With former University of Wisconsin football coach Bret Bielema returning to Madison on Saturday to lead the Illinois Fighting Illini against the Badgers, the BadgerExtra team took a closer look at his impact at UW.
Taking over head coaching duties from Barry Alvarez starting with the 2006 season, Bielema left Madison after the 2012 campaign with a 68-24 record after starting his tenure with a 17-1 record during his first 18 games, the third-best start for a coach in Big Ten history.
Here is a chronological list of five of the most important wins for Wisconsin under Bielema.
UW 37, No. 13 Michigan 21
Nov. 10, 2007
On a senior day at Camp Randall that saw UW retire Ron Dayne's jersey number at halftime, the Badgers gave fans plenty to celebrate with the win over the Wolverines. UW, which had lost three games that season entering the matchup with Michigan, was still look for its signature win against a team that knew it would battle for the Big Ten title the following week. The Badgers made their statement with the 37-21 win in front of a crowd of 82,352.
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Senior quarterback Tyler Donovan, who watched the end of the game from the sidelines after taking a hit to his throwing hand in the fourth quarter, knew what the victory meant to the program at the time.
"We took care of our business. We beat a good football team today," Donovan said after the game. "We knew we could do it all along. There were some outsiders that probably doubted us, but as long as we believe in ourselves and handle our business, things will be good for us."
After wrapping up the regular season with a win at rival Minnesota, UW fell to Tennessee 21-17 in the Outback Bowl.
No. 6 UW 17, No. 12 Arkansas 14
Jan. 1, 2007
Capital One Bowl
Badgers legendary left tackle Joe Thomas, playing in his final game as a senior for UW, could tell immediately how important it was for the Badgers to close their season with a victory over the Razorbacks.
"This," Thomas said after UW earned its first 12-win season by beating Arkansas 17-14, "is a perfect way to finish, with 12 wins and leaving the field healthy on the field I got hurt on last year."
It wasn't a flawless showing for the Badgers in front of a crowd of 60,774 at the Florida Citrus Bowl, with UW rushing for minus-5 yards as quarterback John Stocco did just enough to lead his teammates to victory despite being sacked six times. Stocco completed 14 of 34 passes for 206 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions as the Badgers took down a Southeastern Conference opponent, and their first ranked competition of the season, to join the conversation of programs to be reckoned with at a national level.
No. 18 UW 31, No. 1 Ohio State 18
Oct. 16, 2010
The Badgers knew they had to bring their A game against the top-ranked Buckeyes, but defensive end J.J. Watt insisted in the week leading up to the game that they didn't have to be perfect to win.
"To beat Ohio State," Watt said, "you have to play 60 great minutes of football. (But) you don't have to be perfect by any means."
A 97-yard kick return touchdown by David Gilreath helped the Badgers take a quick lead and UW reached the end zone twice more before Ohio State got on the board with a field goal. A pair of Buckeyes TDs in the second half cut the Badgers' lead to 21-18 but they responded with James White rushing for a 12-yard score to all but secure the win.
The win was Bielema's first over a top-10 opponent and he was animated when discussing the win in the postgame news conference.
"It's justification for me that we are doing the right things," he said. "I'm around these guys every day of the year. I've said it several times this week, what we do 365 days a year, you saw (Saturday). I know it can be successful."
No. 15 UW 42, No. 11 Michigan State 39
Dec. 3, 2011
Big Ten title game
With talk of transfer quarterback Russell Wilson potentially leading UW on a national-title run when the season kicked off in 2011, a pair of close losses to Michigan State and Ohio State ended the dream but not the Badgers' drive. After reaching the inaugural Big Ten championship game, Bielema insisted his team "can play with anybody in the country."
The players backed up their coach's words with Wilson turning in a strong showing as the Badgers edged the Spartans for the conference title, completing 17 of 24 passes for 187 yards with three touchdowns. Montee Ball, who caught one of Wilson's touchdown passes, added another 137 yards and three scores on the ground as UW won an entertaining back-and-forth battle to return to the Rose Bowl.
UW 70, No. 14 Nebraska 31
Dec. 1, 2012
Big Ten title game
In a season that saw UW drop five close games, the Badgers made the most of their opportunity against the Huskers in the Big Ten championship. The lopsided win over Nebraska earned UW its third straight conference title and a third consecutive trip to the Rose Bowl — both firsts in program history.
The Badgers did most of their damage against the Huskers on the ground with the trio of Ball, White and Melvin Gordon combining for 527 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
The Badgers will get a glimpse of their past while dealing with present issues this week when Illinois comes to Camp Randall Stadium.
Twitter reaction: Badgers fans search for the bright side of Wisconsin's loss at Ohio State
Insert Dennis Green quote
Both teams performed exactly as expected. UW getting left in the dust by the handful of elite teams that dominate the polls every year. This is what the NCAA wants: 6 teams competing for the title, 125 teams fighting over scraps in half-empty stadiums. pic.twitter.com/QKHsZzW5Dz
— Russ Evansen (@waunaruss) September 25, 2022
Old school vs. new school
Were these 2 teams playing the same sport? I realize the talent difference, but damn, the difference in coaching, the difference between creative, modern play design vs 1950’style of football is ridiculous
— numbWIsportsfan (@RIPReggieK) September 25, 2022
Going bowling?
Another inspired effort led by the dynamic Chryst. Am already excited 4 The Who Cares Bowl on December 20-something vs another underachieving power 5 school, where an inspiring 13-10 win 2 cap off 7-6 season drives the Athletic Board 2 re-up Chryst like he accomplished something
— Thornton Melon (@URaRa_Wisconsin) September 25, 2022
Seat warmers?
Paul Chryst is 33-17 over last 5 seasons. If he was at any school other than UW his seat would be burning hot. This offense continues to be archaic but Chryst refuses to adapt and the program has no accountability. As long as its profitable he will keep getting extension.
— WiscoFanatic (@608BadgerFan) September 25, 2022
Certainly a difference
Do the Badgers need to recruit more undersized, unathletic 3 star DB’s to have a better chance against the fast, tall, 5 star Ohio State receivers ?
— Average Joe (@signaturedish33) September 25, 2022
More than a talent gap
The talent gap between UW and Ohio State is large; we knew that going in. What’s disappointing is the energy gap between the two teams. Ohio State seemed more up to play Wisconsin than Wisconsin was to play Ohio State. That is inexcusable.
— Brian S (@BrianSm71994635) September 25, 2022
More energy coming
Second game out of three where team didn’t seem like it was mentally into the game. Bert’s going to be FIRED up to be back in Madison next week so UW better be ready to match UofI’s mentality.
— Mark Wolfgram (@markwwolfgram) September 25, 2022
Always a brighter side
At least we aren’t Nebraska?
— Jeff Becker (@jbecker18) September 25, 2022
Few home runs though
At least they scored more than the Brewers
— Chris Cesar (@Cesar_Chris) September 25, 2022
Need the boom stick
Tired of Mertz sliding for the first down and being consistently 2 yards shy every time. Lower the shoulder and take the hit to give us first downs!!
— Rick Thompson (@rgthomp1) September 25, 2022
Tempered expectations
Completely expected. OSU is a different level.
— Zach Kirchenwitz (@zkirchenwitz) September 25, 2022
Identity crisis?
At least with Barry, you knew this team would fight. I have no idea what the identity of this team is. QB play is not as hoped, offensive line no where near WI standard. And defense rebuilding. No trust in this program right now.
— John Grant (@JDGrant1970) September 25, 2022
Dig, set, spike
As Expected - sad- no confidence at all. Badgers are going in the wrong direction, Gophers are going the other way. We are in a dark period of Badger Football. Thank God for Women’s Volleyball- I sincerely mean that. Watch them all!
— Scottie Bee (@bodhijimi) September 25, 2022
Add a little English?
Seems like a waste of time to watch a game between teams that aren't on the same tier. The New Mexico St game was decided before the ball was kicked off. So was this one. College football needs a Premier League-style tier system.
— Brandon Revels 🦅 (@brandonrevels7) September 25, 2022
A fair thought
It will be interesting to see how the disparity in college fball impacts ratings. Wisconsin is a West contender and had no chance. I’m a big fan and this was unwatchable. Why have a 12 team playoff when 3 maybe 4 have a chance.
— Scott Von Rueden (@vonny32) September 25, 2022
Where will wins come?
What’s more likely… 2-6 to finish the season or 6-2? Instinct says 6-2 but not sure there is a gimme on the schedule right now. Bert revenge game, at NW, at MSU, PurDONT and Maryland who can score, at Iowa and Nebby before home for Minny where they’ll clinch the B10W and Axe.
— Mark Wolfgram (@markwwolfgram) September 25, 2022
It always could be
Could be worse pic.twitter.com/MoBWIL7lpL
— Joel bartels (@Joelbartels4) September 25, 2022
Then what?
If Bielema rolls into Madison and wins next Saturday....
— J. Smith (@edgehatfield) September 25, 2022
How's the weather?
— Daniel Lavender (@DoctorAdmirals) September 25, 2022
He can do it all
Braelon Allen is the most accurate passer in the history of Wisconsin football
— Brian Bruhn (@bcbruhn) September 25, 2022
Maybe just one bad night?
The game being over before the end of the first quarter reminded me of the pre-Barry days. But at least we don’t look that outclassed against most opponents? 🤷♂️
— Andrew Miller (@heyapm) September 25, 2022
Regressing toward restoration point
It is obvious that the Badgers have plateaued and even regressed with Chryst. Need to make a change or risk losing all that Alvarez restored. Big test for McIntosh.
— Censete Libere (Think Freely) 🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@CenseteLibere) September 25, 2022
Sensible target
Tough but used to it at this point. Measuring against OSU is wrong. First need to get to Penn state/Michigan level.
— Michael Burger (@Burgscom) September 25, 2022
Two keys to winning
Two things for me; our defense doesn't seem to know how to tackle; and our O-line, which is supposed to be in the same league with theirs, isn't
— GT Schutz (@GTSchutz) September 25, 2022
Rodgers vs. Brady
Yeah, Jim. The Packers play tomorrow. That's about all I can muster.
— Belmin (@BelminTwo) September 25, 2022
The No Fun League?
Ohio State should be in the NFL.
— Backmerry (@BrendaMerryfie1) September 25, 2022