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Five things to watch this Saturday +2 National outlook +3 Rosters +4
October 12, 2013 Camp Randall Stadium
Homecoming: Badgers welcome Wildcats
Grey Satterfield/Cardinal file photo
Fresh off his reign as head coach at Utah State, Gary Andersen is aiming to make his first year with the Wisconsin Badgers one to remember.
Andersen finds new home with Badgers
E
ven though head coach Gary Andersen is new to the Badgers this season, he has been around the block.
Story by Cameron Kalmon Coach Andersen was introduced as the 29th head coach in Wisconsin football history Dec. 20, 2012. A surprising decision by former Wisconsin head coach, Bret Bielema, left the Badgers without a head coach. With Wisconsin heading into its third consecutive Rose Bowl, athletic director Barry Alvarez made the decision to bring in Andersen, who stepped aside to let Alvarez lead Wisconsin in Pasadena. Before accepting the position at Wisconsin, Andersen was the head coach at Utah State, where he accrued a 26-24 record. The Aggies had just six wins in the three seasons prior to Andersen’s entrance. Utah State had the most successful season in school history in 2012. The Aggies were undefeated in the WAC and captured the league title. They dominated Toledo, winning the 2012 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl by a score of 41-15. Andersen is no stranger to Division I football. He squared off against his previous coworker Urban Meyer in the
Badgers’ last matchup against Ohio State. Andersen was the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Utah under Meyer back in 2004 when the Utes went undefeated. Andersen may have been an offensive lineman when he played, but he is known for his ability to structure strong defensive programs and strategies. The Badgers were introduced to the 3-4 formation this season under defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, which has helped them hold their opponents to no more than 32 points this seasoon. Both of Wisconsin’s losses have come on the road this season, the most recent 31-24 to undefeated No. 4 Ohio State (2-0 Big Ten, 6-0 overall) and the first a controversial 32-30 loss to Arizona State (3-2). “First of all, proud of the way the kids played at Arizona State,” Andersen said after the Arizona State matchup. “All we’re really looking for is accountability in the situation and an opportunity to let the kids finish the game.” Andersen has an almost extended-family relationship
with his players. Frequently referring to his players as “kids,” it’s clear that Andersen really cares about his team. “You’ll hear me refer to them as ‘kids’ a lot,” Andersen said at his introductory press conference in December. “Sometimes I take some grief for calling football players ‘kids.’ But they are my kids; every single one of them. I look at them the same as I look at (sons) Chasen, Hagen and Keegan.” When he made the decision to leave Utah State, Andersen called up each of the players and explained the situation and why he was leaving. “He believes in first supporting the kids, supporting the players, on the field, academically and socially,” Alvarez said. “The first questions he asked me were about academic support for the athletes.” When Andersen chose to come to Wisconsin, his eldest son Keegan decided to stay with the Aggies and continue playing as a tight end in Utah. One of his twins, Hagen, will also be staying in Utah to play with the Aggies. But Chasen will be coming to Madison to play as a linebacker under his father. Andersen’s family is a big part of his life, so it’s easy to see that family is a big part of his coaching. Stacey Andersen has been married to Gary for
29 years. They started dating when they were 16 and Gary has referred to her as the hammer that keeps him focused. “She will look at me and basically say, ‘Knock it off and move forward.’ She has been awesome at that, especially since I’ve been a head coach. You have to have
someone to lean on. But she’ll look at me and say, ‘Save it, let’s move on.”’ Time will tell if Andersen is the man that the Badgers can lean on. A 3-2 overall start is not bad, but three consecutive Rose Bowl showings is a tough act to follow.
Camp Randall: Home advantage A big part of college football is the home-field advantage, perhaps even more so than in professional football. When you combine a dedicated fan base of season ticket holders along with current students who consistently pile into Camp Randall from week to week, you get a family. The fans carry on the tradition of well-orchestrated chants and cheers that effectively drown out communication for the visiting teams. The Badgers have had two losses this season, the first to Arizona State (3-2) and the most recent to No. 4 Ohio State (2-0 Big Ten, 6-0 overall). Both were away games. Against Ohio State, the Badgers had to deal with the third-largest crowd in Ohio Stadium history. Wisconsin, fresh off a bye week, will look to bounce back with the help of the amenities of home. “It’s fun playing here, we have a great crowd here. One of the
best in the nation in my opinion,” redshirt senior wide receiver Jared Abbrederis said. “You definitely feel a good vibe from them. When things get down, they can pick you up.” The Badger fans provide almost as much entertainment as the football players. The famous “Jump Around” after the third quarter is a tradition that allows the players to know that they are among friends. There are countless other chants that Badger fans perform on Saturdays at Camp Randall. The wave, “If You Want to be a Badger,” “On Wisconsin,” “Varsity,” and an infamous, naughty shouting match between two halves of the student section are entertaining in their own right. One thing is for sure: Camp Randall is a unique and historic stadium with an equally unique and historic crowd. “It’s a lot of fun playing here,” senior running back James White said. “It’s my senior year I need to cherish it.”