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Chat Reel: Barry Alvarez
Running game will still be important at Wisconsin
Posted: Monday August 13, 2001 3:31 PM
Updated: Monday August 13, 2001 3:52 PM
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's college football chat with Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez. Welcome, coach, and thanks for joining us.
Barry Alvarez: Good to be with you.
From Steve in Washington: I suffered through the early part of your tenure at Wisconsin, when you went 1-10, and wanted to congratulate you for turning around a once-dormant program. With all the success you have had over the past eight years, how has that changed recruiting and the expectations of you, your staff and the university?
Barry Alvarez: It's changed recruiting in that we have credibility around the country and get in more living rooms. The majority of our recruits are from out of state. It gives us a chance to recruit some of the better athletes. This past signing class had athletes from 15 different states. As soon as you have success, fan's expectations change. Our players expect to be competitive and expect to be a good squad. And they come here expecting to play in bowl games.
From LB: Recent reports suggest a performance enhancing drink powder, Ultimate Orange, may have played a role in Rashidi Wheeler's death at Northwestern. How prevalent are these types of supplements among college players and what if anything can coaches do to prevent it?
Barry Alvarez: I don't know how prevalent they are. I hadn't heard of that specific supplement until someone happened to be talking about it the night before I read about it in the paper while reading about the NU situation. I think coaches, strength coaches and trainers all have to be aware of what's on the market and educate our players about what's not safe. We have mandatory testing programs. I can't tell you how prevalent it is in most places.
From Todd Hyamans in Charlottesville, Va.: You are opening against a Virginia team with a new head coach and possibly an entirely new look on both sides of the ball. How hard is it to prepare for an out-of-conference game like this one? Additionally, what aspect of the game will you be most concerned with the offense, defense or special teams?
Barry Alvarez: This is probably one of the most difficult preparations because he is exactly right. We don't know what to expect. We did not have a chance to see them in the spring, or what schemes they're putting in on either sides of the ball. We're studying schemes from the Jets and North Carolina and trying to make an educated guess. It's a difficult preparation. We're going to have to be on our toes and our guys are going to have to make adjustments on the run.
From Jason Whitlock in Peoria, Ariz.: How difficult will it be to play at Oregon, where the Autzen Stadium crowd is so loud and the Ducks are almost unbeatable?
Barry Alvarez: I've never been there, but some of the coaches I have talked to have relayed how difficult it is to play there. We've been in big stadiums in front of big crowds, so we know it is going to be a difficult task.
From Steve in Madison, Wis.: We've heard what he has said, but how optimistic is the coaching staff that Broderick Williams will be able to play when the Big Ten season starts?
Barry Alvarez: He's actually practicing now, but not having any contact. I am optimistic that he'll play in the Big Ten season, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was ready before that.
From Burgettstown: Have you received any flack from the smash-mouth diehards concerning the implementation of a spread offense into the Badgers' system?
Barry Alvarez: People don't know for sure what we're going to do on offense. I have heard that some think we're going to change our offense, but they don't know exactly, for sure. We don't know how much we'll change our attack. But I haven't heard any criticism.
From Jason in Soldiers Grove, Wis.: How is the progress of the incoming freshmen, and will any walk-ons have an impact this year or possibly next?
Barry Alvarez: Actually, the progress of our freshmen has been very good, especially at quarterback, wide receiver and in the secondary. Donovan Riola has been very impressive as an offensive center. I anticipate that a walk-on punter and kicker will have a chance to be on the field this year.
From Nathan Lerman in Woodmere, N.Y.: What's the most important thing you learned from Lou Holtz when you were an assistant coach at Notre Dame that helped you in building Wisconsin's football program?
Barry Alvarez: Lou probably has much to do with my football philosophy -- the principles and the plan he had for winning -- I've adopted here.
From TJBJr: What kind of role will the running back play for Wisconsin this fall? Especially amid talk of moving to a more spread-style type offense?
Barry Alvarez: It'll be just as important as it has been in our attack. The running back will be very integral in the spread offense.
From Mike2222: Why didn't you take the job in Miami?
Barry Alvarez: (laughs) It just didn't work out, and my loyalties are to Wisconsin, particularly the players here.
From Jordan Levine in Washington: The Badgers have reached a new level in the last few years. A lot has been brilliant coaching, but a lot has been a huge influx of talent. What do you think still needs to be done to build upon this further? So that when you are recruiting kids from out of state they have Wisconsin higher on their list than Michigan or Penn State?
Barry Alvarez: I don't know if that will ever happen, but we will continue to recruit well. We've always been a program that develops players, and we'll continue with the development of our in-state and walk-on players. Many have been instrumental in our success.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Barry Alvarez. Coach, thanks for joining and good luck this season.
Barry Alvarez: Thanks for having me.
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