Jalen Berger – Page 4 – Syndication Server

LOOK: Wisconsin legend Montee Ball offers to workout with RB Jalen Berger this offseason

The former Badger is ready to help the future of Wisconsin’s run game

There is a classic saying that anybody who has grown up around Wisconsin, attended the university, or rooted for the Badgers knows: once a Badger, always a Badger.

This morning, we saw an example of that statement in action. Legendary Wisconsin RB Montee Ball took to Twitter to publicly offer his help to freshman RB Jalen Berger, who excelled near the end of the season. Ball, who was the 2012 Doak Walker Award winner at Wisconsin while rushing for over 5,100 career yards as a Badger, wants to be around the RB room this season.

He mentioned this morning that there was a specific workout that took him from an average back to a Doak Walker Award winner for best RB in the nation. The former Badger is ready to help the next RB in line with that workout:

I think I’ll go to a good amount of training camp practices next year. Gotta get that running back room going! @JalenBerger This off-season I can run you through my workout regiment that took me from an average back to a heisman finalist. Let’s get it. #OnWisconsin https://t.co/bGDs3dNg6H

— Montee Ball (@MonteeBall28) January 2, 2021

After starting his true freshman season fourth on Wisconsin’s RB depth chart, Berger climbed his way to the top after a few solid performances. He finished his first year in Madison with 301 rushing yards on 60 carries (5.1 ypc) to go along with a pair of touchdowns.

Having one of the greatest rushers to ever wear the Wisconsin red helping him improve could be the key to Berger exploding in 2021.

Studs and duds from the Wisconsin Badgers’ 2020 football season

The Wisconsin Badgers closed their 2020 season Thursday with a 42-28 victory over Wake Forest in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Here are studs…

Alas, today is Jan. 1, and the year 2020 is finally behind is — most likely for the best in many ways.

For the Wisconsin Badger football program, 2020 began on a rough note with the team’s 28-27 Rose Bowl loss to Oregon on New Year’s Day.

As Badger fans know, it didn’t get any easier. The Big Ten Conference initially postponed the 2020 season, kickoff came in late October, the team saw starting quarterback Jack Coan break his foot before the season, three regular-season games were canceled due to COVID-19 and numerous injuries were suffered by key players.

But in the end, if there’s one word to describe the team it’s resilient. The Badgers could’ve shipped it in after a loss at Iowa capped a three-game losing streak and especially when the program experienced a COVID-19 outbreak and didn’t play for two weeks.

But the Badgers didn’t, and they finished the year two victories. That captures the resilience of the team and the football program as a whole.

So as we look back upon the 2020 season, we do so while giving credit to everybody that worked hard to make this season happen, as well as to everybody in the locker room and on the coaching staff for battling through hardship and sacrificing a lot to successfully finish the year.

With that, here are studs and duds from the Badgers’ 2020 football season:

Five starters are OUT for Wisconsin today against Wake Forest

The injury report is out for Wisconsin football’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl matchup against Wake Forest. For yet another week, the report brought…

The Wisconsin football program has released its pregame status report heading into their Duke’s Mayo Bowl matchup with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Excluded from the injury list, meaning he will suit up and play, is running back Jalen Berger—a player who has missed the team’s last two games.

Listed as out for the game, however, are wide receivers Kendric Pryor and Danny Davis, left tackle Cole Van Lanen, defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk and right guard Logan Bruss.

No Loudermilk, Pryor, Davis, Van Lanen, or Bruss in the starting lineup today.

Nakia Watson & Semar Melvin out again as well #Badgers pic.twitter.com/XJ26lysIMl

— Ben Kenney (@benzkenney) December 30, 2020

Also out for today is backup running back Nakia Watson and backup cornerback Semar Melvin.

The absence of Pryor and Davis today will mean the two receivers combined to play only five games this season—that after the offense showed promise Week 1 against Illinois when the two players were both healthy.

Quarterback Graham Mertz and the Wisconsin offense will now need to see tight end Jake Ferguson and wide receivers Chimere Dike and Jack Dunn step up in the receiving game and replacements along the offensive line to play well if the unit wants to compliment their rushing attack and find success against a soft Wake Forest defense.

Report: Wisconsin is the frontrunner to land USC transfer RB, former four-star recruit

USC Sports Illustrated publisher Scott Wolf reported that the Wisconsin Badgers are the front runner to land USC transfer RB Markese Stepp

Today is gameday for the Wisconsin Badgers as they get set to face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

With today marking the final day of the team’s 2020 season, the focus hasn’t turned to the 2021 campaign quite yet. However, there was a report from last night to follow as the Badgers look to build their roster for next year.

That is USC Sports Illustrated publisher Scott Wolf noting that Wisconsin “is currently the frontrunner for ex-USC tailback Markese Stepp.”

I'm hearing Wisconsin is currently the frontrunner for ex-#USC tailback Markese Stepp

— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) December 29, 2020

Stepp was a four-star recruit in the class of 2018 and was ranked as the No. 307 overall prospect, No. 14 running back and No. 3 player from his home state of Indiana.

The now-former USC Trojan entered the transfer portal on Monday after a 45-carry, 165-yard, 3-touchdown 2020 campaign.

Stepp will have sophomore eligibility next season and could provide a valuable boost to the Badger backfield. The Badgers, then, will hope he returns to his form from 2019 when he broke onto the scene with 48 carries, 307 yards, 6.4 yards-per-carry and 3 touchdowns.

If you have any questions about what he could possibly provide for the Badgers, see the thread below.

*Envisions a Stepp—Berger thunder and lightning 2021 backfield* pic.twitter.com/sOLTyY1sYl

— Ben Kenney (@benzkenney) December 30, 2020

This dude pushes bodieshttps://t.co/10E08SozRc

— Ben Kenney (@benzkenney) December 30, 2020

Markese Stepp has four carries for 38 yards. This was his last run. #USC pic.twitter.com/EyN4Ra2iv8

— Antonio Morales (@AntonioCMorales) October 13, 2019

Although Jalen Berger has shown sky-high potential this season as the leader of the Badger backfield, the addition of a power back like Stepp would be a valuable one—especially if Garrett Groshek doesn’t decide to return next season.

Wolf’s report is all that is out there at this point regarding Stepp’s impending decision so it will be a situation to monitor as the offseason begins.

How to watch: Wisconsin vs. Wake Forest in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Late Wednesday morning, the Wisconsin Badgers will face off against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, N.C…

Late Wednesday morning, the Wisconsin Badgers will face off against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, N.C. This bowl game is not where many expected the Badgers to be at the end of this season, but it should still be a great game to watch.

After finishing the regular season at 3-3, a win against Wake Forest could go a long way in improving the confidence of the Badgers going into next season. This is especially true for freshman quarterback Graham Mertz, who has struggled tremendously since his outstanding performances against Illinois and Michigan. Luckily, Mertz should have some of his offensive weapons back for this game including starting running back Jalen Berger.

Similar to Wisconsin, the Demon Deacons finished their season even at 4-4 and have not had a phenomenal year overall. Wake Forest has not beaten a single team with a winning record this season, and their most impressive effort came in a 59-53 loss to the No. 13 North Carolina Tar Heels.

Nov 14, 2020; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Sam Hartman (10) passes the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels linebackers Jeremiah Gemmel (44) and Chris Collins (17) defend in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

It will be interesting to see how Wisconsin and Wake Forest, which have both had their fair share of struggles throughout this season, matchup in this game. A win and a strong outing from Graham Mertz would be a great way to enter the offseason for Wisconsin and could help the Badgers redeem this season.

How to watch Wisconsin in Duke’s Mayo Bowl against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

How to watch:

Matchup: Wisconsin Badgers vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Where: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

When: Dec. 30, 2020 at 11 a.m. CST

Where to watch: ESPN

Announcers:
- Play-by-Play: Taylor Zarzour
- Analyst: Matt Stinchcomb
- Sideline Reporter: Marty Smith

Where to stream: ESPN app or online at ESPN.com/Watch

Where to listen: Badger Sports Network on the TuneIn app, or Sirius 137 and XM 207

Announcers:
- Play-by-Play: Matt Lepay
- Analyst: Mike Lucas

Wisconsin football should have a key offensive weapon back for Wednesday’s bowl game

The Badgers should be getting a huge lift on Wednesday

The Badgers are likely getting a massive offensive boost this week when they face Wake Forest in Wednesday’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

In today’s press conference, Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst mentioned that freshman RB Jalen Berger, who missed the last two Badger contests due to COVID-19, practiced today with the team.

A Big Ten rule change surrounding the COVID-19 timeline could be what allows Berger to play. Although it is unclear exactly when the freshman tested positive, it was some point during Iowa week. The previous conference rule was that players with a positive test could not play in game action until 21-days after that positive result, with no exceptions. That has now changed to a 17-day period. The rule was likely changed for Ohio State, to allow the Buckeyes to have more of a full roster when they take on Clemson in the CFP semifinal on New Year’s Day.

Chryst mentioned last week that the rule change from a 21-day period to a 17-day period should help Berger play against Wake Forest on Wednesday:

Chryst said the Big Ten's new 17-day sit out rule for a positive COVID test should help RB Jalen Berger be available for the bowl game.

— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) December 21, 2020

The freshman RB has led Wisconsin’s ground game when he has seen the field. Averaging nearly six yards per carry, expect Berger to once again lead the way in the Badger backfield if he can in fact suit up. All signs from the coaching staff point to him playing this Wednesday.

A complete Christmas list for the Wisconsin football program

The Wisconsin Badger football program could use a lot for Christmas, including a win in their Bowl Game against Wake Forest, health…

We’re in the middle of the holiday season and the Wisconsin Badgers are six days away from playing their Bowl Game and finishing the 2020 season.

It’s been a challenging season for everybody involved, and it hasn’t necessarily become one to remember for fans of the program.

But back in August and early September, the Badgers weren’t even set to play a season, and as I’ve said numerous times finishing the year at all should be seen as a success.

The biggest thing to take away from the 2020 campaign should be the development of key young offensive players and the valuable experience that the schedule provided.

The most significant of those guys is obviously redshirt freshman quarterback Graham Mertz, who started the season with two tremendous performances but has really struggled since.

Nobody will remember the 3-3 regular season and the team’s three-game losing streak many years from now, as this period will be looked back upon as a valuable dress rehearsal of what Mertz, freshman RB Jalen Berger, freshman WR Chimere Dike and the youth on the team will bring to the field in future years.

With today being Christmas Eve and the Badgers still six days away from taking the field again, here is a complete Christmas list for the Wisconsin football program:

WATCH: Garrett Groshek explodes for 39-yard TD run

In the second quarter of Wisconsin’s game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, running back Garrett Groshek answered the first-quarter t…

In the second quarter of Wisconsin’s game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, running back Garrett Groshek answered the first-quarter touchdown by the Golden Gophers with an explosive 39-yard touchdown run up the middle.

Although the carry from Groshek was up the middle, he was able to speed through a wide-open gap created by the Wisconsin offensive line. The run game was a big question mark going into this game with Wisconsin missing both left tackle Cole Van Lanen and starting running back Jalen Berger, but Groshek has stepped up so far in their absence. He currently has 74 yards and a touchdown early in the second quarter.

The Wisconsin defense has held up pretty well despite the first-quarter touchdown from Tanner Morgan to Cam Wiley that initially put Minnesota up by seven. The Badgers are tied with the Golden Gophers 7-7 with 8:31 left in the first half.

Garrett Groshek with as close to a 40-yard dash as you'll ever see in an actual game. Just this one goes for 39 yards. Badgers tie things up at Camp Randall with 14:17 to play in the first half. pic.twitter.com/feAvp3v42W

— George Balekji (@GeorgeBalekji) December 19, 2020

Stay tuned to Badgers Wire for continued updates.

Five key starters for Wisconsin are OUT today against Minnesota

Wisconsin Badgers will be without running back Jalen Berger, wide receivers Kendric Pryor and Danny Davis and more today against Minnesota

The Wisconsin Badger offense has been anything but healthy this season, with starting quarterback Jack Coan going down with a foot injury before the season started, members of the team testing positive for COVID-19, wide receivers Kendric Pryor and Danny Davis missing several weeks and more.

That trend continued today as according to the team’s depth chart they will be without key starters RB Jalen Berger, RB Nakia Watson, WR Danny Davis, LT Cole Van Lanen and WR Kendric Pryor for the second straight week.

#Badgers' official status report. No Berger, Pryor, Davis, Van Lanen OR Watson.

They will be unbelievably shorthanded today pic.twitter.com/GTtZ9Ji0Ws

— Ben Kenney (@benzkenney) December 19, 2020

Quarterback Graham Mertz will now rely on Chimere Dike and Jack Dunn at wide receiver and Garrett Groshek at running back, a combination that hasn’t worked very well for the last few weeks.

One good sign for the Badger offense is this Minnesota defense is nothing close to that of Northwestern, Indiana or Iowa, or even to the unit they had last season.

The game will kick off at 3 p.m. CST and be available on the Big Ten Network and the FOX Sports app.

Minnesota preview:

Five things the Wisconsin Badgers must do to keep Paul Bunyan’s Axe

Minnesota team preview

What Minnesota HC P.J. Fleck is saying about Wisconsin before the game

HC Paul Chryst gives an update on the status of WRs Kendric Pryor and Danny Davis

Film room: The good, the bad and the questionable from Graham Mertz’s performance against Iowa

Wisconsin is a big favorite according to BetMGM

College Gameday picks for Wisconsin vs. Minnesota

WATCH: The Wisconsin Badgers are Matt Leinart’s team to watch in 2021

FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff hosts discussed which Big Ten teams are worth watching next season. Matt Leinart chose Wisconsin football as his

During FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff today the hosts discussed which Big Ten teams are worth watching next season.

Several of the hosts chose Michigan due to the questions about their trajectory and head coach Jim Harbaugh possibly entering the hot seat after a rough 2020 season.

Former USC quarterback Matt Leinart, however, chose Wisconsin as his team to watch next season.

You voted, and we got you! @Wendys is delivering fans the show they want to watch and today the guys chatted about the Big Ten Team to Watch in 2021 #WendysTwitterTopic #ad #BigNoonKickoff pic.twitter.com/73RzgbGrzl

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 19, 2020

“If you look at this season, obviously a struggling season especially offensively,” Leinart said. “But you look at what they have coming back. Brady [Quinn], your quarterback you love Graham Mertz going through some growing pains this year but he’s got a ton of talent. Jalen Berger the true freshman running back is an absolute stud, he’s back. Defensively they’re always solid but you talk about recruiting, they have a top-20 recruiting class in the nation and No. 3 in the Big Ten going into next season. That’s pretty good for Wisconsin, so you better believe Paul Chryst will have this football team in the Big Ten conversation when it’s all said and done at the end of the season.”

High praise from the former USC star, and praise that is deserved with what this team has going for them heading into next season. The 2020 season has been a tough one for many reasons, but the future is extremely bright in Madison.