Barry Alvarez is never far removed from his candid thoughts on the Wisconsin football program. Lately, he's been very complimentary of what Fickell has done in the offseason. On 'The Barry Alvarez Show' this week with ESPN Madison, Alvarez weighed in on a variety of things, but most relevant is his thoughts about tomorrow's first game of the season.
He was asked what he would like to see from the Wisconsin football program in game one, and he had some very definite comments on what he's hoping for.
5 things that Barry Alvarez wants to see from Wisconsin football in week 1
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1. Offensive line that can get the run game going
In true Alvarez fashion, he begins with the offensive line and how it can help set up the run game. "I'd like to see us have an offensive line that can establish the front, and if we can do that, we can run the ball. I'd like to see us establish the run, and then I know we can throw the ball."
He loves the idea of complementary football and says that once the run game is going, play-action passes become much easier. This is what the Wisconsin Badgers need to get going in the game.
2. A sound defense
The second thing he mentions is a sound defense. Alvarez says the defense needs to be flying around and doesn't mind getting physical. He said that to be a sound defense, they need to "know what they're doing."
3. Guys that are excited about playing
The third emphasis he would love to see tomorrow night against Miami (OH) is that the team looks excited to be there—no taking reps off or lolligagging around, but players that are excited and energized.
4. Players that are "willing to whack their opponents"
His fourth point was a team that plays physically. He didn't elaborate on this, as it seems to explain itself, but he wants pads to be popping, which aligns with players who are excited to play. The old ball coach hates it when players shy away from contact.
5. Efficient offense
Finally, later in the interview, when they began discussing how Wisconsin could or should resemble teams of the past, he dismissed that idea. He said he doesn't expect them to resemble any team from the past, but they must be efficient. If they want to "wing it around," they need to do it efficiently. If they are going to play balanced, they need to be efficient with that.
These are the five things that Barry Alvarez wants to see from Wisconsin tomorrow night when they take on Miami (OH) at 8 pm CST at Camp Randall.