Nick Rallis
- Focused on stopping the run. Nothing crazy with their two quarterback system. The focus in preparation is definitely to stop the run.
- Wisconsin and the downhill run game is the type of game that I like to play.
- Our run defense has improved since last season. Our defensive line is playing great and has made it easy for linebackers.
- The defensive line was key in keeping Justin Jackson in check.
- You have to double Steven Richardson and that allows a linebacker to run free. It helps the entire defense.
- Corey Clement's a good running back. You have to wrap up and we'll have to swarm tackle.
- We all like Cash (Blake Cashman) and he's been lights out recently.
- Cashman's nickname is 'Pretty Boy". Give him a hard time for putting on face cream and hair gel in the locker room but when he puts the pads on he's a different animal.
- I'm very proud of what our kickoff team does. They help out our defense.
- There's definitely extra significance in this game, but we have to focus on Tuesday's practice, Wednesday's practice, etc.
- Kamal, Carter, and Thomas are ahead of where he was as a freshman. They could be one of the best linebacking groups around here of all time.
- Coach Sawvel was talking on Sunday about how much the defense has progressed and how much better the run defense has been. Having talent back and more depth definitely helps.
- The added depth is the biggest difference on the defensive line between this year and last year.
- It would be great for the state of Minnesota to bring back the Axe. The players want to do it for the state. You have to do it for the state first.
- Got to know Gaelin Elmore better this year. He's developed on and off the field. He's a leader with a lot of character. He's not afraid to step up in big moments. His pass rush has improved.
- Camp Randall's probably the loudest environment we've played in.
- Feel very good about where we're at as a team.
- Love the Axe rivalry. "There's nothing like it, I'm excited."
- Important to establish a run game on Saturday.
- Have to be aware of which QB is playing, but the challenge with Wisconsin is stopping the run.
- Wisconsin averages ten minutes more time of possession than their opponents. That's hard. Have to convert on third down so our defense isn't out there so long.
- I don't recall a lot from the last time we were there other than that we had the lead and we lost it, and that was my fault. I was the defensive coordinator.
- Any time I'm at an event, multiple tell me about having to get the Axe back. But that's the good thing about the Big Ten, all the rivalries.
- We have to play four quarters if we're going to win.
- The game means a lot to us and the people in this state.
- Have to keep it around 14 points in order to have a chance to win.
- We have the big guys up front healthy to compete. Last year played a walk-on DT we were so beat up. Last year Wisconsin was young on the offensive line and still did well. The defensive line will have to play really well this year.
- Not much changed with Wisconsin's defense under Wilcox. Still in a 3-4. They won't let you run and on third down, they're like us and get a lot of linebackers in there.
- Merrick Jackson has played well, but there's a lot of competition at DT
- KiAnte Hardin's fine
- Doesn't remember the timeout at the end of the first half against Northwestern. "Come Monday, I move on."
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