Outback Bowl keys to the game

By IZZY GOULD, Times Staff Writer
Published January 1, 2008

3 key matchups

Wisconsin running game vs. Tennessee defense

Expect the Badgers to drench the Vols with a hefty dose of running. Much of the talk this week has been about Wisconsin's tailback situation with P.J. Hill at full strength after a leg injury to give the Badgers three rushers with 400 yards or more. Despite Hill's return, freshman Zach Brown will make his fourth consecutive start. Much of the Badgers' push up front comes from first-team All-Big Ten center Marcus Coleman and second-team freshman All-American offensive tackle Gabe Carimi. Tennessee has been open about its vulnerability to the run, having allowed 162.5 rushing yards per game, including 212 to LSU (No. 11 in rushing offense) in the SEC title game. That could be compounded by the losses of defensive tackle Demonte' Bolden and linebacker Rico McCoy, who are academically ineligible. Look for talented Vols All-SEC linebacker Jerod Mayo (127 tackles) to pick up the slack.

Tennessee passing game vs. Wisconsin defense

The Vols will lean heavily on senior quarterback Erik Ainge, who overcame a broken finger and an injury to his throwing shoulder to break Peyton Manning's single-season record for completions, finishing with 300. Though limited in throwing the ball downfield, Ainge got plenty of time to find receivers thanks to an offensive line that allowed just four sacks all season. Ainge was sharp in the Vols' 52-50 four-overtime win Nov. 24 at Kentucky, where he finished with career highs in passing (397 yards) and scoring (he threw for seven touchdowns), but he threw a pair of fourth-quarter interceptions in a 21-14 loss to LSU in the SEC title game. In addition, Ainge must make do without top target Lucas Taylor (73 receptions, 1,000 yards) who is academically ineligible. Defensively, the Badgers have collected 28 sacks but will be without two of their top cornerbacks in Aaron Henry and Allen Langford, both out with knee injuries. Wisconsin forced 13 turnovers in its final five games, including nine interceptions.

Bielema vs. Fulmer

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer joked this week that Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema might have set the bar too high for himself in 2006 after he became the third rookie coach in Division I-A to guide a team to 12 wins, which also marked a Badgers record. Bielema, 37, followed it with a 9-4 record this season, but has a shot at consecutive 10-win seasons. Bielema, in his second season, is the third-youngest coach in I-A but has been taught by some of the most notable coaches, including Hayden Fry, Kirk Ferentz and Bill Snyder. His boss also happens to be Barry Alvarez, who is the winningest coach in school history. Fulmer on the other hand is in his 16th season at Tennessee, having led the Vols to their 15 bowl appearances. The 57-year-old has coached eight teams to 10-win seasons with a chance to add a ninth today. He guided the Vols to a 13-0 season in 1998 including the SEC title and Tennessee's sixth national championship.

[Last modified December 31, 2007, 20:18:57]