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Paul Chryst talks with reporters ahead of colossal showdown vs. Penn State
By Nick Schultz
Published:
Wisconsin has quite the task in its season opener this week as it welcomes Penn State to Madison.
Neither team had a great season in 2020. Penn State went 4-5 and Wisconsin went 3-3 as it dealt with COVID-19 issues early in the season. But with sophomore Graham Mertz under center once again, Paul Chryst’s squad is hoping to put the up-and-down 2020 season behind them.
The Badgers went from averaging 47 points in their first two games to averaging 7 points in their last three games. Looking ahead to this season, Chryst said it’s all about consistency.
Here’s what else Chryst had to say in this morning’s press conference, including his thoughts on the Badgers’ running back depth and getting fans back in the stands at Camp Randall Stadium.
Paul Chryst: "We're thrilled to open up at home with fans." #Badgers
— Michael Hogan (@MHogan42) August 30, 2021
Paul Chryst opens with how he’s “excited” to get to work with this team.
— Pablo Iglesias (@PabloIglesiasTV) August 30, 2021
“It’ll be a heck of challenge facing a really good team in Penn State but looking forward to getting this season started.”
– Paul Chryst pic.twitter.com/uuWPB11Xiv
— Leah Doherty (@LeahDohertyTV) August 30, 2021
Chryst would like to see “more consistency and production” in the offense this fall. Team-first mindset.
“Not one guy…should carry [this offense].”
— Pablo Iglesias (@PabloIglesiasTV) August 30, 2021
Paul Chryst on Chez Mellusi winning the starting tailback job.
"He's been really consistent. That, I think, means a lot.
"We're still in a position where we have to have a number of backs play well."#Badgers
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) August 30, 2021
Chryst on Mellusi being the No. 1 RB over Berger: “He’s been really consistent. It means a lot.”
Expecting a number of guys to contribute, including Guerendo. Mentions that Braelon Allen has some things he can give them, too. pic.twitter.com/UToMKPvQZw
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) August 30, 2021
Chryst on opening with Penn State: "What a way to open up the season.
"Our home opener is against Penn State, we'll have fans in the stands, that's a heck of a way to open up the season." #Badgers
— Michael Hogan (@MHogan42) August 30, 2021
“Physically, I feel like he’s ready. He’s done everything he can to give himself the best chance [to start on the o-line]. He practices like it’s a game.” – Chryst on Stoughton native OL Jack Nelson’s development.
— Pablo Iglesias (@PabloIglesiasTV) August 30, 2021
Paul Chryst mentions Braelon Allen, Hunter Wohler and Markus Allen as true freshmen that will see the field on special teams or otherwise. Says a few others are pushing. #Badgers
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) August 30, 2021
Nick Schultz is a columnist and breaking news writer for Saturday Tradition. A 2020 graduate of Loyola Chicago, he covered the Ramblers' 2018 Final Four run from beginning to end and has worked at NBC Sports Chicago. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickSchultz_7.