The Wisconsin Badgers started to turn the page on Monday after their lopsided 35-17 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium.
Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst spoke with reporters Monday at his weekly press conference, discussing the status of injured players Michael Caputo, Corey Clement and Ray Ball, bright spots from Saturday's game and the passing game, among other topics. B5Q's Jake Kocorowski and Curt Hogg were there for the fun and games.
Opening comments
Chryst says looking at game lots to build off of and proud of players' effort. There's a chance to be a good team.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 7, 2015
Chryst said OLBs Joe Schobert and Vince Biegel, along with CB Sojourn Shelton, ILB T.J. Edwards stepped up.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 7, 2015
Chryst says players have a good mindset to them and are excited for this week.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 7, 2015
PC: Watching film confirmed what he saw Saturday night. Players had great effort, but things to improve on all around.
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) September 7, 2015
Injury updates on Caputo, Clement, Jacobs
Regarding injuries, Caputo is going through concussion protocol, unsure on Ray Ball.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 7, 2015
PC says Clement could have "possibly" played more, but would have been a risk. Thought Taiwan Deal was doing as good a job.
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) September 7, 2015
Chryst doesn't believe Clement's groin injury will linger. Thinks he can get it taken care of quickly.
— Jason Galloway (@Jason_Galloway) September 7, 2015
With Caputo on sideline during game, Chryst noted Caputo will do anything for the team.
— Jake Kocorowski (@JakeKocoB5Q) September 7, 2015
PC notes that Caputo was as involved as possible despite injury. "If there's a football game, Mike Caputo wants to be in it."
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) September 7, 2015
PC: When Mike is cleared, as long as they are ready to go ... I'm not going to get in the way of putting him on the field.
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) September 7, 2015
On ILB Leon Jacobs, Chryst said it wasn't the toe injury that held him out in camp. Jacobs told Chryst he's feeling good.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 7, 2015
Chryst said Leon Jacobs is getting healthier. Junior said he should be practicing all week.
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) September 7, 2015
Chryst on McEvoy: "Tanner said he felt pretty good after the game. We tried to get him going on a few things and it didn't go his way."
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) September 7, 2015
Thoughts on offense
PC: "obviously we did not run the ball very well."
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) September 7, 2015
Chryst notes going back to basics for OL with pad level, movement and pass protection. Points out LG Dieter as having a good 1st start.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 7, 2015
Chryst wants McEvoy to have the opportunities to make plays, but knows you can't force it
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 7, 2015
Regarding RBs, Chryst liked how players each caught a pass. Praised FB Derek Watt.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 7, 2015
PC: "For us to be the best throwing team we can be, we have to use all the position groups." #Badgers
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) September 7, 2015
Chryst said passes to the tailbacks Saturday "helped us at times. I thought we missed other opportunities." #Badgers
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) September 7, 2015
Chryst: For us to be best throwing team we can be, we have to use all our positions. Use everyone.
— Jason Galloway (@Jason_Galloway) September 7, 2015
Working on defense
Chryst said the defense gave up too many big plays. Notes containment, gap assignments, missed tackles (17 per Chryst).
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 7, 2015
PC: "We gave up too many big plays."
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) September 7, 2015
Chryst: Caputo's absence can't be an excuse for the missed tackles.
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) September 7, 2015
Moving forward, looking on to Miami (Ohio)
Chryst is excited to have the opportunity to play at home.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 7, 2015
Chryst said Alabama game "stung" him and players, but there's "ton of substance" with this group that the team was looking forward to season
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 7, 2015
Chryst: We had nine months to look forward to this season. Guys have been looking forward to more than just the first game.
— Jason Galloway (@Jason_Galloway) September 7, 2015
Regarding first home game as #Badgers HC, Chryst said he doesn't know how he'll feel walking out of tunnel -- but he is always appreciative
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) September 7, 2015
Chryst on Miami (OH): "Anytime you spread it out, you've got to be great on communication and tackling ... We'll be tested on it." #Badgers
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) September 7, 2015
Chryst on the home opener: "Our players really do get excited playing here. It's a special place to play at."
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) September 7, 2015