MARQUEE MASCOT MATCHUP - SEPTEMBER 18, 2004

Wisconsin Badgers (2-0)	AT	Arizona Wildcats (1-1)

* Also the subject of a Disturbing Web Cartoon

Preview:

I saw this matchup on a recent episode of PBS Nature. It was the dead of winter in some snowy northern latitude. A wildcat had just finished killing some unlucky snowshoe hare, and settled down for a nice afternoon meal. He had that trademark contented smirk that is so common to cats large and small. Anyway, along comes this badger, who matter-of-factly strolls up, snarls and growls, and shoves kitty out of the way. The wildcat was visibly upset about the turn of events, but just walked away and watched from a nearby bush. No hissing, scratching, or resistance whatsoever. After a light snack, the badger decided he'd save the rest for later - so he lightly buried the rabbit in the snow and walked off. Sneakily and cautiously, the wildcat returned and started digging up his lunch. The badger must have seen, smelled, or otherwise sensed what was happening, because he turned around, ran back, and chased the wildcat off again. At the end of the day, Wilbur Wildcat had to go find something else to eat. Bucky Badger chowed down on Thumper and went back to his den for a nap. Several important lessons can be learned from this story. First, badgers gain a lot through sheer intimidation. They have a reputation (deservedly) for being tough, grouchy, and downright mean. Badgers aren't into showmanship, spectacularity, or any of that pretty boy crap. They're about down and dirty, dig in and bust you in the teeth, then run over top of you football. Badgers are creatures of habit, who like to follow familiar routes over and over. Put simply, they're used to kicking ass, and if you allow them to execute their game plan, they'll wear a path of claw marks across your face. Ask the valiant Golden Knights or Rebels they thrashed the last couple weeks. This leads directly into our second lesson: If you sulk away like a little girl and let the badger eat your rabbit, you're gonna lose. The Wildcats need to play up for this game. They cannot allow themselves to back down or be intimidated by the #20 Badgers. Size, speed, agility, and overall athleticism all play in their favor. The 'cats must stand tall in the pocket, pass the ball, and advance their offense on special teams. The hard desert soil of Tuscon will complicate the Badgers' digging, and give Arizona a significant home field advantage. Defensively, they'd be well advised to use the blitz, forcing the Badgers into quick dumps over the top.

Outlook:

Wildcats give a promising first half show to the home crowd, but in the end don't have what it takes to defeat a feisty group of Badgers. In a Nature rerun... Badgers, 31-10.

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