The Big Ten Conference Media Days kicked off today, leading off with interviews from the head coaches. Here are a few highlights from Bret Bielema’s introductory interview. A full transcript can be found here.
On Nebraska:
To start Big Ten play against Nebraska, a team that has won national championships, has built a strong reputation, when Jim Delaney made the decision to bring Nebraska into our league, bring that name and program, I’ve noticed it overall. I’ve noticed it in recruiting.
On Russell Wilson needing to earn his starting spot:
I was very open with Russell during the recruiting process, You will have an opportunity to come in and show us what you can do.
I think that’s one of the things that attracted him to our program. We were honest, truthful. My parents said if you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember what you said. That’s what we said, come in, have this opportunity, take full advantage of it, you’ll be the guy that reaps the rewards.
On the self-deprecating pride that Wisconsin alumni so love to reiterate:
…Wisconsin is what it is. We’re not real sexy. I always say we’re not the first girl taken to the prom, but we’re not the last. I think we’re a group that lines up, goes to work, does things the right way.
On recruiting violations and such:
You know what, when I come across something that I know someone is willingly or knowingly doing, I have no tolerance for that, in my program especially.
On Wisconsin:
On Wisconsin.
Green Bay Packers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Indiana Hoosiers
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan State Spartans
Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Bucks
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Ohio State Buckeyes
Penn State Nittany Lions
Purdue Boilermakers
Wisconsin Badgers
