MICHAEL HUNT; IN MY OPINION; Bielema’s defense mechanism breaks
Evanston, Ill. After a gruesome afternoon like Saturday’s, when a Northwestern offense once again reminded a Wisconsin defense that purple is among a contusion’s dominant colors, you’ve got to be asking yourself:
Who is this Bret Bielema guy, and why has he already been entrusted with the future of the UW football program?
Granted, one game, however horrific the defensive results were in the 51-48 loss to the Wildcats, doesn’t project a head-coaching career. It is impossible to say whether Bielema will leave a Barry Alvarez-type legacy in Madison or if Alvarez will have to undo his first major mistake as athletic director by eventually firing Bielema.
Still, you have to wonder, especially when Northwestern scores on seven consecutive possessions and rolls up 674 yards. And while you’re asking yourself exactly when did the Big Ten become the Mountain West, remember that Northwestern is not the first team this season to skewer a Bielema defense. Bowling Green amassed 42 points, and Indiana foreshadowed this mess by breaking off big plays the week before.
You’re telling me that Wisconsin scored 48 points with John Stocco and still couldn’t win? What manner of destruction awaits the UW defense next weekend in the Metrodome?