The Jump Around: Debut Edition!!

Today we’re debuting a brand new feature here at MTB and it’s called “The Jump Around” which will be our attempt to give you the best of news and notes from around the Internet and videos along with our commentary on those pieces.  Normally this will be done by our newest writer Nate Woelfel, but for the debut we wanted to get out in front of the NFL draft and some of the other bigger stories today.  So we hope you enjoy our newest feature here and ON WISCONSIN!! 

First up is some hockey news that broke late yesterday and that’s that Wisconsin vs. Minnesota will take place at Soldier Field next season, something that was long rumored to be happening, but never confirmed till yesterday.  It replaces one of the home games for Wisconsin, but the $250,000 payday is pretty much in line with what Wisconsin makes from a home date according to the article.

I love me some outdoor hockey, having been to the Lambeau Field game between Wisconsin and Ohio State back in the day (2006), way before these events became all to common place.  What has me excited by this is it’s not just a one off event, there will actually be two games played on that day, giving hockey fans a true bang for their buck with Notre Dame vs. Miami (OH) being the other game.

Lot’s of football news and notes to go through, so let’s check it out after the jump…. 

First up is the chatter about the BCS and a possible playoff.  According to the latest out of SI it’s not a matter of if, but what option they’ll chose to get to a “playoff,” since we can’t really call it that…

 All we do know is that they are currently looking at two or three options and they want a proposal in front of the presidential oversight committee by July 4th, so perhaps we’ll know something before the season actually starts (not holding my breath though).

Of course it wouldn’t be a day in BCS news without a ton of B.S. out of the BCS Executive Director Bill Hancock, who seemingly couldn’t fathom a way for teams that host big time games on a nearly weekly basis could handle the attention of a national semi-final at home stadiums.  These guys get more and more ridiculous as they open their mouths.  

Speaking of ridiculous people opening their mouths, O$U president E. Gordon Gee recently did just that calling two articles recently published as “bad journalism”.  Of course predictably it was totally cringe worthy and worth a good laugh and shake of the head from the rest of the sane world.  Best example is this:

“One doesn’t hire a coach without talking with all the right people,” E. Gordon Gee said.  “One doesn’t hire a coach without understanding exactly what his values are.”

Um, ya… Guess you knew Jim Tressell was a cheat and a man capable of covering things up, huh?  Where you on that one?  I mean I get that he’s going to support his newest coaching hire and all, but blind faith from your university president is frankly a worrisome factor.

Back to the Badgers, since you know… WE’RE A BADGERS SITE and all (damn stuck keys).

Tom Mulhern of the Wisconsin State Journal has a great piece on Ricky Wagner and Mike Markuson (new O-Line coach) calling him one of the most talented LT’s he’s coached.  High praise indeed considering he’s coached Michael Oher, Jason Peters, and Tony Ugoh (all Pro Bowl type LT’s in the NFL).  He should be one of the anchors of the line for sure!

Wisconsin is one of the best athletic programs in the country according to the latest Learfield  Sports Director’s Cup Standings.  Ranking 10th out of over 300 + Division 1 schools is pretty damn good in my book.

And finally on the Wisconsin tip:  Just thought since it was draft day we’d remind you of the awesome highlight video our own Arman Belding put together for one Russell Wilson: 

And also, the full QB Camp with Jon Gruden.  After all it ws pretty awesome stuff and clearly Gruden has a huge football man crush on Wilson!! 

http://youtube.com/watch?v=YmH3JhGeIU0

And we’ll leave you with a WTF moment from our fine divisional foes at PurDON’T… errrr Purdue, who apparently decided a change in their logo was necessary and that was unveiled recently.  

Ya, not really sure the change was needed or was a good idea.  Nothing like looking down the barrel of a cannon?  Oh wait, that’s still supposed to be a train?  Who knew.

We hope you enjoyed our very fist “The Jump Around” and we’d love your feedback and comments, so leave them in the comments section below!  Don’t forget to also sign up for our Forum section (it’s FREE) and begin your chat with like minded Badger fans!!