Head coach Bret Bielema discussed some of the key players in Saturday's win over Austin Peay, as well as the Badgers' upcoming game and Big Ten opener at Michigan State.
Bielema began the press conference by stating his excitement for getting into Big Ten play. He then went on to focus on some of the key players in Saturday's record 70-3 victory over Austin Peay, as well as the team's preparation for rival Michigan State.
Freshman running back James White was the offensive MVP in the team's victory this week, carrying the ball 11 times for 145 yards and scoring a remarkable four touchdowns. White joins Ron Dayne as the second freshman in Badger history to score four rushing touchdowns in one game. White was also named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his performance.
""[It was] fun to see him grow and get those touchdowns. That was really neat for his confidence,"" Bielema said.
On defense, Bielema named junior defensive back Aaron Henry team MVP. Henry racked up four tackles and a career-high three pass breakups in the win on Saturday.
""[Henry has] played his most two complete games back to back,"" Bielema said.
Bielema said he is also very excited about where his team is from a health standpoint.
""Since fall camp started, this is the healthiest we have been ...We were able to rest a few guys in the second half Saturday, which was critical because there were a number of guys that we didn't know if they were going to be able to actually play in the game,"" Bielema said. ""For us to be able to get those things done on Saturday without them being out there was very, very big in our preparation for this week.""
The Badgers must have a strong focus this week in preparation for Michigan State.
""We know that going up there is a tremendous challenge. I think they are rolling pretty good as a 4-0 football team,"" Bielema said.
This year, the Spartans have shown a very strong running game, racking up over 900 yards already. They also have a very efficient quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who has completed 67 percent of his passes thus far.
It is not just Michigan State's offense that worries Bielema though, it is their defense as well.
""To me, they might feature the best defensive player from last year's film, and he is playing at high level this year, Greg Jones. He is a guy that is just really, really special to watch,"" Bielema said.
The Senior All-American linebacker was named the Big Ten Defensive Co-Player of the Week after recording the first two interceptions of his career, along with four tackles and a forced fumble, in the Spartans' 45-7 win over Northern Colorado on Saturday.
The Badgers will have their work cut out for them going to Michigan State on Saturday, with the Spartans holding a 14-7 advantage in games played in East Lansing, and hope to improve upon the 2-2 record they have under Bret Bielema in conference openers.
