If you say that just the mere presence of a conservative speaker on a college campus makes you feel threatened or uncomfortable, administrators will bend over backwards to accommodate you. There will be "safe spaces" created in another building, student activists groups will rally around you, comforting you and reassuring you that the bad, evil person talking in another building can't hurt you. Antifa protesters will show up and try to drive off the speaker or prevent anyone from entering the lecture hall where they are speaking--or they will destroy private and school property to intimidate anyone associated with the event.
If you say that having Donald Trump as President causes so much anxiety in your life that you can't function--or that concern about global climate change stresses you out to the point that you can't sleep at night--there will be thousands of internet stories devoting millions of words to your plight. Employers will be expected to accommodate your inability to come to work on a regular basis. People with "Dr." in front of their names--but who don't actually practice medicine--will publish research papers claiming to discover a new mental health disorder. And a few people with "Dr." in front of their names that practice "holistic medicine" will be more than happy to prescribe anxiety medications or medicinal marijuana to help you deal with your situation.
If you say that a manufacturing facility located in your city is making you or your kids sick, plenty of politicians and activist groups will rally to your cause demanding new regulations on all aspects of that company's operations. They will help you file lawsuits and demand expensive testing of soil, water and air to discover the "cause" of your discomfort. They will organize protests outside of the company's plant and headquarters. And they will demand huge out-of-court settlements to "make this go away". This is especially true if you operate a large dairy farm in rural areas that existed long before new subdivisions were built next door.
But if you say that a wind farm built near your house makes you sick, expect no support from any of those same people. In fact, plan on all of those activist groups, "doctors", and politicians making every effort to discredit your claims. They will say that you are a "faker". They will cite Canadian and European studies that debunk "turbine induced illnesses". And they will suggest that you "just move" if the wind farm is such an "inconvenience".
Belief--it's a powerful thing--so long as it advances your personal agenda.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
The Folly of "Controlling" Nature
While the folks in Washington are saying "now is not the time to talk about global climate change", I'm more than willing to take on the topic in the wake of our back-to-back hurricanes hitting the US. Remember that "taking steps to reverse climate change" is an effort by man to control nature. We firmly believe that by limiting what we emit into the air that we are going to keep climate conditions within a specific range that we think is most beneficial to the planet. We are warned that failure to do so will result in more damaging storms hitting places like New Orleans, Houston and South Florida.
But what everyone seems to forget is that the reason Houston, New Orleans and Miami are in line for such devastation from coastal storms is a direct result of man's previous efforts to control nature. New Orleans sits below sea level on a huge river delta. The only reason it exists is a system of levees and channels that divert water and keep enough land dry for development. Houston is very similar--sitting in a bayou--with levees diverting water and swamps being filled in to allow for the sprawling metropolis to remain dry.
South Florida was considered uninhabitable until well into the 20th century. It was a giant swamp extending from modern day Orlando all the way down to the tip of the peninsula. But then, the Army Corps of Engineers figured out how to use canals to drain the Everglades and coastal areas like Miami and Naples became developable. Thanks to massive and expensive human efforts, areas that were naturally designed to handle floods from hurricanes and other tropical storms suddenly placed millions of people and trillions of dollars of private property in harm's way.
And our belief that we can control the natural forces of water, wind and tides will not be daunted by these most recent storms. New Orleans and Houston keep planning for bigger and better flood control and water diversion systems. And nobody is questioning more and more oceanfront development in South Florida--especially as more Baby Boomers want to escape the cold winters of the North (although we could certainly work on making those less severe, climate scientists).
So if you want to talk about "climate change" right now, tell me how all of the effort and expense you want to put into controlling nature in the future will be so much more successful than all of our previous actions.
But what everyone seems to forget is that the reason Houston, New Orleans and Miami are in line for such devastation from coastal storms is a direct result of man's previous efforts to control nature. New Orleans sits below sea level on a huge river delta. The only reason it exists is a system of levees and channels that divert water and keep enough land dry for development. Houston is very similar--sitting in a bayou--with levees diverting water and swamps being filled in to allow for the sprawling metropolis to remain dry.
South Florida was considered uninhabitable until well into the 20th century. It was a giant swamp extending from modern day Orlando all the way down to the tip of the peninsula. But then, the Army Corps of Engineers figured out how to use canals to drain the Everglades and coastal areas like Miami and Naples became developable. Thanks to massive and expensive human efforts, areas that were naturally designed to handle floods from hurricanes and other tropical storms suddenly placed millions of people and trillions of dollars of private property in harm's way.
And our belief that we can control the natural forces of water, wind and tides will not be daunted by these most recent storms. New Orleans and Houston keep planning for bigger and better flood control and water diversion systems. And nobody is questioning more and more oceanfront development in South Florida--especially as more Baby Boomers want to escape the cold winters of the North (although we could certainly work on making those less severe, climate scientists).
So if you want to talk about "climate change" right now, tell me how all of the effort and expense you want to put into controlling nature in the future will be so much more successful than all of our previous actions.
Monday, September 11, 2017
She's One of "Us"
I know we still have three and a half months to go, but I think the winner for this year's "Least Surprising News Story" is the arrest and conviction of Oshkosh Common Councillor Caroline Panske for marijuana possession and driving with an open intoxicant. In case you missed the news over the weekend, Panske was actually stopped for speeding and erratic driving near Wautoma back in July. Reeking of beer, Panske refused to take a breathalyzer test and kept telling the sheriff's deputy that he had no right to search her vehicle--which turned up several smoked joints and open beer bottles.
I can't remember if she used this in her two campaigns for the Common Council or the two times she ran for Mayor, but I think Panske should adopt the "She's One of Us" tagline should she seek another term on the Council. I don't mean the "us" that aren't driving around at 2:30 am after drinking and smoking pot--or the "us" that refuses to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance because Hillary Clinton didn't win the Presidential election.
I do mean the growing number of people who believe that laws they don't agree with should just be ignored--and just because you want to do something, you somehow have a "right" to do it. Panske's Pledge protest is a petulant response to a democratic result that she didn't like--similar to the three year old that falls to the floor in the store because she didn't get the candy she wanted and screams at the top of her lungs as her parents try to get her back on her feet.
Panske was also the lone Council supporter of a "grass-roots effort" (pun intended) to decriminalize marijuana possession in Oshkosh and lower the fine to just 25-bucks. While supporters of that effort claim it stops the targeting of minorities, Panske had to know that backing the proposal would likely save her a few bucks in the future.
My favorite part of the criminal complaint filed in Waushara County Court was Panske telling the deputy "I know my rights!!" while he searched her vehicle. Obviously, she doesn't know her rights, as weaving in and out of your lane, smelling like booze and having a few empties rolling around in your vehicle does give a law enforcement officer "reasonable cause" to search your car at 2:30 in the morning. A person with an actual degree in the law--and a license to practice that--must have informed her of her actual "rights" in that situation--and that's why Panske chose to just plead "no contest" to the charges instead of moving to have evidence thrown out.
I'm sure there will be plenty of people calling for Panske's removal from the Council--but, not surprisingly--there is no legal procedure for removing a sitting Councillor. Nor is there a process whereby her peers can even censure her. Besides, there were thousands of Oshkosh residents doing the very same thing as Panske on that same night--well maybe not driving around while buzzed--and they see absolutely nothing wrong with her actions. And they vote too.
I can't remember if she used this in her two campaigns for the Common Council or the two times she ran for Mayor, but I think Panske should adopt the "She's One of Us" tagline should she seek another term on the Council. I don't mean the "us" that aren't driving around at 2:30 am after drinking and smoking pot--or the "us" that refuses to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance because Hillary Clinton didn't win the Presidential election.
I do mean the growing number of people who believe that laws they don't agree with should just be ignored--and just because you want to do something, you somehow have a "right" to do it. Panske's Pledge protest is a petulant response to a democratic result that she didn't like--similar to the three year old that falls to the floor in the store because she didn't get the candy she wanted and screams at the top of her lungs as her parents try to get her back on her feet.
Panske was also the lone Council supporter of a "grass-roots effort" (pun intended) to decriminalize marijuana possession in Oshkosh and lower the fine to just 25-bucks. While supporters of that effort claim it stops the targeting of minorities, Panske had to know that backing the proposal would likely save her a few bucks in the future.
My favorite part of the criminal complaint filed in Waushara County Court was Panske telling the deputy "I know my rights!!" while he searched her vehicle. Obviously, she doesn't know her rights, as weaving in and out of your lane, smelling like booze and having a few empties rolling around in your vehicle does give a law enforcement officer "reasonable cause" to search your car at 2:30 in the morning. A person with an actual degree in the law--and a license to practice that--must have informed her of her actual "rights" in that situation--and that's why Panske chose to just plead "no contest" to the charges instead of moving to have evidence thrown out.
I'm sure there will be plenty of people calling for Panske's removal from the Council--but, not surprisingly--there is no legal procedure for removing a sitting Councillor. Nor is there a process whereby her peers can even censure her. Besides, there were thousands of Oshkosh residents doing the very same thing as Panske on that same night--well maybe not driving around while buzzed--and they see absolutely nothing wrong with her actions. And they vote too.
Friday, September 8, 2017
Do You Hear a Window of Opportunity Closing?
Another NFL season is here, and the Green Bay Packers are moving one year closer to Aaron Rodgers' retirement. The way I see it, they are wasting another precious season for number 12 to lead them to the promised land. Let's go to the picks!!
Week 1 vs Seattle--The Packers have won the last two in this series--both at Lambeau. But the Legion of Boom defense is back at full strength this time--and Russell Wilson will be special again in Wisconsin. Seahawks win a shootout 41-37.
Week 2 at Atlanta--Super Bowl losers tend to drop off the next season--and those are the ones that don't blow huge second half leads. Packers roll 31-14.
Week 3 vs Cincinnati--The Bengals are on the decline. Green Bay wins another shootout 37-31.
Week 4 vs Chicago--The Bears will be even more embarrassing than usual this year. The Pack easily 30-3.
Week 5 at Dallas--It would be nice to know if Ezekiel Elliott will be suspended for this one or not. I'm going to assume he is and Green Bay manages to outscore the Cowboys 42-35.
Week 6 at Minnesota--Everyone agrees Minnesota is the second best team in the NFC North. And they prove it by losing to Green Bay 27-17.
Week 7 vs New Orleans--Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson are ghosts of their former selves. Packers roll 34-20.
Week 9 vs Detroit--After going 6-1 before the bye week, the Packers solidify their lead in the division with a 38-35 win over Detroit as Aaron Rodgers completes a Hail Mary at the gun at Lambeau for a change.
Week 10 at Chicago--By this time, Bears fans may be wishing Jay Cutler was back. Packers win 28-0.
Week 11 vs Baltimore--Finally, the Packers play a good team again. Baltimore's defense dominates and the Ravens get a 20-6 win.
Week 12 at Pittsburgh--Good thing the Packers are in the NFC North and not the AFC North. The Steelers offense runs wild 42-28.
Week 13 vs Tampa Bay--After back to back losses create all out panic in Titletown, the Green and Gold get healthy against the Bucs--34-20.
Week 14 at Cleveland--The Browns won't be as bad as they usually are--but not good enough here. Packers 27-17.
Week 15 at Carolina--Cam Newton will continue to prove he was a one-year wonder. Packers win again 35-10.
Week 16 vs Minnesota--This is where the Packers likely clinch the division and the second seed in the NFC with a 37-20 win.
Week 17 at Detroit. With nothing to play for, the Pack rests everyone and loses 20-12.
After a bye in the first round, the Packers host the Cowboys--who have Ezekiel Elliott this time--and he runs wild at Lambeau. The Cowboys get their first ever playoff win in Green Bay 41-28.
As for the Super Bowl. Pittsburgh beats Seattle 38-30. Call it the "One for the middle finger on the other hand".
Week 1 vs Seattle--The Packers have won the last two in this series--both at Lambeau. But the Legion of Boom defense is back at full strength this time--and Russell Wilson will be special again in Wisconsin. Seahawks win a shootout 41-37.
Week 2 at Atlanta--Super Bowl losers tend to drop off the next season--and those are the ones that don't blow huge second half leads. Packers roll 31-14.
Week 3 vs Cincinnati--The Bengals are on the decline. Green Bay wins another shootout 37-31.
Week 4 vs Chicago--The Bears will be even more embarrassing than usual this year. The Pack easily 30-3.
Week 5 at Dallas--It would be nice to know if Ezekiel Elliott will be suspended for this one or not. I'm going to assume he is and Green Bay manages to outscore the Cowboys 42-35.
Week 6 at Minnesota--Everyone agrees Minnesota is the second best team in the NFC North. And they prove it by losing to Green Bay 27-17.
Week 7 vs New Orleans--Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson are ghosts of their former selves. Packers roll 34-20.
Week 9 vs Detroit--After going 6-1 before the bye week, the Packers solidify their lead in the division with a 38-35 win over Detroit as Aaron Rodgers completes a Hail Mary at the gun at Lambeau for a change.
Week 10 at Chicago--By this time, Bears fans may be wishing Jay Cutler was back. Packers win 28-0.
Week 11 vs Baltimore--Finally, the Packers play a good team again. Baltimore's defense dominates and the Ravens get a 20-6 win.
Week 12 at Pittsburgh--Good thing the Packers are in the NFC North and not the AFC North. The Steelers offense runs wild 42-28.
Week 13 vs Tampa Bay--After back to back losses create all out panic in Titletown, the Green and Gold get healthy against the Bucs--34-20.
Week 14 at Cleveland--The Browns won't be as bad as they usually are--but not good enough here. Packers 27-17.
Week 15 at Carolina--Cam Newton will continue to prove he was a one-year wonder. Packers win again 35-10.
Week 16 vs Minnesota--This is where the Packers likely clinch the division and the second seed in the NFC with a 37-20 win.
Week 17 at Detroit. With nothing to play for, the Pack rests everyone and loses 20-12.
After a bye in the first round, the Packers host the Cowboys--who have Ezekiel Elliott this time--and he runs wild at Lambeau. The Cowboys get their first ever playoff win in Green Bay 41-28.
As for the Super Bowl. Pittsburgh beats Seattle 38-30. Call it the "One for the middle finger on the other hand".
Thursday, September 7, 2017
How the Rule of Law Works
In his "governance by chaos" style, President Trump is forcing Congress to address immigration issues with a tight six-month deadline by promising to repeal the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy instituted by President Obama. DACA has always stuck in the craw of those who support enforcing the laws on the books, as it set a Federal policy that the 14th Amendment and Title VIII of the Federal code were going to be openly ignored. What's more, it was done by Executive Order from the President--and not be Congressional approval.
But childhood arrivals are one of those sticky subjects were two legal issues collide--with no clear direction as to which law should take precedent. Those who came to this country illegally with their parents for decades do not in any way meet the legal definition of citizenship. They were not born here, they are not naturalized. However, they were minor parties to a crime perpetrated by their parents--entering in country outside legal immigration means.
We see cases of children involved in other crimes all the time. Parents have committed burglaries and armed robberies, sold drugs to undercover informants or run meth labs in the presence of their children quite often. Some even taught their kids to steal items from stores, because they knew that management wouldn't prosecute a child. But in none of those cases were the children held accountable for the crimes of their parents. And that should not be the case for childhood arrivals as well.
These so-called "Dreamers" would still be in the shadows--and less likely to face deportation early next year--had President Obama not sought to create another class of Government-dependent residents with the DACA registration process. A great deal of effort went into convincing these people to come forward, provide the Government with their information on the unilateral promise of one man that they wouldn't be held responsible for their situation. They were asked to ignore the likelihood that a succeeding administration would choose to enforce the laws on the books--making it much easier to find them now for deportation.
If we are to hold to the precedent set in not prosecuting those who were minors during the time their parents committed a crime, than the "dreamers" should not be deported. And Congress should act within the six month time frame set by President Trump's executive order overturning the previous executive order. It's what we do in a society that governs by the rule of law.
But childhood arrivals are one of those sticky subjects were two legal issues collide--with no clear direction as to which law should take precedent. Those who came to this country illegally with their parents for decades do not in any way meet the legal definition of citizenship. They were not born here, they are not naturalized. However, they were minor parties to a crime perpetrated by their parents--entering in country outside legal immigration means.
We see cases of children involved in other crimes all the time. Parents have committed burglaries and armed robberies, sold drugs to undercover informants or run meth labs in the presence of their children quite often. Some even taught their kids to steal items from stores, because they knew that management wouldn't prosecute a child. But in none of those cases were the children held accountable for the crimes of their parents. And that should not be the case for childhood arrivals as well.
These so-called "Dreamers" would still be in the shadows--and less likely to face deportation early next year--had President Obama not sought to create another class of Government-dependent residents with the DACA registration process. A great deal of effort went into convincing these people to come forward, provide the Government with their information on the unilateral promise of one man that they wouldn't be held responsible for their situation. They were asked to ignore the likelihood that a succeeding administration would choose to enforce the laws on the books--making it much easier to find them now for deportation.
If we are to hold to the precedent set in not prosecuting those who were minors during the time their parents committed a crime, than the "dreamers" should not be deported. And Congress should act within the six month time frame set by President Trump's executive order overturning the previous executive order. It's what we do in a society that governs by the rule of law.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Desperados
A few things never made sense in the original narrative we were fed when it came to the potential sale of Lakeshore Golf Course to the Oshkosh Corporation for a new world headquarters. Why would Oshkosh Corp--long a good neighbor here in the city--out of the blue ask officials if they could buy the site? And why would city leaders consider selling parkland--when no such action has been taken in recent years?
But, as always happens, the real story was revealed to all last week in a couple of events. A budget workshop session of the Common Council included comments from auditors expressing their concerns about the City's ability to repay the 13-million dollars it owes on improvements to tax incremental financing districts, other city projects and Lakeshore's own renovation years ago. Suddenly, it became clear why those at City Hall would be willing to sell off what is likely the most valuable piece of land we own--with water frontage and easy access to Interstate 41. A couple million dollars from a quick sale of Lakeshore could cover several more years of TIF district payments--and rid the city of Lakeshore's debt as well.
Meanwhile, later that week, an email that Oshkosh Corp CEO Wilson Jones sent out to his employees--some of whom I have golfed with at Lakeshore who couldn't understand why their bosses would try to strong-arm a deal for the course--revealed that it was not him that started this process, but rather City Manager Mark Rohloff that asked them to consider buying that property. That set in motion the DNR wetlands delineation study and the review of deeds and titles to make sure the city could actually sell the property.
So in the course of just a week, we went from a story featuring a city that appeared ready to carefully weigh options of quality of life versus retaining the headquarters of a major employer to a city desperate to make a deal to fix financial woes created years ago. And there is a big difference there, because dealing from a position of desperation make you weak. What incentive is there for the Oshkosh Corporation to "sweeten the deal" if the city doesn't take its initial offer for Lakeshore? Will "we are in a really tight spot here, can you find it in your heart to help us out and toss in an extra couple of million on your offer?" be an effective bargaining strategy for the city? And there are no other lifelines to be tossed to the Common Council--since it appears the Winnebago County Board has no interest in building the taxiway needed to make the Aviation Business Park inviting to any businesses involved in aviation to buy property in that debt-laden site.
As a shareholder in the Oshkosh Corporation, I would like to see them spend as little as possible on land acquisition and construction of a new headquarters. As a golfer that frequents Lakeshore, I would prefer they spend that money on a site along I-41 on the southern outskirts of the city. But as a taxpaying resident of Oshkosh, I'm forced to hope that they overpay for Lakeshore--and overbuild on the site to boost their property tax bill--just so City officials can cover the bad bets they made in the past.
Let's hope that desperate times at City Hall don't lead to desperate measures.
But, as always happens, the real story was revealed to all last week in a couple of events. A budget workshop session of the Common Council included comments from auditors expressing their concerns about the City's ability to repay the 13-million dollars it owes on improvements to tax incremental financing districts, other city projects and Lakeshore's own renovation years ago. Suddenly, it became clear why those at City Hall would be willing to sell off what is likely the most valuable piece of land we own--with water frontage and easy access to Interstate 41. A couple million dollars from a quick sale of Lakeshore could cover several more years of TIF district payments--and rid the city of Lakeshore's debt as well.
Meanwhile, later that week, an email that Oshkosh Corp CEO Wilson Jones sent out to his employees--some of whom I have golfed with at Lakeshore who couldn't understand why their bosses would try to strong-arm a deal for the course--revealed that it was not him that started this process, but rather City Manager Mark Rohloff that asked them to consider buying that property. That set in motion the DNR wetlands delineation study and the review of deeds and titles to make sure the city could actually sell the property.
So in the course of just a week, we went from a story featuring a city that appeared ready to carefully weigh options of quality of life versus retaining the headquarters of a major employer to a city desperate to make a deal to fix financial woes created years ago. And there is a big difference there, because dealing from a position of desperation make you weak. What incentive is there for the Oshkosh Corporation to "sweeten the deal" if the city doesn't take its initial offer for Lakeshore? Will "we are in a really tight spot here, can you find it in your heart to help us out and toss in an extra couple of million on your offer?" be an effective bargaining strategy for the city? And there are no other lifelines to be tossed to the Common Council--since it appears the Winnebago County Board has no interest in building the taxiway needed to make the Aviation Business Park inviting to any businesses involved in aviation to buy property in that debt-laden site.
As a shareholder in the Oshkosh Corporation, I would like to see them spend as little as possible on land acquisition and construction of a new headquarters. As a golfer that frequents Lakeshore, I would prefer they spend that money on a site along I-41 on the southern outskirts of the city. But as a taxpaying resident of Oshkosh, I'm forced to hope that they overpay for Lakeshore--and overbuild on the site to boost their property tax bill--just so City officials can cover the bad bets they made in the past.
Let's hope that desperate times at City Hall don't lead to desperate measures.
Friday, September 1, 2017
Run For the Roses
The Wisconsin Badgers begin their 2017 Football season tonight--and that means it's time for my annual predictions you can take to the bank.
Tonight vs Utah State--The last time the Aggies came to Camp Randall, the Badgers barely won and Barry Alvarez hired their Head Coach Gary Anderson after Brett Bielema quit to go to Arkansas. Paul Chryst will make sure that Alvarez isn't intrigued by Matt Wells--Wisconsin wins 34-10.
Week 2 vs Florida Atlantic--No contest here, Bucky rolls 40-9.
Week 3 at Brigham Young--Over the summer, a lot of pundits said this would be a "good test" for the Badgers--on the road against a traditional power. But after seeing BYU's lackluster performance against Championship Sub-Division Portland State last weekend, I'm not sure what everyone is worried about. Wisconsin wins 27-14.
Week 4 vs Northwestern--Since this one won't be at Ryan Field with its ankle-high grass and 15-thousand unenthused fans, Bucky opens the Big Ten season with a rousing 34-20 win over the Wildcats.
Week 5 at Nebraska--The first real big matchup for Wisconsin. But the Badgers have won five of the six games against the Huskers since they joined the Big Ten--and that one loss was by just three points at Lincoln. I like Wisconsin to grind out an ugly 23-20 win in this one.
Week 6 vs Purdue--The Boilermakers are the worst team in the conference. Wisconsin sleepwalks through a 27-13 win at home.
Week 7 vs Maryland--After the gauntlet that was the 2016 season, Wisconsin has all of the Big Ten cupcakes this year. Another pedestrian win 40-14.
Week 8 at Illinois--Illini Head Coach Lovie Smith never promised to beat Wisconsin when he took this job. Badgers roll to 8-0 on the road with a 34-19 win.
Week 9 at Indiana--I'm sure last night's inspired first half performance against Ohio State has Hoosiers fans thinking they might compete this year. But keep in mind, first game, on the road, lots of new players on defense for Ohio State were the only reasons it was close for three quarters. Badgers pull away late in Bloomington too, 33-24.
Week 10 vs Michigan--This is the one to circle on the calendar this season. Wisconsin will be 9-0, Michigan will be in first place in the East Division. ESPN Gameday will likely be there. This game will be moved to primetime and the crowd will be electric. Unfortunately, these are the types of games Wisconsin has been finding ways to lose in excruciating fashion since the Bielema era. Unfortunately that continues here as the Badgers blow it 48-42 in triple overtime.
Week 11 at Minnesota--Wisconsin has retained Paul Bunyan's Axe for 13 CONSECUTIVE SEASONS. And given how the Goofs struggled to beat Buffalo at home last night, the Badgers bounce back to claim the trophy for a 14TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR 140 to 14.
Big Ten Championship Game vs Michigan. Ah sweet revenge. A dish not best served cold, but rather served when a bid to the College Football Playoffs is on the line in Indianapolis. Wisconsin learns from last year's collapse against Penn State in this game and finishes off the Wolverines 34-28.
So it's on to the Rose Bowl and a matchup against SEC Champions Alabama. In typical Wisconsin form, they hang close throughout, but all the breaks go Bama's way late and the Crimson Tide wins a tough one 20-16.
It should be a pretty fun Fall. ON WISCONSIN!!
Tonight vs Utah State--The last time the Aggies came to Camp Randall, the Badgers barely won and Barry Alvarez hired their Head Coach Gary Anderson after Brett Bielema quit to go to Arkansas. Paul Chryst will make sure that Alvarez isn't intrigued by Matt Wells--Wisconsin wins 34-10.
Week 2 vs Florida Atlantic--No contest here, Bucky rolls 40-9.
Week 3 at Brigham Young--Over the summer, a lot of pundits said this would be a "good test" for the Badgers--on the road against a traditional power. But after seeing BYU's lackluster performance against Championship Sub-Division Portland State last weekend, I'm not sure what everyone is worried about. Wisconsin wins 27-14.
Week 4 vs Northwestern--Since this one won't be at Ryan Field with its ankle-high grass and 15-thousand unenthused fans, Bucky opens the Big Ten season with a rousing 34-20 win over the Wildcats.
Week 5 at Nebraska--The first real big matchup for Wisconsin. But the Badgers have won five of the six games against the Huskers since they joined the Big Ten--and that one loss was by just three points at Lincoln. I like Wisconsin to grind out an ugly 23-20 win in this one.
Week 6 vs Purdue--The Boilermakers are the worst team in the conference. Wisconsin sleepwalks through a 27-13 win at home.
Week 7 vs Maryland--After the gauntlet that was the 2016 season, Wisconsin has all of the Big Ten cupcakes this year. Another pedestrian win 40-14.
Week 8 at Illinois--Illini Head Coach Lovie Smith never promised to beat Wisconsin when he took this job. Badgers roll to 8-0 on the road with a 34-19 win.
Week 9 at Indiana--I'm sure last night's inspired first half performance against Ohio State has Hoosiers fans thinking they might compete this year. But keep in mind, first game, on the road, lots of new players on defense for Ohio State were the only reasons it was close for three quarters. Badgers pull away late in Bloomington too, 33-24.
Week 10 vs Michigan--This is the one to circle on the calendar this season. Wisconsin will be 9-0, Michigan will be in first place in the East Division. ESPN Gameday will likely be there. This game will be moved to primetime and the crowd will be electric. Unfortunately, these are the types of games Wisconsin has been finding ways to lose in excruciating fashion since the Bielema era. Unfortunately that continues here as the Badgers blow it 48-42 in triple overtime.
Week 11 at Minnesota--Wisconsin has retained Paul Bunyan's Axe for 13 CONSECUTIVE SEASONS. And given how the Goofs struggled to beat Buffalo at home last night, the Badgers bounce back to claim the trophy for a 14TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR 140 to 14.
Big Ten Championship Game vs Michigan. Ah sweet revenge. A dish not best served cold, but rather served when a bid to the College Football Playoffs is on the line in Indianapolis. Wisconsin learns from last year's collapse against Penn State in this game and finishes off the Wolverines 34-28.
So it's on to the Rose Bowl and a matchup against SEC Champions Alabama. In typical Wisconsin form, they hang close throughout, but all the breaks go Bama's way late and the Crimson Tide wins a tough one 20-16.
It should be a pretty fun Fall. ON WISCONSIN!!
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