Wisconsin football: Paul Chryst Monday press conference recap

Wisconsin Badgers head football coach Paul Chryst spoke to the media on Monday morning during his weekly availability. He discussed the upcoming rivalry game with Minnesota, potential bowl game scenarios, graduating players and punting! It was an extremely Big Ten 15 minutes to be quite honest. Here are some of the highlights:

• On getting a second chance at the Axe game: “Grateful that we get to play Minnesota. Keep the rivalry going this year. This game always means a lot.”

“This game is a meaningful game. It was pretty neat to get ready to play Minnesota [yesterday].”

• Chryst mentioned how they’ve had to adjust the schedule since it’s end of the season and end of the semester and usually this is bowl prep time, where days off are easier to come by for exams.
• He hasn’t had any conversations with the team about playing or not playing in a bowl game.

“I think the bowls are an awesome part of the experience for the players and the programs.”

• On his players graduating over the weekend: “You’re excited for ‘em, you’re proud of ‘em.” Notes that there are some guys who could've graduated this December but want to come back next year. He, obviously, did not go into detail on this but it is interesting to note.

“Now I have to call Eric Burrell ‘Master EB’ because he’s got his masters.”

• As far as injury updates for Jalen Berger, Kendric Pryor or Danny Davis III: “Too early to tell” on any of the guys who missed last week.
• Chryst noted that UW needs to be more productive on first down, whether run or pass
• On Iowa game MVP punter Andy Vujnovich: “I don’t know if we knew exactly what we were getting, but we were excited.” Chryst went on to say that Vujnovich made some big plays in terms of switching up field position against the Hawkeyes and he only sees Vujnovich getting better next year.