GREEN BAY, Wis. -- There were enough built-in excuses to construct a mansion, all seemingly valid reasons justifying why you could forget about Wisconsin's football team this season. New quarterback, a young offensive line, three different starters in the secondary and a new defensive coordinator trying to replicate impossible standards set by his predecessor.
And that schedule. Oh, that schedule.
But games aren't played based on perceptions and predictions. Yes, Badgers players understood most pundits expected LSU to slice through Wisconsin like a knife through a cheese wheel on Saturday. They were considered nearly two-touchdown underdogs in a contest that was supposed to showcase the Tigers' speed and talent as a national title contender.