Bits on the Capital One Bowl

This is going to be quick....

We were fairly unprepared for the two running backs for about the first 10 minutes of the game, but did an absolutely amazing job of adjusting. Other than the three big runs in the beginning of the game, Arkansas was unable to get their banner running game going.

Biggest play of the game was Ken DeBauche's absolute heads-up handling of the blocked punt. He could have tried to punt it again, which would have left Arkansas with great field position. Instead, he threw a pass (not a bad one at that) and received a measly 5 yard penalty and a re-kick. Forget John Stocco, I think that play right there should have made DeBauche the MVP. The play absolutely had an effect on the tone and momentum of the game.

The biggest thing I took away from this game was the dichotomy of what happened when each team's running game was shut down. Both Wisconsin and Arkansas relied heavily on star running backs to carry them through this season. When Wisconsin frustrated the Arkansas backs and kept them in check, Arkansas' game was over. When Stocco was continuously getting pressure and getting sacked and P.J. Hill couldn't gain more than a yard at a time, Wisconsin was able to take to the air and make some plays and they made all the difference in the game.

Arkansas' two QB's and the Wildcat formation failed to produce any sort of passing game, effectively eliminating Arkansas from the game. McFadden threw for 3TDs out of the Wildcat this season, but never even looked to pass this game. Neither Dick or Mustain could manage anything through the air.

If nothing else, I think Wisconsin proved that they could handle a hyped team, with a Heisman candidate. It took us a bit to get used to the Wildcat and to watching for both backs, but we did get into a groove and neither of the backs were able to go for long gains after that. A great job of coaching and preparing by Bielema and the staff...

That and our field goal kicker absolutely showing-up theirs!

Some thoughts on today's game....


"Congrats to Bret Bielema and Wisconsin for a quality win against Arkansas. Bielema's 12-1 finish in his first year as a head coach is a remarkable feat. Arkansas had a good year; it's always tough when you lost your last three games, but LSU, Florida and Wisconsin will all finish in the top five or six in the final poll. Quarterback John Stocco had a good passing game in the first half, especially with the pressure the Hogs were putting on him. The Razorbacks lost a little steam early in the game when McFadden was tackled on a long run and they missed a field-goal opportunity that would have given them the lead. Both teams did a good job tackling and containing the run game. Arkansas had too many penalties, and both teams had a number of turnovers. Wisconsin did a good job of getting a head start on Arkansas and played smart football.-- Jim Donnan"

ESPN's recap here

SI's recap here