Frustrated by Fresno State's inability to run the ball on the left side of the field, Bulldog head coach Pat Hill told his players to keep away from Wisconsin senior defensive end Matt Shaughnessy in the Sept. 13 matchup.
We tried to stay away from [Shaughnessy] as much as we could,"" Hill told The Fresno Bee. ""We wanted to work the right side as much as we could, and that was tough sledding, too. Running the ball was tough against these guys.""
Shaughnessy credited his teammates as well for scaring Fresno State away from his side of the field.
""That's pretty cool,"" Shaughnessy said. ""It means we're doing our job on that side. Mike [Newkirk] and I are getting the job done, along with Andre Levy and Jonathan Casillas.""
While senior linebacker DeAndre Levy was recognized as the National and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his stellar performance against Fresno State, the Wisconsin coaches gave the team defensive MVP honor to Shaughnessy for repeatedly getting in Fresno State quarterback Tom Brandstater's face. Shaughnessy got his hands on the ball a couple times and set up Levy's interception, which led to a touchdown by the Wisconsin offense.
""Although Andre [Levy] had a great game and is pointed out by the Big Ten Conference, Matt Shaughnessy was outstanding in the game,"" head coach Bret Bielema said. ""Obviously, he created the big play.""
Shaughnessy, last's years team defensive MVP and three-time All-Big Ten player, is known for his speed and long arms. He earned 18 tackles for losses last season, putting him fourth among Big Ten defenders. Bielema also said Shaughnessy is good at assessing the field and listening to the coaches' advice.
""He's very intelligent,"" Bielema said. ""He's great about looking to sidelines. As coaches, we know a few things, and we've tipped him off.""
This weekend, the defense will take on a completely new Michigan team, with a first-year head coach, quarterback and running back. Michigan running back Sam McGuffie, a freshman, is known for his speed and ability to get away from defenders, and may pose a challenge for the Wisconsin defense.
The Wolverines got off to a poor start this season, however, losing two games, as well as recording six turnovers in their most recent game against Notre Dame, which resulted in a 35-17 defeat.
""Michigan is a solid team,"" Shaughnessy said. ""We definitely don't underestimate them, but we'll see whether they can recover from 1-2.""
Shaughnessy said the defense capitalized on the bye week, which allowed key players, including junior linebacker Jaevery McFadden and senior defensive lineman Jason Chapman, who both suffered from hand injuries after the Fresno State game, to rest up a bit and get used to playing in casts.
""Everybody's doing great,"" Shaughnessy said. ""Those casts aren't really affecting anybody.""
Shaughnessy is considered one of Wisconsin's top prospects for the NFL, but he said is focused on helping his team have a successful season.
""I'm on a great team,"" Shaughnessy said. ""All I'm thinking about is how I can contribute to the team.""
Football is also a family tradition for Shaughnessy, going back to his grandfather, who played for Arnold College.
""I think he played offensive guard or tackle, but that was back in the day, no facemasks and what-not,"" Shaughnessy said.
