First impressions. They may or may not be a good index of where the Wisconsin Badger football team is headed in its first year under new head coach Bret Bielema.
It's difficult to say what kind of measuring stick Bowling Green provided last Saturday for UW. There was a lot of hype surrounding this one: the ""Clash in Cleveland"" slogan, a professional football stadium and two teams who provided some fireworks here in last season's opener.
But as the game progressed, it became clearer that the Badgers' opponents were running more on emotion, less on talent. So what kind of assessment can we really draw from just one game?
How about P.J. Hill? It seemed as if he—ahem—rocked and rolled over nearly every Falcon defender with his 5'11', 240 lb. frame.
Word has it that he takes a lot of flak from other players about that weight, yet they could be riding this ""wide load"" to some wins this year if he posts more performances like Saturday's.
Hill and fellow freshman Lance Smith gave us a glimpse into the future class of what's commonly known as ""Tailback U."" And it was promising. If Dywon Rowan can punish defenders as he did on that seven yard plow into the end zone, it could be that much easier to forget about No. 2.
As for the wideouts? Don't think they aren't familiar with the stat pointed out in the telecast: something like 99 percent of the receiving yards last year came from guys not on the team anymore. They have a lot to prove this year. But I do have to ask, what linebacker is going to stay with Travis Beckum, the linebacker turned tight-end? With the potential of the run game this year, the receivers don't have to be great, just efficient enough to keep a defense honest.
On special teams, which Bielema knows can turn a game or two early in the season, the early returns are off the charts. But the opinion here is that the enthusiasm has to be tempered when you're up against a team with that punt formation. Nevertheless, something special is emerging in the form of Jonathan Casillas, who now has three punt blocks and a touchdown in 13 games.
Then there's something to be said about the defense, which early on seemed still had not figured out how to stop a shifty, running quarterback. But adjustments were made, and the Badger defense bore down, while Bowling Green scored only on their first possessions of the halves. There is a lot of talent on this side of the ball, which will be important when the offense is struggling to score points.
Nothing much has changed in the way of John Stocco, who continues to be dependable. His most important accomplishment this past weekend was merely stepping onto the field. He had surgery on his knee just four weeks ago and was questionable just before game-time, but gutted it out and set great precedent for guys who become banged up later in the year.
Finally, the coaching. For some reason, it didn't seem all that different with Bielema on the sidelines.
The decision to defer on the coin toss and the aggression with regard to the running game had beloved Barry's fingerprints all over, and the new head coach had effusive praise for his staff for their in-game management.
There you have it. That's the first impression I take away from the 2006-'07 Badgers.
And if you still can't tell, I've got a feeling that the Badger red may be a bit rosier than you think this year.
