FINAL: Alabama muscles its way through Wisconsin, as Derrick Henry runs rampant to put the Tide over the top. Thank you all for joining us tonight. This has been Ben Anderson reporting for VAVEL USA. And the sports world never ceases to turn...
4th Q, 49 Secs: Alec Morris will get a few snaps to end the game for Alabama, as the Crimson Tide will run out the clock.
4th Q, 53 Secs: INTERCEPTION. Stave throws straight to Eddie Jackson, his first big mistake of the game. A stain on a decent night.
4th Q, 1:21: Alabama ends up punting, and Wisconsin will have the final possession. Looking to attain more positives in this loss to what is clearly a juggernaut in Alabama.
4th Q, 2:45: Vince Beigel drops Bama for a 3 yard loss.
4th Q, 3:42: No turnovers all game tonight, something both coaches will be happy about.
4th Q, 4:15: 3rd and 7 for the Tide. Harris powers through the Wisconsin defense for all 7 yards. 1st down.
4th Q, 4:30: Alabama starts deep in their own territory. Some little-used players getting a shot to take the field.
4th Q, 4:42: Stave to Wheelwright, TOUCHDOWWWWWWWWN BADGERS. An impressive drive, something to build off of for the rest of the season. A confidence booster.
4th Q, 4:47: Pass interference on Fitzpatrick. Wisconsin inches into the red zone.
4th Q, 6:04: Wisconsin on a nice drive. Paul Chryst has seen some bright spots tonight with his offense, as Stave has obviously worked hard during the offseason. However, he hasn't gotten anything from the run game tonight, and that's what's killed the Badgers.
4th Q, 7:49: A short pass to Erickson from Stave, but Erickson makes the most of it to get to mid field. Wisconsin fighting for pride right now.
4th Q, 8:02: It is completely clear that Alabama will continue their tradition of having one of the best RB corps in the country after this dominating performance. Derrick Henry and Kenyon Drake are a marvelous duo, and they have lit up Wisconsin for 224 yards combined tonight. Nick Saban will be pleased.
4th Q, 8:02: Kenyon Drake breaks 3 tackles, straddles the sideline, and runs in for the 43 yard TOUCHDOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWN TIDE.
4th Q, 9:10: Bateman with a poor throw. Coker is obviously going to make the starting role for the season, and Bateman will have until next year to grow in the backup role.
4th Q, 10:02: Wisconsin will punt away the football and likely their dreams of winning this game.
4th Q, 10:14: Reggie Ragland almost sacks Stave, and then Wisconsin is called for a chop block. This all but ends any hopes for a Badgers comeback.
4th Q, 10:53: Fitzpatrick with the pressure, and Stave is brought down!
4th Q, 11:04: Incomplete pass on 1st down.
4th Q, 11:10: Adam Griffith has missed again, this one wide right. Another drive without points for Alabama. Can Wisconsin take advantage?
4th Q, 11:50: It's 3rd and 7 after a few unsuccessful runs. Bateman lines up to throw to Kenyon Drake, but it was covered very well. Alabama will attempt a field goal.
4th Q, 12:50: Bateman with a nice throw in play action. First down.
4th Q, 13:00: Timeout Alabama after some confusion over a play call.
4th Q, 14:00: Bateman stays in the game. Complete to Calvin Ridley for a first down, to midfield.
4th Q, 14:40: On the first play of the quarter, Kenyon Drake runs into his own teammate, run for no gain.
3rd Q Ends: As the 3rd quarter ends, we see an Alabama team that looks like the better squad. Jake Coker has played fantastic, but now we will get a longer opportunity to see Cooper Bateman in action.
3rd Q, 45 Secs: Cooper Bateman comes in to play. Remember, this is still a quarterback battle for the Tide. Bateman runs for 6 yards on his first play.
3rd Q, 1:05: There is still time left in this game, and the Badgers have shown they can drive on the Crimson Tide. It's the run defense that is killing Wisconsin right now, as Derrick Henry continues to eat up yardage. He's at 147 yards right now, with 3 touchdowns. A true beast.
3rd Q, 1:10: Pass incomplete. Badgers have to settle for a field goal attempt. In the attempt, which was missed, Badgers garner a false start penalty. Now it's a 43 yard attempt, and Gaglianone completely nails it. 28-10 Alabama.
3rd Q, 1:41: Wisconsin has done a nice job picking apart the Tide defense on this drive. But, a few miscommications have the Badgers with a 3rd and 6.
3rd Q, 3:40: Short pass to Ogunbowale, 1st down. Wisconsin on a nice drive now. Now to the red zone after a completion to Austin Traylor.
3rd Q, 4:00: Stave completes for 8 yards to Watt. 3rd and 2. Huge play coming up.
3rd Q, 4:30: Clement SLAMMED by Reggie Ragland. Nowhere to go. 2nd and 10 Wisky.
3rd Q, 5:00: Defensive pass interference on Hamilton, and Nick Saban is livid. He believes it was offensive pass interference.
3rd Q, 5:00: Wisconsin, not demoralized quite yet, gets a good kickoff return beyond the 30.
3rd Q, 5:17: Numero TRES! Derrick Henry with his 3rd touchdown of the night, and it's a blowout!
3rd Q, 5:26: Derrick Henry to the 2!
3rd Q, 5:37: Kenyon Drake is getting some very productive carries on this drive. , and he's getting some good blocks as well. Red zone.
3rd Q, 6:21: OJ Howard catches a quick throw by Coker for over 20 yards, and then Coker throws to Stewart for another big gain. Wisconsin's secondary is battered.
3rd Q, 7:20: Kenyon Drake already has Alabama to mid field after a scamper on the sidelines.
3rd Q, 7:36: Fitzpatrick bats down another pass. It just feels like Alabama's defense has turned Joel Stave and his receivers into a bunch of Lilliputians.
3rd Q, 7:42: Wisconsin is completely dead this quarter on offense. Now 3rd down.
3rd Q, 8:33: Henry gets some back, but not enough. They are in field goal range, as Griffith will come out. The field goal is wide left. No points for Bama on this drive.
3rd Q, 9:07: Holding on Alabama's Piershbacher on 3rd down. Now it's 3rd and 27.
3rd Q 9:31: Another false start, this one on Bama's right tackle. This will slow them down.
3rd Q 9:51: False start on Dakota Ball, Bama backed up 5 yards.
3rd Q, 10:23: Coker sees some daylight, takes off to run in another 1st down. Once again, Alabama has reached Wisconsin territory.
3rd Q 10:47: With Wisconsin's offense sputtering, the pressure is now on the defense. A nice completion to the sideline for Bama on 1st down, continuing to move the chains.
3rd Q 11:02: Tomlinson knocks down Stave's pass on 2nd down. After a low snap on 3rd down, Stave throws an incompletion. Alabama's starting to dominate. Wisconsin punts.
3rd Q 11:20: Short pass to Watt for 4 yards on 1st down.
3rd Q 11:30: Wisconsin now finds themselves in a deeper hole. Stave will look to get the team back into it.
3rd Q 11:42: This man is a machine. Derrick Henry is putting the Alabama offense on his back, and Wisconsin has no answer.
3rd Q 11:42: DERRICK HENRY THE TOUCHDOWN DRIVING MAN! ZOOM! TOUCHDOWWWWWWWWWN TIDE.
3rd Q 11:51: Alabama's first play of the 2nd half, DEEP throw by Coker is incomplete, underthrew it.
3rd Q 12:34: Alabama's defense is electric! Reuben Foster slams the Wisconsin receiver, takes him down for a loss. Punt for Wisky.
3rd Q 13:10: DOWN goes Stave, Jonathan Allen's 2nd sack of the night!
3rd Q, 13:50: Lake with the big tackle on RB Taiwan Deal, 2nd and 8 Badgers.
3rd Q, 14:09: Pass interference on Alabama's Humphrey. Alabama gives up a 1st down.
3rd Q, 14:20: We're back, Wisconsin ball. It's already 3rd and long. Good Bama pressure.
Halftime: Some thoughts: Paul Chryst's Badgers have to be pretty happy to be down only 7, after losing their talented safety Michael Caputo to a head injury. Wisconsin did get some good pressure on Coker through DE's Vince Biegel and Joe Schobert. But, Derrick Henry was consistently getting chunk yardage on the ground, an area the Badgers must tighten up on. As for Alabama's defense, they stuffed Wisconsin starting RB Corey Clement throughout. The Alabama secondary, though, was not as impressive, with Stave and Erickson connecting on multiple throws. Nick Saban, who prides himself in his defensive backs, will not be pleased. Stay with us folks, as in a few minutes, we'll be back for the 2nd half. Get some Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and Utz potato chips, sit back, and enjoy our coverage on VAVEL USA.
Halftime: In the first quarter, Jake Coker shook off some early jitters and started to air out the ball more. However, Alabama's trusty beast Derrick Henry stole the show, going on a long 40 yard touchdown run. However, later, Wisconsin got themselves a groove, with Joel Stave connecting with a lying-down Alex Erickson for an unlikely touchdown. Alabama would not be outdone, as the Tide went on a long touchdown drive capped by a Coker to Porter connection that put them back on top. Near the end of the half, Wisconsin had a fantastic opportunity for a field goal after a shanked punt by JK Scott, but the attempt by Gaglianone hit the upright, and the 14-7 Alabama lead held firm at the half.
Halftime: Well, that was highly entertaining. Let's recap the action so far.
2nd Q Ends: Oh my. Gaglianone missed the 34 yard field goal. Opportunity sqaundered.
2nd Q, 3 Secs Left: ERICKSON with the brilliant grab! Stave is on fire! Wisconsin takes a timeout, and will try to garner 3 points via a field goal before halftime.
2nd Q, 9 Secs Left: A HORRIBLE punt by Scott, Wisconsin will be at the Bama 40!
2nd Q, 14 Secs Left: Alabama is stopped deep in their own territory, and they will punt it away. It is unlikely that Wisconsin will do anything with the coming possession, as they will want to head to the locker room and get some needed rest.
2nd Q, 1:07: Attack they do, as Coker goes for a deep pass, but it is slightly airmailed.
2nd Q, 1:15: How much will Alabama push on this drive? Wisconsin's defense is tired, and this may be a good time to attack.
2nd Q, 2:00: Erickson makes the grab, but it's not enough for the 1st down. Now 4th and 3. They're trying to milk the clock before they punt it, trying to give Alabama as little amount of time as possible.
2nd Q, 2:45: Now 3rd and 8. Wisconsin has calmed down after the penalties and the sack from earlier.
2nd Q, 3:41: After a penalty, it's 2nd and 13.
2nd Q, 4:15: Stave to Erickson for the first down! Wisconsin fooled Alabama on that throw.
2nd Q, 4:55: Jonathan Allen SACKS Stave, lightning quick speed to down the QB! Now 2nd and 17.
2nd Q, 5:23: Taiwan Deal muscles through for a 1st down.
2nd Q, 6:29: Short pass from Stave to Derrick Watt, 2nd and 4.
2nd Q, 6:39: Can Joel Stave keep some consistency and keep up the great work Wisconsin did on their last drive? Bucky will start at their own 18.
2nd Q, 6:39: Jake Coker looks like a veteran in Nick Saban's system, almost makes one wonder how he became so embroiled in a QB controversy over the offseason. He's showing true poise against constant pressure by Wisconsin. The Badgers' secondary is clearly missing Michael Caputo right now.
2nd Q, 6:39: WIDE OPEN was ROBERT FOSTER, and it's a TOUCHDOWWWWWWWWWWWWN TIDE.
2nd Q, 7:16: OJ Howard with a powerful dash after the catch, now Alabama is in the red zone!
2nd Q, 7:45: Now an illegal substitution by the Badgers. Killer for Wisconsin, as Alabama is now at the WIS 30.
2nd Q, 9:06: Offensive pass interference on Bama's ArDarius Stewart.
2nd Q, 9:53: 1st down Alabama, Derrick Henry sees daylight and gets the Tide closer to mid field.
2nd Q, 10:30: Offside on Wisconsin kills a little bit of fervor.
2nd Q, 10:50: Badgers stuff Kenyon Drake on the kick return, and it's clear that the momentum is in Wisky's favor.
2nd Q, 11:00: Alex Erickson was literally on his back when he caught that ball from Joel Stave. What a great drive by Wisconsin, a massive confidence boost for Stave.
2nd Q, 11:00: ERICKSON with the grab while lying on the ground! TOUCHDOWWWWWWWWN BADGERS.
2nd Q, 11:30: Now 3rd and goal, good coverage by the Alabama secondary.
2nd Q, 12:00: Traylor again! He grabbed that football, and Wisky's in the red zone!
2nd Q, 13:30: Stave to Traylor, he's getting some good throws in. Now time for a run?
2nd Q, 15:00: Stave in the pocket, directly to Clement, Wisconsin into Alabama territory.
1st Q Ends: Final play of the quarter was another run stopped by Alabama. The Tide leads 7-0 after the 1st quarter. Alabama's Jake Coker has had a good start, but Derrick Henry has stole the show with a massive touchdown run to give Bama the lead. Wisconsin's Corey Clement has gotten most of the offensive plays for the Badgers, but hasn't broke through the Bama defensive line tonight.
1st Q, 40 Sec: Unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Mazza, the Alabama Long Snapper.
1st Q, 1:00: Coker under heavy pressure by Beagle and Schobert, incomplete pass. Alabama will punt, big stop by Wisky.
1st Q, 2:00: Coker goes deep to Ridley, broken up by the defensive back. 3rd and 8 now.
1st Q, 2:30: Vincent Beagle and Joe Schobert SACK Coker for a big loss, but a personal foul penalty is called on Wisconsin.
1st Q, 3:00: 1st down Alabama, another impressive Coker throw. Coker has settled into a groove.
1st Q, 3:30: Henry with a run on 1st down for 4 yards.
1st Q, 4:00: Wisconsin punts. The Alabama run defense has been brilliant so far.
1st Q, 4:15: A few unsuccessful Clement runs, and it's 4th and 2.
1st Q, 5:38: Stave with a clean pass to Wheelwright, and the offense is moving.
1st Q, 5:45: Jamerson returns it 17 yards for Wisconsin.
1st Q, 5:54: Griffith's extra point is good. What a run by Derrick Henry, 40 yards off of the handoff, and we now see what the 2015 Alabama Crimson Tide will look like. Just a perfect possession by the Tide.
1st Q, 6:00: Pass to Robert Foster, runs 11 yards for the first down! Then DERRICK HENRY breaks LOOSE! TOUCHDOWWWWWWWWWWWN TIDE.
1st Q, 6:30: 3rd and long for Alabama.
1st Q, 7:20: Safety Michael Caputo out for the game for Wisconsin. However, the Badgers' defense is starting to compose themselves. Alabama dropped for a loss by Joe Schobert, then a penalty on the Tide.
1st Q, 7:40: Coker on the run, gets it Mullaney! Alabama getting chunk yardage, Coker looks great.
1st Q, 8:00: Stave pass to Erickson INCOMPLETE, almost intercepted by Jones. Wisconsin punts.
1st Q, 8:50: Now a 3rd down for Wisconsin, as Clement can't get through the stout Crimson Tide D-line.
1st Q, 9:40: Wisconsin's running back Foster catches the ball on a curl and it's a Badger 1st down.
1st Q, 10:00: Clement stopped on 2nd down, setting up a 3rd and 3.
1st Q, 11:00: Clement with the 6 yard gain on 1st down, that's their gameplan.
1st Q, 11:50: Jake Coker looked lost on that offensive possession. Relied heavily on Derrick Henry, and when he had to throw, the play as a whole was sloppy. Then the Alabama O-line broke down on 3rd down, and now it's Wisconsin ball.
1st Q, 12:10: Coker SACKED by Joe Schobert, Alabama will have to punt. Great penetration by Wisconsin.
1st Q, 13:30: Wisconsin safety Michael Caputo bloodied up. On first down, Alabama goes to Henry again, but he is stuffed by the Badgers.
1st Q, 14:00: 3 times in a row, Henry has been fed, and it's working. He's ploughing through little wiggle room.
1st Q, 14:30: Derrick Henry with a powerful run, 2nd down now.
1st Q, 15:00: KICKOFF. Alabama will start at their 20.
Wisconsin wins toss, defers. Alabama will get to test out Jake Coker.
Joel Stave will need to show a lot of prowess tonight, going against the Alabama meat grinder defense. Although he will likely rely on RB Corey Clement often, Stave will have to find some connections with veteran WR Alex Erickson or sophemore Troy Fumagalli if Wisconsin wants to beat Alabama.
We've got a crowd that will likely slightly favor Alabama, but Wisconsin does have a strong and vocal contingent as well. The stadium is decked out in red, and we will soon discover which way the Red Sea will part.
The question is, how long will Jake Coker play tonight. Will Nick Saban and OC Lane Kiffin switch to Bateman often, or will Coker get the full game's length? We shall soon find out.
The Big Ten proved last year that they could beat, or at least compete, with the SEC. If Wisconsin and their new head coach Paul Chryst pulls this out, it would send shockwaves throughout college football.
These teams are taking the field, nearing the coin toss.
Wisconsin would become the 1st team to beat Auburn & Alabama in consecutive games since LSU in 2011, as Wisky defeated Auburn in the Outback Bowl this past season.
ALL BUT OFFICIAL: Alabama will go with Jake Coker as quarterback tonight, as he led first team drills tonight. Cooper Bateman the 2nd stringer.
In other news, Brigham Young has just shocked Nebraska in Lincoln with a Hail Mary throw at the end. Also, #21 Stanford was stymied earlier today by the Northwestern Wildcats. A very topsy-turvy day for the Big Ten. Wisconsin will look to jump past the craziness of the day and pump out a big victory over Nick Saban's powerhouse.
This is the first time these two top-tier programs have faced each other since 1928 when Wisconsin was victorious in a 15-0 shutout victory over Alabama.
Senior quarterback Joel Stave will be the starter for Wisconsin, something that was made clear in the offseason. After starting as the backup last year, Stave would play in the 10 remaining games, including the Outback Bowl against Auburn where they won 34-31 in overtime. As a starter, Stave is 21-7 and has the fifth-best completion in school history at 58 percent.
Because they can't focus on one guy, Wisconsin will have to gear their attention on Alabama's system and then make the necessary in-game adjustments. "We kind of knew going in that there was going to be a number of different possibilities, and therefore, I think it allowed us to focus on really what we know of Alabama and what they do," said head coach Paul Chryst. "In every game, there's going to be certain adjustments that need to be made, whether it's something different that what you saw to be with a player that we know."
Saban has given each candidate practice time and is confident in whoever takes the field. “We’re going to manage this internally like we manage it,” Saban said. “I’m hopeful that one of these guys does a great job. Look, I’m confident in these guys. I’m confident that they can play well in this game.”
It's still a mystery as to who will be the starting quarterback for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. However, the only one to make a snap in college football is Jake Coker. In three seasons, the senior quarterback has thrown a measly 698 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. The other two possibilities are junior Alec Morris and sophomore Cooper Bateman.
Clement could have a hard time tonight as the Wisconsin offensive line is banged up because of injuries throughout the offseason in training camp. As well as the fact that Alabama has one of the better front seven’s coming into the season, which isn’t surprising coming from a Nick Saban run team.
Despite backing up star college running backs a season ago, both players almost surpassed the 1,000 yard mark. They also combined to score 20 touchdowns for their respective programs. Now it's their time to make a name for themselves and carry their teams towards the four-team playoff.
"This is something that I've prepared for, especially taking two years just to get the primary role," Clement said. "I feel as if I'm ready."
Both teams have new starters at the running back position, as both starters from last season (Melvin Gordon and T.J. Yeldon) were drafted into the NFL back in April. Junior Corey Clement (1,496 yards, 16 TDs) will take over in the backfield for Wisconsin and replace the Heisman finalist in Gordon. Junior Derrick Henry (1,372 yards, 14 TDs) is replacing Yeldon in the backfield, and will try to carry the torch from past star running backs that come through Alabama.
Alabama isn’t unfamiliar with this kind of game, as this is the sixth time they open their season on a neutral site. Not only have they played under these circumstances, but they have won all five of those games, three of which against ranked opponents.
Once again, Alabama is ranked in the top-10 preseason polls. This is the 68th consecutive poll release where the Crimson Tide are ranked in the top-10, which is the longest active streak in college football.
One alarming fact that hurts the Badgers is their 0-9 record against non-conference teams that are on the top-three away from home. The last time they defeated a top-three team on the road was 30 years ago in 1985 against the Ohio State Buckeyes, but they are apart of their own conference.
Wisconsin is known for piling up 100-plus yard rushing games, as they did so 17 times last season with first round draft pick Melvin Gordon. However, Alabama allowed only one such game a year ago, unfortunately that was in the Sugar Bowl against Ohio State where Ezekiel Elliot ran for 230 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns. One of those runs was for 85 yards in the fourth quarter when Ohio State sealed a 42-35 victory, advancing to the National Championship.
The Badgers ran the football 65 percent of the time last season, making them the fifth-most dominant team running the football amongst Power-Five programs. The Crimson Tide, in the last four seasons, has led the SEC in rushing defense. Whichever team can impose their will has the upper hand in this highly anticipated ballgame.
The number 20 ranked Wisconsin Badgers will face off against the number three ranked Alabama Crimson Tide Saturday night at 8:00 PM EST at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This game will be a battle of strengths and who can control the running.