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A mere two days away from kickoff of the 106th Rose Bowl Game, the Wisconsin Badgers football team and coaches (10-3 overall, 7-3 B1G) and the Oregon Ducks (11-2 overall, 8-1 Pac-12) took turns at the podium to discuss the upcoming matchup.
Here are some highlights from media day:
- Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal was very complimentary of the Badgers, highlighting the skill and execution of Paul Chryst’s squad.
Couple quotes on #Badgers from Oregon coach Mario Cristobal from Ducks' media day:
— Colten Bartholomew (@CBartWSJ) December 30, 2019
"They're just the best team we've faced all year, without a doubt, in all phases, all areas."
"What stands out to me is they way they come off the ball, they come off the ball with flat backs."
- Graham Mertz was inches away from playing more this season. It has been uncovered to a greater breadth as of late, but the true freshman signal-caller has improved greatly since arriving in the spring and has the confidence of his teammates and coaches.
Had a great chat with Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz. When Jack Coan was banged up earlier this season, Mertz took first-team reps in practice the week of the Iowa game while Coan rested. Lots of confidence from coaches in Mertz's ability.
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) December 30, 2019
- Jonathan Taylor is out here looking to make history...again.
Jonathan Taylor's accomplished a lot in his career.
— Wisconsin On BTN (@WisconsinOnBTN) December 30, 2019
Where would a @rosebowlgame victory rank?@JayT23 | @BadgerFootball pic.twitter.com/qYPtUtxohB
- We have a white pants affair. The Badgers sported their traditional white on white uniform combination for today's media session. This is likely indicative of the uniforms that will be unveiled come game time. Many fans were hoping to see Wisconsin mix it up with the red pants as in previous Rose Bowls, but it may not be meant to be. Hopefully the Badgers don’t get any cheese sauce from their animal style fries on the white threads.
#Badgers were told there was @innoutburger waiting for them after the team photo. pic.twitter.com/yH4QZQITna
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) December 30, 2019
- One of Wisconsin’s best receivers, A.J. Taylor has been out since injuring his leg against Minnesota. Taylor confirmed to media today that it was a torn Achilles. A fan favorite with a smile that can brighten up a room, Taylor hopes to make a dent in league or on the stage post Rose Bowl.
Had a chance to speak with #Badgers WR AJ Taylor. Told reporters he tore his Achilles and it’s about a 6-9 month recovery time. After recovery, hoping to try for NFL, and also looking into acting down the road.
— Jake Kocorowski (@JakeKoco) December 30, 2019
- Bradrick Shaw back again?!? After overcoming a slew of injuries the past two seasons, Shaw has seen minimal time this season in the backfield. That could potentially change next season though if he seeks a sixth-year. With Jonathan Taylor likely to forego his senior season for the NFL Draft, carries will be up for grabs next season. Will Shaw be around to claim some? Running backs coach John Settle was also very complimentary of Isaac Guerendo and Julius Davis during media day today, both youngsters who will also push for playing time next year.
#Badgers RB coach John Settle hinted that Bradrick Shaw may seek a sixth-year of eligibility in 2020. Seemed to prefer that over trying to land a running back in the transfer portal. Obviously still trying to sign one in 2020.
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) December 30, 2019
- BEER!!! It’s like the Rose Bowl knows that the states of Wisconsin and Oregon love it. No New Glarus or Ancestry Brewing to see here though.
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) December 30, 2019
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