Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema was not very popular among Badger fans in 2008. That will often be the case when your team avoids a losing season only because a kicker from Cal Poly missed three extra points in one game. Despite the ire from some UW backers, Bielema was able to quickly turn his program around, winning two Big Ten titles in the next three seasons and endearing himself to Wisconsin's fanbase. Now he only draws hate from the fans of opposing teams, a sign that his success has gotten under the skin of the rest of the Big Ten.
Take a look at some of the comments from fans writing into the ESPN Big Ten mailblog on the topic of the Big Ten's most hated coaches:
"As a Michigan State fan, I'm not sure if I have ever been angrier with a coach than I was at the end of last year's Big Ten Championship game. Wisconsin's punter made his Oscar-worthy dive to seal the game, I don't know if I've ever seen a coach as outwardly exuberant as Bret was in that moment. You would have thought his team just scored a touchdown on the most miraculous play in history."
"First, Bret Bielema...a totally spineless, classless jerk. Makes tacky comments about how great it is to be a Badger fan when questioned about the situations at PSU, OSU and UM. Sprints across the field like a tool to shake hands quickly with opposing coach in total disprespectful (sic) fashion."
Bielema continues to improve his program and coaching legacy at Wisconsin, and it's doubtful that other Big Ten fans will find a reason to start liking him. Bret, the haters gonna hate, so just keep winning.
Weekend Links:
Michigan State is off Wisconsin's football schedule from 2013-16 unless the two teams meet in the Big Ten Championship game. This could cool down a rivalry that has been red hot the last two seasons. Probably the lousiest consequence of B1G expansion is how infrequently Wisconsin plays teams in the other division not named Minnesota. Here's the rotation of Wisco's games against Legends Division squads for the next five years. 2011-12: Nebraska, Michigan State. 2013-14: Northwestern, Iowa. 2015-16: Michigan, Nebraska.
Former Wisconsin receiver Paul Hubbard is headed to the CFL to play for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
If you didn't see it already, Chuck posted next year's schedule for the Wisconsin men's hockey team.
it's somewhat surprising that Danny O'Brien didn't make this list of college football players who are trying to regain their 2010 form.
Boston Celtics rookie center and former Badger Greg Stiemsma is making his presence felt in the Eastern Conference Semifinals versus Philadelphia. It will be interesting to see how much of an impact Greg has in Saturday's game seven. We leave you with a Greg Stiemsma highlight reel because we can.
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