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Wisconsin football: Rose Bowl media day rundown

A breakdown of the sights and sounds from Rose Bowl media day.

@B5QPhotos; Matt Fleming

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.
  • 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.
  • Jonathan Taylor is out here looking to make history...again.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Keep up to date on the sights and sounds from Pasadena at B5Q.