Varsity is the free Official Digital Magazine of Wisconsin Athletics, covering Badgers football, basketball, hockey and more each week.
Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/202647
L THE VOICE BY MATT LEPAY // VOICE OF THE BADGERS Things start to get interesting in November et me start by offering a round of applause to UW and all the fans who were at the Kohl Center for Saturday's Red/ White Scrimmage. That was one of the best turnouts I can remember for the men's basketball team's intrasquad game, and as scrimmages go, it was a high-quality show. From the creative player introductions, where each of the Badgers had the chance to show off a move or two with a member of the UW Dance Team, to Vitto Brown's excellent performance of the national anthem, to the down-to-thewire game itself, it was a fun way for Wisconsin hoops fans to spend a couple of hours. As I wrote last week, the scrimmage included one of my favorite words ― free. It was a good weekend for that word. Last Friday, UW Athletics hosted its annual Kids Day at the Kohl Center, where young boys and girls had the chance to meet a number of student-athletes. As usual, the players seemed to enjoy the day as much as the youngsters. The cost of attending sporting events is well documented, but we also should note that UW offers a number of low-cost or no-cost events. Hopefully you were able to take advantage of at least one of those outings last week. If not, hopefully you will in the future. After all, the price is right, and those who do attend have a great time. • • • • 16 // VARSITY October 31, 2013 For this observer, November is when the Badgers sports world kicks into high gear. Basketball season is here. After Wednesday night's exhibition game with UWPlatteville, Bo Ryan's Badgers set their sights on the regular season opener one week from Friday against St. John's. THE HECTIC MONTH OF NOVEMBER IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. YES, IT CAN BE CRAZY, AND IT ALSO HAS A CHANCE TO BE SPECIAL. The Badgers and the Red Storm will help break in the new Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. It is a 3,200-seat facility with a parquet floor that might remind you of the old Boston Garden. A couple of weeks ago, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Minnesota Timberwolves played an exhibition game there. This game counts, and it will be fun to see coach Steve Lavin again. During his days as an ESPN analyst, Lavin was the keynote speaker on two occasions for Bo's Coaches vs. Cancer gala in Madison. This season will be Lav's fourth as St. John's head coach. • • • • Now to football, where after two bye weeks in October, the stretch drive begins. In an odd schedule, the Badgers will play nearly half of their slate in November, starting this Saturday in Iowa City. It is good to see Wisconsin crack the BCS rankings at No. 24. I am biased, but I believe they deserve a higher ranking. At least they broke into the Top 25, so I will spare you the complaining ― for now. The Badgers have five games remaining, and while none features an opponent currently in the BCS rankings, this month will be anything but easy. Iowa is coming off an emotionally-charged overtime victory against Northwestern and most expect a very physical battle this weekend. The Hawkeyes-Wildcats game had an old-school feel to it, and I would think it will be more of the same when the Badgers roll into town. BYU is playing well, and it has a bye this week before visiting Camp Randall a week from Saturday. The Cougars have a very good dualthreat quarterback in Taysom Hill, who leads BYU in rushing and has accounted for 20 touchdowns so far this season. On and on it goes. Minnesota is looking better and better. Indiana can score in bunches, and while Penn State had a long Saturday night in Columbus, the Nittany Lions can be a dangerous team. Just ask Michigan. The hectic month of November is about to begin. Yes, it can be crazy, and it also has a chance to be special. I am looking forward to it. I am guessing you are as well.