Varsity - The Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics

Varsity - September 26, 2013

Varsity is the free Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics, covering Badgers football, basketball, hockey and more each week.

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I THE VOICE BY MATT LEPAY // VOICE OF THE BADGERS Relationships don't change reality of rivalry 16 t has become one of the Big Ten's more entertaining rivalries, enhanced because both teams have been championship caliber of late. In fact, in the last eight years, either Wisconsin or Ohio State has won the league title. Taking it a step further, in the last 20 years, the Buckeyes and the Badgers rank 1-2 in the conference for number of victories. It is the mark of a true, hotly-contested series. Add to it both programs have loyal, vocal fan bases that don't seem to care for one another, and you have the makings for good theatre. But these days, there is a little twist. Former UW coach Bret Bielema did not see eye-to-eye with OSU's Urban Meyer. In a highlycompetitive business, that will happen. However, there is a much different relationship between Gary Andersen and the Buckeyes boss. Actually, Andersen and Meyer are good friends and former co-workers. When Meyer was the head man at Utah, Andersen was the defensive line coach. The year they were together, the Utes went 12-0. Granted, going undefeated is a good way to get along, but both Meyer and Andresen have made it very clear there is much respect and personal admiration between the two men. It reminds me of the relationship basketball coach Bo Ryan has enjoyed with his Ohio State counterpart, Thad Matta. (For that matter, of much lesser importance, our broadcast team gets along extremely well with the Ohio State // VARSITY September 26, 2013 radio crew. Knowing that, I am sure you will sleep much better tonight.) Sure, every one of these coaches is a fierce competitor, and when the teams square off, each wants his squad to beat the daylights out of the opponent. But each is careful to make it about the players, not coach versus coach. So, knowing that Andersen and Meyer are buds, does that alter your view of this rivalry? Does it lesson the hype? Does it make it any less enjoyable? Nah, didn't think so. It is still Ohio State. Be honest ― you don't like the Buckeyes ― and they are not fond of the Badgers. Understandable. Think about some of the recent meetings. It was 10 years ago when Matt Schabert connected with Lee Evans for the game-winning touchdown toss at Camp Randall Stadium. Good ol' 56 Jerk. That was the name of the play, with Evans running an out and up past star defensive back Chris Gamble. Three years ago, there was David Gilreath's opening haymaker, a 97-yard kickoff return that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Actually, the crowd had been in a frenzy for hours. The return ramped it up another notch ― or three. Ohio State has had its moments too, especially recently. Last November Curt Phillips engineered a clutch scoring drive in the final minute of regulation, only to see the Buckeyes win in overtime. Two years ago was even worse, when a Russell Wilson-led rally was washed out by Braxton Miller's 40yard strike to Devin Smith. This Saturday night, I have the feeling it will be another close game. If that is the case, perhaps it is the Badgers turn to land the final blow. Whatever happens, Andersen and Meyer will remain friends. At some point in the offseason, they likely will get together. Friends and rivals. While not exactly a new concept, it is a change of pace in this series. It is just another interesting storyline in what has become a muchtalked about matchup between two very good football programs, and two very good coaches.

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