Garrett Rand
FILE - Wisconsin safety Collin Wilder (18) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., in this Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, filer photo. Wisconsin won 49-11. “Coach Leonhard had a great quote one time,” safety Collin Wilder said. “It’s like the beauty of football is you never get there. There’s always something to work on. There’s always something to improve on.” That improvement could start by making more game-changing plays. That’s something the Badgers have emphasized during their spring practice sessions that end this week.(AP Photo/Tony Ding, File)
Wisconsin defense's mission: Produce more turnovers, sacks

By Steve Megargee Apr. 27, 2021 01:38 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2017, file photo, Wisconsin's Isaiahh Loudermilk (97) and Leon Jacobs celebrate after a sack of Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin traditionally wins games primarily because of its running game and defense. Now that Jonathan Taylor has moved on to the NFL, that would seem to put more pressure on the defense to carry the load as the Badgers’ offense adjusts to life without the two-time Doak Walker Award winner. The defense looks forward to that challenge. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
Wisconsin's veteran defense ready for bigger responsibility

By Steve Megargee Oct. 19, 2020 05:10 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 7, 2019, file photoWisconsin's Graham Mertz reacts to a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Central Michigan in Madison, Wis. Mertz is about to get his chance to show he’s worthy of all the acclaim that accompanied his arrival on campus last year. Now that foot surgery has sidelined returning starter Jack Coan indefinitely, Mertz is likely to open the season as the 16th-ranked Badgers’ first-team quarterback. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
No. 16 Badgers ready to contend again after offseason losses

By Steve Megargee Oct. 14, 2020 10:20 AM EDT