New head coach Paul Chryst kept the focus on Wisconsin's returning talent, players and coaches, during Thursday afternoon's press conference at the Big Ten media days in Chicago. He touched on his relationship with quarterback Joel Stave, which began during Chryst's time as Wisconsin's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He recalled recruiting running back Corey Clement. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining Dave Aranda in the defensive coordinator role and operating a 3-4 defense.
Interesting quotes:
On maintaining a high-powered offense:
"They know what we've done and what this offense has done. It's easy to buy into it, but we gotta go out and do it. … What we've done has helped us, but we got to be able to do it each day, each game."
On Corey Clement taking over as the starting running back:
"It has been an important position for a long time. I had a chance to get to know Corey recruiting him out of high school. .... He's had [great] mentors at the position. ... I think Corey has clear expectations of what it is to be the running back at Wisconsin. ... He knows who he is and knows he doesn't have to be Melvin [Gordon] or James [White]. I like where he's at right now and I think he's excited for this next step."
Preseason players to watch: Michael Caputo, S, Wisconsin; Corey Clement, RB, Wisconsin
Amway coaches poll ranking: No. 18
Last year: 11-3 overall record , 7-1 Big Ten. Lost in the Big Ten championship game to eventual national champion Ohio State, 59-0. Won the Outback Bowl in overtime, 34-31, against Auburn.
Big news of the day: The Badgers also learned Thursday that a former recruit is planning to stay in the Big Ten. Jordan Stevenson, a four-star running back who was denied admission to Wisconsin last week, announced via Twitter that he'd be attending Nebraska. Wisconsin and Nebraska meet on Oct. 10.
