B5Q Blogopean Union: is Wisconsin a soccer school now?

Good morning! This is going to be a daily(ish) post that discusses the goings on of the rest of the Big Ten Conference, and the country as needed. Much like the European Union, the Big Ten is a loosely confederated group of entities that sometimes have the same goals (like free movement of people between countries or not winning national titles in football or basketball) and sometimes accept new members that they later regret (Estonia or Nebraska).

We hope that you will use this post to comment on things happening around the conference and also as a sort of daily open thread to discuss breaking news or argue about Spotted Cow (which we NO LONGER DO).

• The actual state of Wisconsin has produced a ton of men’s hockey talent over the years, even from areas you might not think of. This is a really cool graphic and is hopefully used when they recruit in-state players.

• Wisconsin men’s soccer has been playing much better lately and are starting to be recognized by the conference for it. Defender Zach Klancnik was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after helping the Badgers to back-to-back shutouts over the weekend and adding the match-winning goal in the upset of No. 12/21 Rutgers.

• All-Big Ten goalie Jordyn Bloomer was named Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week (again) for the Badgers after pitching back-to-back shutouts over the weekend. Her showing in a win over Michigan State, seven saves, was especially impressive. The Badgers are unbeaten in eight straight matches and have a HUGE showdown with Penn State coming up on Thursday.

• It should certainly be noted that Wisconsin entered the the top-25 again after last week. UW is now ranked No. 18, with only No. 17 Michigan and No. 9 Rutgers ranked ahead of them in the Big Ten.

• Seth Davis had a very good write up on the men’s basketball tumultuous offseason for The Athletic. Some interesting tidbits include Alando Tucker categorically denying that he was the one who leaked the tape, Greg Gard attended Micah Potter’s wedding and there was absolutely zero mention of Nate Reuvers.

• Jim Leonhard thinks that Michigan’s QB situation isn’t an issue.
• Is Northwestern Nebraska’s No. 1 rival in the Big Ten?
• Ohio State adds another 4-star to their 2022 men’s hoops recruiting class, which is No. 2 in the nation.
• No. 24 Rutgers and No. 8 Maryland battled to a scoreless draw in men’s soccer.
• Sorry for the short links today, there just wasn’t a ton of super interesting stuff out there.