Barry Alvarez built a consistent and winning culture almost 30 years ago and Wisconsin is still seeing the benefits from it. They're able to reload and not rebuild.
Jonathan Taylor is one of the best running backs in the country and he's only a freshman.
Wisconsin doesn't beat themselves. They're consistent, well-coached, and don't turn over the ball.
Knew about the Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry just being a college football fan, didn't find out about it after taking the job. The tradition of rivalries like this are part of the reason you come to the Big Ten and Minnesota. Wasn't aware before taking the job that they hadn't won the Axe in so long. That's the type of challenge he embraces.
Has talked with players about how to internalize media attention and criticism.
Asked about receivers: Need to execute and work on improving your game to be a part of the program. (Denied that there were any suspensions.)
The drops are part of the growing pains. The receivers are young.
Kirk Ciarrocca has continued to call elite games.
With the injuries on the offensive line and elsewhere, you're not reloading you're rebuilding because everything is new. Oseland and Dovich haven't played much at all. Not necessarily certain that Garrison Wright and Conner Olson won't be playing.
Not going to diss Wisconsin just because they're the rival. They're the standard of what the West Division should be, they've kept recruits in-state, and have supportive alumni.
At Western Michigan they had a lot of walk-ons that made an impact, and they're going to do that at Minnesota as well. Looking to turn over every stone. They look at every email and every suggestion and do their due diligence.
There are a lot of elite Division-II and Division-III programs in the state. We want to make sure that walk-ons are coming here and not there.
Jon Celestin, Ryan Santoso, and Steven Richardson are seniors that will all have a shot at the NFL. Really proud of the seniors and the foundation they've laid. They're going to come back and celebrate with the program in the future.
Wisconsin's front seven are elite. It seems like TJ Edwards has been there forever. They're very similar with their system.
Year one here is very similar to year one at Western Michigan. Year ones are almost always similar because you're entirely focused on the culture, how it's being laid and received, and what changes need to be made to the program.
The senior class didn't have to stay. They're very, very special people.
The Turkey Drive was brought up at the Leadership Council. Everyone on the football team donated $5 on their own and 30+ guys on the team gave more than $5. They didn't have to but then wanted to. Wants to make sure the team understands the importance of serving and giving because your life isn't about you but how you serve and give for others. The Turkey Drive helped over 200 families.
