Badger Bits: Thursday Linkapalooza

Everyone, I figured out why the Badgers didn't defeat the TCU Horned Frogs at the Rose Bowl this past Saturday. Wisconsin is merely following the Oregon blueprint of losing the Rose Bowl Game, then heading to the National Championship game in the subsequent season. With this knowledge in hand, I've already bought my tickets to the 2012 BCS National Championship Game. See you all in New Orleans!

Senior quarterback Scott Tolzien has accepted an invite to play in the 86th edition of the East-West Shrine Game. O'Brien Schofield played in this game last year, and this is the eighth season in a row that a Wisconsin player has participated. Tolzien is well deserving of an invite, as he ended his Wisconsin career as the most efficient quarterback in Badger history. I'm glad he gets to end his college career on a much less depressing pass than the one on that 2-point conversion.

Wisconsin Basketball (12-3, 2-1 Big Ten) defeated the Michigan Wolverines (11-4, 1-2) last night at the Kohl Center by a score of 66-50. Jordan Taylor and Jon Leuer combined for 37 of Wisconsin's points. The Badgers were 9 for 19 from 3-point range, and Tom Oates of Madison.com wonders if we should just embrace the fact that the Badgers are taking so many 3-pointers this season.

The final edition of Badgers Roundtable is out, and the panel (including B5Q's own Adam Hoge) weighs in on the disappointment in Pasadena, as well as looks ahead to 2011.

So what's the outlook for the first season of the new-look Big Ten? When it comes to the Leaders Division, it figures to be a race between Ohio State and Wisconsin, though Illinois and Penn State will also look to make some noise among the Leaders.

Wisconsin Badgers Ranking Update- Okay, let's face it. It's possible you haven't been following any Wisconsin sports besides football this winter, and that's perfectly fine. But let's get you caught up with how our Badger squads are doing in the polls of their respective sports (hint: not too shabby).

Men's basketball- No. 29 (AP), No. 29 (Coaches)

Women's hockey- No. 1

Men's hockey- No. 13

Wresting- No. 5

Matt Lepay usually has a well-measured take on all-things Badgers, and I think he hits the mark here as he sums up the Rose Bowl defeat and the state of the football program.

Paul Chryst is not only in play for the offensive coordinator position at Texas, but reportedly also the head coaching position at Pittsburgh. Chryst's already difficult decision is getting even more difficult.

Fort Worth's mayor, the city where TCU is located, took the time to praise Wisconsin's fans for being good sports, even in defeat.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison had the best internet brand equity in the country in 2010. Not exactly sure what that entails but I'll take it.

While we continue to sit on the edge of our seats and wait on what the various Wisconsin coaches and players decide to do with their futures, I suggest watching this very humorous video regarding Brett Favre. Not graphic, but take care before letting little kids watch this video, as it is slightly disturbing.