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J.J. Watt will be rooting for both Wisconsin, Central Michigan Saturday afternoon

Dave Holcomb

By Dave Holcomb

Published:

Wisconsin will host Central Michigan at 3:30 pm ET on Saturday in what could easily be called the J.J. Watt-bowl.

But don’t count on Watt picking sides.

Watt played tight end for Central Michigan in 2007, but after he posted only eight receptions for 77 receiving yards, the Chippewas wanted to move him to offensive tackle. Instead of accepting the position change, Watt departed to become a walk-on at Wisconsin.

Knowing how hard Watt works, there shouldn’t be much doubt that he could have been a great offensive tackle, but he became an All-World defensive end with the Badgers after sitting out the 2008 season. He posted 11.5 sacks and 36.5 tackles for loss the next two years at Wisconsin and then became an NFL first-round draft choice in 2011.

While they have Watt in common, Wisconsin and Central Michigan have never met in a football game previously.

Dave Holcomb