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Paul Chryst talks Graham Mertz, matchup with former boss Bret Bielema
By Nick Schultz
Published:
Wisconsin is 1-3 for the first time since Barry Alvarez’s first season in Madison.
That was more than 30 years ago.
After a rough loss to Michigan at home — the time that’s happened since 2001 — Wisconsin is getting ready to face off with Illinois this week. It’ll be a reunion of sorts for Badgers coach Paul Chryst and Illinois coach Bret Bielema. Bielema coached at Wisconsin from 2006-12 and Chryst served as his offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
There will be plenty of other storylines to watch heading into that game, as well. For starters, Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz suffered a chest injury in last week’s game against Michigan and was listed as questionable on the preliminary injury report. The Badgers are also still searching for their first B1G victory, and this week will be a good chance to do so.
Chryst met the media ahead of the big matchup with Illinois, and here’s what he had to say:
Paul Chryst on facing his former boss Bret Bielema.
"A lot of respect for him and I think he's put together a really good staff."#Badgers
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) October 4, 2021
“I spoke with him Saturday night he’s good and good today and we’ll go through the week and kind of see.”
– Paul Chryst providing an update on Graham Mertz who went to the hospital on Saturday with a chest injury
— Leah Doherty (@LeahDohertyTV) October 4, 2021
Part of Paul Chryst’s opening comments: “We get to choose where we go next.”
The head coach also mentioned multiple times how excited he is for the group and the new sense of motivation they have. pic.twitter.com/GFXQDH9ixJ
— Pablo Iglesias (@PabloIglesiasTV) October 4, 2021
#Badgers coach Pail Chryst notes that QB Graham Mertz feels better than he looked after taking that hit Saturday. Also sounds like he feels Braelon Allen can give team something the other backs can’t because of his size/strength.
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) October 4, 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.