Colleges

Badgers' quiet crusher

A pass here, a run there ... quarterback Tyler Donovan makes the big plays with little fanfare.

By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer
Published December 28, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [AP photo] Tyler Donovan has 2,452 passing yards this season, second on Wisconsin's all-time list. "He really is a playmaker when he starts moving," Vols coach Phillip Fulmer says of his Outback opponent.

TAMPA - Ask those inside the Wisconsin football program to pick the one play that best captures the ability, the desire, the hustle, the creativity, the elusiveness, the essence of quarterback Tyler Donovan and you'll probably get the same answer from each.

The one against Michigan.

"It was," Badgers offensive tackle Gabe Carimi said, "pretty impressive."

The play went down like this:

On third and 8 from the Wisconsin 37 with the Badgers leading 17-7 in second quarter of an eventual 37-21 victory, Donovan dropped back, spun away from one rusher, spun again to elude another, scrambled toward the sideline and completed a 26-yard pass to tight end Travis Beckum.

"That," Donovan said, "was a big play."

One of many he has made this year.

A fifth-year senior, the low-key Donovan has quietly put together one of the top passing seasons in Wisconsin history. Thus far, he has completed 179 passes in 309 attempts for 2,452 yards and 16 touchdowns. His yardage is the second most for a Badger, trailing only John Stocco's 2,920 in 2005.

Donovan was an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick. But because the Badgers are known more for their running game, their big offensive linemen and their defense, has anyone noticed?

"Nationally, no," Carimi said. "But locally, yeah."

Success for Donovan came late. But it shouldn't be a surprise.

In high school, the Hartland native was ranked among the top 25 prospects in the Midwest and the No. 2 player in Wisconsin by Rivals.com. But during his first three years in Madison, he attempted a grand total of nine passes. And as a junior, he saw little action until Stocco was injured late in the season.

Then Donovan led the Badgers to wins over Iowa and Buffalo.

And he looked good doing so.

Donovan earned the starting job for good in fall camp.

Wisconsin is averaging 30.5 points and 413.9 yards a game, the latter ranking among the best in school history. Donovan's passing has helped open things up for the vaunted running game, second in the Big Ten with a 201.5-yard average.

At 6 feet 1, 185 pounds, Donovan isn't the biggest quarterback, but he more than makes up for it with his feet (259 rushing yards and four touchdowns).

Think Tebow Light.

"He gets us out of a lot of situations," Carimi said. "A lot of times, we've missed a blitz or something, and he'll get out of it and still get you 15 yards."

Although Donovan has succeeded while inside the pocket, the consensus seems to be he's most dangerous when he's out of it. And that has the attention of Tennessee, Wisconsin's Outback Bowl opponent.

"He throws well and runs the offense well," Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said. "He really is a playmaker when he starts moving. He's a guy that can scramble and give you problems."

If you don't believe him, just ask Michigan.

"I love to compete," Donovan said. "I love to keep things going and make something positive out of something negative."

Outback Bowl

No. 16 Tennessee vs. No. 18 Wisconsin

1 p.m. Tuesday, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa.TV: ESPN.

[Last modified December 27, 2007, 23:00:19]