MADISON, Wis. -- After the Wisconsin Badgers blew UNLV out of Camp Randall 51-17 last Thursday, many fans wondered how the Wisconsin offense could get any better. After the impressive show Russell Wilson, Montee Ball, and James White put on against the Rebels, they can't be blamed for wondering.
But the Badgers themselves seem to know there is always room to improve, and they stressed that after practice Tuesday. Offensive Coordinator Paul Chryst told his players to "never be satisfied," according to Wilson, who also said there were things the offense could've done better.
"We have a good team coming in," Wilson said of Oregon State, "So I definitely have to watch the film and understand what I can get better at."
Redshirt junior center Peter Konz knows the Badgers' offense could do better this weekend as well.
"I think we could be a little more crisp," Konz said. "There were some things to clean up from that game- there [are] every game."
One thing the coaching staff will probably stress during practices is not committing penalties. The Badgers committed six penalties for 50 yards against UNLV- an unusually high number after the Badgers averaged just over three penalties per game in 2010.
Groy ready to step in for Frederick
Redshirt sophomore Ryan Groy will take the start at left guard on Saturday, filling in for Travis Frederick, who is out with a mild MCL sprain. Offensive line coach Bob Bostad said he was fully prepared to play Groy after right guard Kevin Zeitler had a few setbacks with an ankle injury in fall camp, and they made sure to give Groy playing time against UNLV to give him some extra experience.
"[Groy] was a guy that we felt, as a staff, 'he needs to get out here and play'," Bostad said. "He deserves a chance to play."
Groy said he thinks the extra playing time will help him on Saturday as well.
"I think it helps your poise, [you have] a little less butterflies in your stomach," Groy said. "I've just got to stay calm and know I'm confident in myself."
Konz said he is not worried about Groy taking over for Frederick this week, and that Groy's agility might give the Badgers a few new options on Saturday.
"Everything is going great cause I've worked with him before," Konz said. "Groy is a little faster so maybe we'll call some outside runs, but he's newer so we'll probably have to communicate a little bit better."
"People go down every year- it's football," Konz said. "It feels good to have somebody who can back you up."
Don't overlook the Beavers
In the preseason, the Oregon State Beavers were a team looking to get back on track after a disappointing 5-7 season. That recovery plan was derailed by a loss to FCS Sacramento State on Saturday, but the Badgers aren't letting the Beavers' loss affect their preparation.
"You have to prepare the same way- you've gotta have a sense of urgency and attention to detail," Wilson said. "You definitely can't take anybody lightly. Every week is a big week, every game is a big game."
Konz was sure to mention that the Beavers might have added motivation heading into Saturday's contest.
"I'm going to take [the Beavers' loss] for what it is," Konz said. "Every team gets better after the first game. They're still a Pac-12 team. I expect [the Beavers] to be riled up for playing in Camp Randall, and trying to quiet everybody down."
News and Notes
-- In a press release Tuesday, Bret Bielema announced the transfer of tight end Brock DeCicco from Pittsburgh. DeCicco must sit out the 2011 season, but will have two years of eligibility left when he can see the field in 2012.
"We’re very excited to bring Brock to Madison," Bielema said. "We recruited him heavily out of high school and are thrilled he eventually ended up joining us. He will spend this year working on the scout team, getting accustomed to how we work at Wisconsin and we look forward to him contributing on Saturdays next fall."
-- In the same release, Bielema said defensive lineman Jake Irwin was dismissed from the Wisconsin football team. Irwin, a redshirt freshman, was suspended after a recent arrest and did not participate in fall camp. Irwin's departure technically opens up a scholarship, but DeCiccio's arrival means there aren't any new scholarships available.
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