After defeating then-No.21 Fresno State 13-10 in enemy territory, the Wisconsin football team will be looking to correct mistakes, expand play options and get healthy during its bye week in preparation for the Big Ten opener against Michigan Sept. 27, head coach Bret Bielema said Monday.
The Badgers moved up to No. 8 in the polls and are now the top ranked Big Ten team after Ohio State fell to No. 13 following a 35-3 trouncing by USC.
To go play a ranked opponent on the road was a bold challenge,"" Bielema said.
Bielema named junior tailback P.J. Hill the offensive MVP, and, while the Big Ten named senior linebacker DeAndre Levy the Big Ten defensive player of the week, Bielema gave the team's defensive honor to senior defensive end Matt Shaughnessy.
Shaughnessy put constant pressure on Fresno State quarterback Tom Brandstater and tipped the ball on a late first quarter passing attempt that set up a Levy interception and a subsequent touchdown by the offense.
Levy made nine tackles, three for loss, a sack, the game-shifting interception and a pass breakup Saturday.
""There just seems to be a presence to him now that, 'It's on me, I'm going to do this,'"" Bielema said. ""And he's really taken his play to another level.""
Hill gained 112 yards in 26 carries for his 16th career game with more than 100 yards. His is also leading the team in rushing for the third straight year.
""I don't know if I've seen him play better,"" Bielema said. ""He did a really good job and obviously hung on to the football.""
Bielema said the return of senior linebacker Jonathan Casillas and senior tight end Travis Beckum from injury gave the team an extra boost.
""They brought energy during the course of the week,"" Bielema said. ""The game on Saturday may have been won during the course of the week the way Travis practiced the way he did.""
On injuries, Bielema said that senior quarterback Allan Evridge, who was carted out due to a hamstring cramp, is fine, and that Beckum and Casillas have no lingering problems. He also said the team is gearing to get sophomore defensive back Aaron Henry, who missed the first three games with a knee injury, back in action against Michigan.
Although Wisconsin has not beaten Michigan in Ann Arbor since 1994, the 1-2 Wolverines have struggled this season. Plagued by six turnovers, Michigan lost to Notre Dame 35-17 Saturday.
""Any time you turn the ball over as many times as they did, you're going to have some issues,"" Bielema said, adding that Michigan could be formidable if they improve on turnovers and utilize talented players such as freshman running back Sam McGuffie.
After going 2-4 on the road last year, the Badgers appear to have figured out how to win away from Camp Randall stadium.
""[The players] embraced the environment we had up there,"" Bielema said. ""It was great to see them smile and take that and use it as energy.""
