year and enjoy the players and they can have some success and have a little fun along the way.'
With his last game at Camp Randall imminent, the opportunity for Alvarez to wax nostalgic is quickly approaching. For now he's focusing on Saturday's opponent in the form of Iowa.
In a game last season that most would like to forget, the Hawkeyes dismissed any chance for a Wisconsin Rose Bowl appearance in a resounding 30-7 victory.
'I really haven't thought of it [being my last game] much,' Alvarez said. 'My weekly schedule is pretty much routine and probably as it gets closer to Saturday, and Saturday in particular, it'll probably hit me, but right now it's Monday as usual, game week.'
