Warranted or not, Michigan's defense will enter Saturday's game against Wisconsin with a high confidence level. "I really feel like the swagger is getting there," stated Michigan senior nose tackle Adam Patterson. Cornerback James Rogers echoed that sentiment: "The defense lately . . . our swagger . . . I think this is perfect." Whether or not the Wolverines are playing with a swagger, Jeff Potrykus of the Journal-Sentinel says that the numbers indicate the Badgers offense will have a decided advantage when they enter the red zone. Cue the statistics:
The Badgers lead the nation in touchdown percentage in the red zone at 81.1% (43 of 53). The success rate is even higher in league play, with 25 touchdowns in 28 trips into the red zone (89.3%).
Michigan is sixth in the league in red-zone defense. Opponents have scored on 35 of 40 trips (87.5%). Opponents have scored 27 touchdowns in the 40 trips (67.5%). Only Purdue (28) and Minnesota (31) have allowed more red-zone touchdowns.
So what do you make of the Michigan's defenders comments? Poll time.
The first six Big Ten championship games will be televised by Fox. We also know that the first Big Ten championship will take place at night on Saturday, December 3, 2011.
Barry Alvarez takes his crack at analyzing Wisconsin's Rose Bowl chances.
Paul Chryst's coaching network includes his brother Jeep Chryst, former UW offensive line coach Jim Hueber, and Oregon State head coach Mike Riley. I expect the lines of communication between Chryst and Riley to temporarily close when next season's Oregon State-Wisconsin game approaches.
"So if you do it (defeat Michigan in Ann Arbor), it usually means you're having a pretty special year." - Bret Bielema
The new women's hockey arena will be called La Bahn Arena. Expect it to open in fall 2012.
Adam Rittenberg has his Big Ten predictions out for this week. Wisconsin wouldn't mind his predicted results, but he hasn't had a perfect week of selections in Big Ten conference play.
SBNation's Maize n Brew has 83 reasons why Michigan has no chance against the Badgers on Saturday.