Game One Hundred
Sixty-Eight:
Arizona State @
#11 Wisconsin
Loving the afternoon at the terrace on Lake
Mendota
The Badger Blast is packed
Coach Alvarez is honored at halftime
for his induction in the College Football Hall of Fame
Threet was a menace all afternoon
Badgers score to take the lead
A dejected Coach Erickson leaves
Madison
September 18, 2010
Dear Jay Valai and
Shelton Johnson,
We certainly are aware that Arizona State outplayed the Badgers in many
facets of the game on Saturday. However, because of a few timely plays by
you, Wisconsin was able to escape with a one point victory. Shelton, we are
very impressed by the "never give up" attitude displayed on the 95 yard
kickoff return by the Sun Devils. By tackling ASU's Kyle Middlebrooks at the
one yard line right before the half, you kept momentum on Wisconsin's side
and perhaps saved the game. I'm sure that coaches across the country will
roll that footage as you have now become 2010's posterboy for "never giving
up on a play." The team certainly experienced difficulty covering kickoffs
as the Sun Devils returned one for a touchdown and smoked the Badgers on a
few more impressive returns. It even got to the point where the crowd gave
out a cheer of sarcasm with any kickoff coverage tackle. Nevertheless, you
managed to maintain your poise and scrape away the stigma that comes with
being a freshman.
Jay, are you aware that yours is one of ESPN's plays of the week? With just
over four minutes in the game and Badger fans' fingernails worn down to the
cuticles, you helped to keep Wisconsin's lead after what seemed to be a
tying touchdown by Arizona State. The way you broke through the offensive
line to block that extra point looked effortless. You sparked Camp Randall
Stadium with a play that will never be forgotten. In addition, the offense
was pumped to get the necessary first downs that ran out the clock and
secured the one point win. Did you notice how the good showing from the Sun
Devil fans turned into a silent murmur? That was you.
There is no doubt that this game could have tipped either way. Thanks to you
two, the scale moved in the Badgers' favor. Arizona State is going to be a
team to reckon with in the Pac Ten, while the Badgers are beginning to
question their newly appointed top ten status. Nevertheless, a thrilling
game in a frenzied Camp Randall Stadium had much to do with the two plays
that you gave on the field. Keep up the good work.
