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BY MATT LEPAY
Voice of the Badgers
MADISON, Wis. — Anyone wondering whether the Cotton Bowl was a "no-win" bowl for Wisconsin clearly didn't bother to watch the game — and perhaps, more specifically — how the players reacted after Bart Houston took a knee on the final snap at AT&T Stadium.
The joy was real. As well it should have been. This Wisconsin football team put together an 11-win season. The seniors leave as the winningest class in school history. There are plenty more statistics you can easily look up regarding these 2016 Badgers. But what I will remember is how they stuck together and, as head coach Paul Chryst would say, "they just kept playing."
All summer long they were asked about the schedule. There were some preseason forecasts that had the Badgers on the edge of bowl eligibility. All along the players talked about how they embraced the challenge. It was far more than just talk.
From the season opening thriller at Lambeau Field, to the season ending performance in Jerry's World, the Wisconsin football team took its fans on another fun ride.
Yes, it's repetitive to make such a statement, but it sure as heck beats the alternative.
For the Big Ten, the bowl season was rough. Ironically, the three teams to return home with trophies reside in the West Division. Yes, matchups matter, but it is difficult not to notice what happened to the Big Ten East.
Many of the pundits will have their fun at the conference's 3-7 record. Go ahead. Take your shots. That is how it works. I would still argue the league was very strong this season and it would be dangerous to assume it suddenly became weak in December and early January.
It would have been nice to see that record reversed. Conference pride is real — most of the time. I think you know what I mean. That rivalry thing can be hard to let go. However, those within the league, including coaches and administrators, have said the image of the Big Ten is better when Michigan and Ohio State are good. Some say it grudgingly, while others are more matter-of-fact about it.
They are good. Just not national title good quite yet.
Penn State had a remarkable turnaround to its season. A team known for its second-half dominance saw the script change at the Rose Bowl. A 14-point lead in the fourth quarter slipped away as USC scored two touchdowns in the final period, then won it with a walk-off field goal.
The Big Ten fan in us would have liked some better results. Then again, your favorite team held up its end of the bargain. It's okay to be a bit selfish. The Badgers earned their third-straight bowl triumph by ending a dream season for a very good Western Michigan team. Group of Five programs have an excellent track record in major bowl games. Just not this time. The Badgers made a few more plays, from the nearly perfect passing performance of Houston and Alex Hornibrook, to the receiving day of Troy Fumagalli, to the ultra-clutch interception of one-time Western Michigan commit T.J. Edwards.
This team remained true to its identity and it resulted in another excellent season.
After games, Chryst likes to tell his team to enjoy the moment, then be ready to hit the reset button. After Monday's Cotton Bowl victory, the head coach said he is in no hurry to press that button. In a short time, the coaches will be back on the recruiting trail, then preparing for spring ball and all the rest. But for now, players and coaches can enjoy a job well done.
Sure, it would have been nice to see the league win a few more games. But hey, Wisconsin took care of business. Around here, that is what matters most. By far.
