INDIANA PREVIEW
"The biggest difference is just the decisions that Russell can make when the play breaks down,'' Bielema said.
To illustrate what he was saying, Bielema ex- plained, "By that, I just mean we may have the same exact route, the same protection called that we did last year with Scotty (Tolzien). "Maybe if they're rushing four and cov- ering with seven, the answers aren't there. The route didn't hap- pen the way we wanted it to. Now Russell can improvise. "That's the part to
me that would be the biggest challenge in de- fending us — the abil- ity for Russell to make something out of noth- ing.''
The work of offensive linemen Peter Konz (left) and Travis Freder-
Wilson emphasized the im- portance of developing a third down mindset whether it's a receiver "making a big-time catch'' or a tailback "running on third- and-1'' or "if I have to run for the first down.'' The Badgers practice with that type of urgen-
cy, he said.
"I make sure that everybody's on the same page in the huddle. They understand that no matter what happened on first down, no matter what happened on second down, this is a 'must' first down.''
Abbrederis noted that the teaching never ends. "Coach (DelVaughn) Alexander says, 'When you catch the ball, make sure you know where
ick (right) are two big — no pun intended — reasons the Badgers have thrived offensively this season.
you are on the field so you're able to put a foot in the ground and get those yards,''' Abbrederis said.
"If it's third-and-12 and you have a route at
nine yards, you've got to know that once you catch the ball, you still have to pick up those ex- tra yards to get that first down. "Or, if it's third-and-16, and you have a come- back route and you know you have more time, you have to work to get that extra depth. It's important to know where the stakes are at all times.''
Especially now that the stakes are getting higher for this UW football team.
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