2001 Wisconsin Badgers football team


The 2001 Wisconsin Badgers football team represented the University of Wisconsin in the 2001 NCAA Division I-A football season.

Schedule

Season summary

After an 8-4 regular season and a Sun Bowl win in 2000, the Badgers looked for their third Rose Bowl trip in 4 years. However, Wisconsin would be defeated in Autzen Stadium by Oregon and Camp Randall by Fresno State.
After those two losses, the Badgers won their next 2 games. But any dreams of Pasadena were dashed after Wisconsin's first Big Ten home game of the season. The Badgers lost 63-32 to Indiana, one of the worst losses in school history. While they managed to upset a ranked Ohio State team in Ohio Stadium the next week, the Badgers found themselves unable to pull off a significant win after; losing four of their final five to close out the season. While the Badgers managed to keep it close against both Illinois and Michigan, they were unable to pull off an upset of either team, losing another close game to Michigan, 20-17.
Despite a disappointing season, the Badgers had some bright spots. WR Lee Evans had an amazing season, as he would catch 75 passes for 1,545 yards and 9 touchdowns, despite having 3 different QBs during the year. RB Anthony Davis also turned in an outstanding season, with 1,466 yards rushing Davis would have 10 games of 100 or more yards rushing, including a season high 200 against Penn State.
Despite these great efforts from skill position players, the Badgers had injuries at the QB position, as well as difficulties on defense all season long. The Badgers were 2-3 in games decided by 7 points or less and would lose 7 games on the year, missing the postseason entirely.

Roster

Regular starters

PositionPlayer
QuarterbackBrooks Bollinger
Running BackAnthony Davis
FullbackChad Kuhns
Wide ReceiverLee Evans
Wide ReceiverNick Davis
Tight EndMark Anelli
Left TackleBen Johnson
Left GuardDan Buenning
CenterAl Johnson
Right GuardKalvin Barrett/Jonathan Clinkscale
Right TackleJason Jowers

PositionPlayer
Defensive TackleChuck Smith
Nose TackleBen Herbert
Defensive TackleWendell Bryant
Rush EndDelante McGrew
Outside LinebackerJeff Mack
Inside LinebackerBryson Thompson
Outside LinebackerNick Greisen
CornerbackMike Echols
Free SafetyJoey Boese
Strong SafetyMichael Broussard
CornerbackScott Starks

Team players in the [2002 NFL Draft]