So what would Wozniak say to a teammate who has never played against a Big
Ten opponent? "The biggest thing," he
said, "is take a deep breath and play
your game. The Big Ten has a tradition – it's a very physical game."
play a team each year. There's a little animosity and
it's a little chippier. That's all part of the fun."
If asked, Borland would tell the Big Ten newbies,
"Buckle in. It gets physical. And there's really no bye
weeks because anyone can beat anyone else (in this
conference).
"No matter what happens externally ― or if
there's a loss ― stay the course."
Dippel recalled getting his first extended Big Ten
exposure against Michigan in 2010. He was in UW's
third-down package and recorded a sack of quarterback Tate Forcier.
"It's just so much more physical," he said, noting
how this season's non-conference opponents have
been "trying to get you out in space and make you
DAVID STLUKA
"I remember the first time we played Purdue, it
was at home," he said, "and that's when I realized I
was in the Big Ten. I saw their helmets and they're
not anything special.
"But just seeing the 'P' on the side, there was
something about it. It gave me chills, like 'Wow, I'm
playing in a Big Ten game.' That's what it's all about.
"I get the same chills today just talking about it …
just thinking about it."
So what would Wozniak say to a teammate who
has never played against a Big Ten opponent?
"The biggest thing," he said, "is take a deep breath
and play your game."
Wozniak would then reiterate, "Don't lose sight of
the small details. Make sure you're doing your techniques in and out of every play. Make sure you're
thinking through all the different scenarios."
Oh, yes, he would also tell them, "The Big Ten has
a tradition ― it's a very physical game."
Was that the message that Borland got as a freshman?
"Looking back on your freshman year, you don't
even know what to expect the next day," he said,
grinning. "But you'd hear guys chatter in the locker
room about how it starts to 'Get real.'
"It's going to be a little higher pace, a little more
aggressive. There's something to be said when you
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