Wisconsin named Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week
October 18, 2010 | Football
Oct. 18, 2010
• Complete Release
MADISON, Wis. – Fresh off a 31-18 upset of No. 1 Ohio State, Wisconsin has been named the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for games of the weekend of Oct. 16, it was announced Monday.
David Gilreath's 97-yard touchdown return on the game's opening kickoff set the tone as Wisconsin claimed its first win over a No.1-ranked team since downing top-ranked Michigan in 1981.
Junior tailback John Clay - who became the first player to rush for 100 yards on Ohio State in 29 games - finished the day with 104 yards on 21 carries and rushed for two scores. Freshman backfield mate James White added another rushing score in addition to 75 yards on the ground.
Through the air, senior quarterback Scott Tolzien was nearly unflappable. Despite an early interception, Tolzien completed 13 of 16 passes for 152 yards. He connected with junior wide receiver Nick Toon six times for 72 yards.
"You just felt the anticipation and the excitement, but there was also calmness in our preparation," UW head coach Bielema said. "I pointed out before we left the locker room that we've been in four-quarter games this year and I don't think Ohio State had been."
This is the second time Wisconsin has been named the Team of the Week in its history. Coincidentally, the Badgers’ only other recognition came exactly six years prior as UW beat Purdue, 20-17, on Oct. 16, 2004.
In that game, Scott Starks returned a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown with 2:36 remaining to cap the comeback win in West Lafayette and give the Badgers just their second 7-0 record since 1912. Wisconsin had trailed, 17-7, with 8:32 left in the game.
The Football Writers Association of America has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the seventh season that the award has been sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.
Members of the FWAA All-America Committee decide the weekly honor. Each remaining Monday during the 2010 college football regular season, the FWAA will name the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week.
