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"I like the matchup," Groy said of the Gamecocks. "We're a physical team; heavy in the run game and play-action. They've got a great front seven and they're physical up front with great talent and speed." 34 // VARSITY December 26, 2013 that we can play 'big dog' against an SEC team," said tailback Melvin Gordon. "You can't play outside of yourself, you just have to play football." Gordon eliminated a distraction last week when he announced that he would be returning to Wisconsin next season. But he, too, has been distracted by the slow starts. "The big-time players have to step up and make plays," he said. "Everyone has to make plays across the board." In the UW program, per usual, it starts with the offensive line. "We need to get back to coming off the ball," Woods said, "and playing physical." Georgia ran for 227 yards in a 41-30 win, while Arkansas rushed for 218 in 52-7 loss to the Gamecocks, who have not given up more than 132 yards to any running back this season. "I like the matchup," Groy said. "We're a physical team; heavy in the run game and play-action. They've got a great front seven and they're physical up front with great talent and speed." Groy still wears an adidas t-shirt ― it has become part of his practice gear ― from the Champs Sports Bowl gift package that he received when the Badgers last played in Orlando. "It seems like forever ago," he said. "That was definitely a stepping stone." Now there's a step remaining, a giant step against the South Carolina defense; Clowney and Co. "It's set up," Groy said, "for our offensive line to prove something." DAVID STLUKA Michigan's Vincent Smith who was "posterized" by Clowney in last season's Outback Bowl. ESPN has replayed that highlight every day since. Or, so it seems. "We know who he is," Woods said. "He's a tremendous talent; physical, athletic. He's long and rangy. (As a defense) they're very similar in their physicality to some fronts we've faced this year. But their athleticism, their quickness and their speed is something we haven't seen very much." What generally separates the SEC from other conferences, including the Big Ten, has been the abundance of elite athletes that line up at defensive end and tackle. The Badgers must have answers for Kelcy Quarles (6-4, 298), J.T. Surratt (6-2, 307) and Chaz Sutton (6-5, 263); all complement Clowney. "They always talk about the SEC being fast and they're definitely that," said UW tight end Jacob Pedersen. "We have to play smart and with our techniques. They're going to make a play or two but we've got to be able to answer. We have to come out and execute. Everybody has got to be on." Quarles has been one of the beneficiaries of all the attention that Clowney has drawn. A first-team All-SEC pick, Quarles has 9.5 sacks and 13.5 TFLs. "They've got a great defensive front and we can't let them control the game," White said. "They shed blocks and run to the football." The Badgers must find a way to run consistently enough to establish its play-action game. "We're going against an athletic defense and we want to prove