The Big Ten's Big Challengers

Badgers Aim to Topple Ohio State and Michigan

Wisconsin running back P.J. Hill returns after an impressive season as redshirt freshman. (Morry Gash - AP)

Bret Bielema cut his teeth as a football coach by learning from the best gridiron minds that the Midwest had to offer. So on the day that Bielema was tapped as the replacement for one of those mentors -- former Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez -- it was only natural that he would hear from another voice from the past.

"Don't try to be me; don't try to be Kirk [Ferentz]; don't try to be Hayden Fry or Barry Alvarez," former Kansas State coach Bill Snyder told Bielema. "Be who you are. Don't forget what we taught you, but you have to be your own man."

As it turns out, Bielema would go on to show his coaching pedigree, becoming only the third coach in Division I history to win 12 games in his rookie season. He earned Big Ten coach of the year honors, a new five-year, $7.5 million contract and the unique distinction of enjoying success though he was the second-youngest coach in major college football.

But Bielema is careful about getting caught up in what happened last year, a reflection of the lessons from his mentors.

"One of the first things you learn in the coaching profession is that any wins last year don't carry forward, and neither do any losses," said Bielema, 37. "I by no means have all the answers."

After last year's romp through the Big Ten -- the Badgers were shut out of the BCS because no conference can send more than two representatives -- expectations remain high in Madison.

Even though the Badgers must replace starting quarterback John Stocco, tackle Joe Thomas and several contributors on defense, they have a deep pool of talent capable of handling a more challenging schedule that is highlighted by back-to-back meetings with the two teams that kept them out of the BCS picture last year: Michigan and Ohio State.

Running back P.J. Hill, perhaps the only person in Wisconsin who had a better debut than Bielema, returns after an impressive season as redshirt freshman.

Wisconsin wanted to play Hill as a true freshman, but he suffered an injury, forcing the Badgers to redshirt him. But the wait might end up working in Wisconsin's favor as Hill returns for his sophomore year already regarded as a Heisman Trophy hopeful. He earned Big Ten freshman of the year honors after racking up 1,569 yards and 15 touchdowns.

"He had some really impressive numbers, but also knew there were games where we didn't do what we needed to accomplish," Bielema said. "He took the offseason to redefine his body, and every indication early on is he's going to be up for the challenge at hand."

Even though Hill missed spring camp, Bielema said he reported to training camp in the fall.

"He's trimmed off some excess weight and hopefully it will make the same type of player, but for a longer time," Bielema said.

Bielema said Hill also worked on becoming more of a threat as a pass catcher, an element that may help Wisconsin break in a new quarterback. Tyler Donovan, who started two games last season, and Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge, who started six games as a freshman for the Wildcats in 2005, are competing for the job.

The star power is even more impressive on Wisconsin's defense, which Bielema believes has enough team speed to become a force. While the Badgers will have to answer questions on the defensive line, the team's cornerbacks and linebackers are among the best in the Big Ten.

Linebacker Jonathan Casillas exemplifies his coach's philosophy. A wide receiver in high school, Casillas possesses enough speed to chase skill position players all over the field. His 83 tackles are the most for a returning player.

"He has the potential to be a big-time playmaker, and John is probably one of the three fastest players on our team," Bielema said. "He can close on the football, and he's got great instincts."