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WISCONSIN TAKES TO TURF FOR FIRST NORTH TEXAS PRACTICE
Wisconsin got back to work after a short holiday break Tuesday morning with its first practice at AT&T Stadium in preparation for the No. 15 Western Michigan Broncos and the 81st Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.
“I thought the kids came out worked hard,” said head coach Paul Chryst. “It wasn’t a long practice but I thought it was good. I liked what they did.”
The No. 8 Badgers (10-3, 7-2 Big Ten) got their first work in earnest in four days in helmets and shells, beginning the final phase of their game plan to take on an undefeated Western Michigan team. Chryst said that he is relying on his senior leadership to make sure his squad maintains its focus on the field and enjoy the bowl experience off the field.
“You want them to enjoy the bowl experience,” added Chryst. “We’re lucky to be playing in Dallas in the Cotton Bowl. They do so many things for the whole bowl experience. You want them to enjoy that. But, they also need to get on that bus, come over to practice, lock in and make sure they get their work done.”
Taking in the Badgers at work today were 40 area high school coaches and former UW standout and three-time Pro Bowl selection Travis Frederick, fresh off his Dallas Cowboys’ 42-21 victory over the Detroit Lions last night.
Following the afternoon news conference, the team will enjoy a private team dinner at its headquarters hotel. Later tonight, players and coaches are set to catch some NBA action and root on another former Wisconsin star, Sam Dekker, as his Houston Rockets battle the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
On Wednesday, Badgers conduct a late morning practice at AT&T Stadium. The practice is closed to the public and open to media only for the first 15 minutes.
The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic celebrates its 81st anniversary on Monday, January 2. Airtime on ESPN is set for noon CST, with kickoff slated for 12:01 p.m.
This marks the third consecutive year for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl to be a part of the ESPN bowl lineup. Bob Wischusen and Brock Huard will provide the call from the booth with Allison Williams reporting from the sideline.
ESPN Radio returns as the Classic's national radio partner for the fifth consecutive year. Brad Sham, the "Voice of the Dallas Cowboys," teams with Rod Gilmore in the booth and Quint Kessenich on the sideline to describe all the action from AT&T Stadium. This is Sham's 20th consecutive year as the Classic's play-by-play voice and his 24th overall.
