Wilson's Final Home Game Approaching

MADISON, Wis. – Russell Wilson’s path to Wisconsin was a little different than most of the other seniors on the Badger roster. After three years at North Carolina State, Wilson decided to transfer to Wisconsin after Wolfpack head coach Tom O’Brien released him from his scholarship. But while Wilson has only spent a few months with the team, the senior quarterback stressed in his weekly press conference that he feels like a normal part of the 2011 senior class
"Of course I do. Ever since I got here - it’s the reason why I came here," Wilson said. "It’s been a great experience to be in Madison, to have the opportunity to go to school here … and obviously play football."

Even still, Wilson’s time with the Badgers is running out. Such is the nature of one-year transfer players. But the Badgers still have one guaranteed game left this season, and Wilson is determined to make the best of it.

"Every day is a blessing to me, we’ve got six more days in the regular season, that’s the way I look at it, and I’m enjoying every second of it," Wilson said.

It also helps that his last home game carries so much extra meaning, in addition to being senior day. Wisconsin’s game with Penn State is essentially a Big Ten semi-final, with the winner advancing to Indianapolis to play Michigan State. It’s a situation that would not have been possible, if not for the addition of Nebraska and division play. So even though the Badgers lost twice in October, there’s still a way for them to redeem their season and play for a second consecutive Big Ten title, a fact that’s not lost on Wilson.

"If you love the game of football, you always have something to play for," Wilson said. "Every day you battle your butt of just to be the best that you can, and that’s my motivation every day. In terms of a whole team, we knew that we still had an opportunity to be successful and do a lot of great things this season."

In addition, Wilson was asked about memories he’s made during his time as a Badger, with one of the more readily available ones being when his teammates "initiated" him by dunking him into an ice bath.

"I could mention a long, long list of different great moments that I’ve had with these guys [that] I always will remember and cherish," Wilson said.

And while he’s unlikely to bring home a Heisman trophy or a national championship, capping off a one-year career with a Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl berth would certainly add to the memories Wilson has gained since coming to Wisconsin, and would surely leave Badger fans with a good feeling even after those crushing October losses. 

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