INDIANAPOLIS — Every time Wisconsin broke a team-wide huddle this season, there was a simple message.
"We broke the huddle every day and said 'Champs' on three," head coach Gary Andersen said Friday at his Big Ten championship game press conference. "I told them if they're gonna say it they better mean it."
And Andersen's Badgers have an opportunity to claim their Big Ten title tomorrow night when they face Ohio State at Lucas Oil Stadium.
"We didn't set a goal just to get to the championship game," Andersen said. "The goal was to win it."
Notes:
- On his one season at Utah on staff with Urban Meyer, Andersen said: "It was great. We never lost a game. ... It was a great experience for me. Coach Meyer let us do what we wanted to do and what we had done in the past and we were very successful. I learned a lot from coach Meyer."
- Andersen said he'll know more about the health of his offensive line tomorrow. Starting center Dan Volz is questionable for the game. "Dan, we sure hope he plays. If there's any way he can get out there, we're going to make sure we get that done.
- Andersen said the two biggest things he took from working with Meyer were, "the organization and the plan."
- Andersen on Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones. "He'll definitely have the opportunity to set the tone with the ball in his hands every play. ... You look at it and as a defensive staff we came to the conclusion that this young man is very, very capable on running their offense." He also added he doesn't expect the Buckeyes' offense to change too much with Jones running the show.
- Andersen on the possibility of Jalin Marshall taking some snaps at quarterback: "They've done a nice job of evolving the quarterback run game in very different ways."
- Andersen on his two quarterbacks, Joel Stave and Tanner McEvoy and how they've dealt with this season: "I feel very good about both young men and I'm also very proud of both young men. ... We would not be here today if we did not have both of those quarterbacks, I truly believe that."
- Andersen said he hasn't been surprised by the way any team has tried to slow down Melvin Gordon: "Not in this league. I'm not surprised with the way these coaches get the kids prepared to handle the physical run game. The key is our ability to get to the next level."
- Andersen on the potential of an eight-team College Football Playoff: "A four-team playoff is the best because that's where we are right now and what I say is not going to change it."
- Andersen, again, on coaching against Meyer: "It doesn't have any different feel to me any more. I always look forward to seeing Urban."
- Andersen on the health of his offensive line going against Ohio State's defensive line: It's a big concern. It's a tremendous defensive front. I'd say it's the most talented crew we've faced this season."
- "This team has faced so much adversity this season. ... Sometimes to this team there was more important thing than the football games."
- On Wisconsin's ability to wear down teams with the running game: That's always our goal. We talk about that. ... We train that way. I don't think there's an offense in America that wouldn't say that's not their goal."
- On if Ohio State compares to any of Wisconsin's opponents this season, Andersen said: "It is like LSU. Ohio State is very fast, they're skillful in all positions and very athletic throughout."
- Andersen he doesn't believe Ohio State is the benchmark for the Big Ten. "No. I think we all look at ourselves as the elite team within the conference and why wouldn't you?"
- Andersen on Joey Bosa winning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year: "That's absolutely justified from what I've seen. I'm always drawn to those great defensive linemen."
