What Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said during his weekly press conference
During the 2020 season, Wisconsin has seen blowout wins, a COVID outbreak and now a disappointing loss.
Though it seems like the Badgers have already been through a lot, there’s still plenty to come. That includes Saturday’s trophy game against Minnesota.
Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst realizes that. Here’s what he said at his regularly scheduled press conference on Monday as his team prepares to play for Paul Bunyan’s Axe.
First, Chryst provided an update on some missing players.
Paul Chryst has no status updates on Kendric Pryor or Danny Davis. Says Pryor is closer to being able to play but hopeful for both players.
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) November 23, 2020
"We'll find out during the week… KP will be the first to be back. The more they do, how do they respond to it. Certainly hopeful for one if not both." – Coach Chryst, on the possible return of Kendrick Pryor and Danny Davis this week
— 🦃Bucky’s 5th Quarter🦃 (@B5Q) November 23, 2020
Despite Saturday’s disappointing loss to Northwestern, Chryst seems to like where his team’s energy is at. That seems especially important as Wisconsin goes up against a Minnesota team that has struggled but also shown some signs of life.
Paul Chryst: The energy this week has been, and I've liked that from this team. This group likes to play football and likes to be around each other. Every game is big and this one is big because it's the one we get to play against a very good football team. #Badgers
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) November 19, 2020
Chryst emphasized how important the tradition is of playing for “Paul Bunyan’s Axe” is with his players.
Wisconsin hosts Minnesota on Saturday. #AxeWeek
— Alec Ausmus (@A_Twice27) November 23, 2020
One thing that seems to be a consistent talker in Madison is the quarterback situation. Graham Mertz set the world on fire in his first start against Illinois. Then, he made headlines as one of the most prominent Wisconsin players to come down with COVID-19. After two less-than-stellar performances, the quarterback talk continues.
Paul Chryst was asked about Jack Coan, who is progressing, but Graham Mertz is one of the players being made available today so if there's any question about this Saturday's game I think that's your answer. #Badgers
— Dave Heller (@dave_heller) November 23, 2020
Despite Saturday’s loss, Chryst appears to be in good spirits not only about the upcoming rivalry game but also his team’s development.
#Badgers Paul Chryst was asked about development of WRs AJ Abbott and Taj Mustapha. Said both have missed practice time recdntly. Mustapha played late Saturday; Abbott did not travel (because of missed practice time).
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) November 23, 2020
Chryst on Chimere Dike: "It's been fun to see how quickly he's been able to adjust. One of the reasons is he's got a great focus and a great purpose. He wants to be coached." Says the confidence he plays with puts him in situations that aren't too big for him #Badgers
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) November 23, 2020
Here’s what else Chryst had to say.
Paul Chryst: "We've got some guys playing their last year of college football so absolutely it's been worth whatever inconvenience it may be." #Badgers
— Dave Heller (@dave_heller) November 23, 2020
Paul Chryst was asked about Minnesota's defense and says it is good with good players. Not sure what else he's going to say but FWIW the Gophers are allowing 34.8 points per game, 6.82 yards/rush, 7.71 yards/play and 44.68% third-down conversions. #Badgers
— Dave Heller (@dave_heller) November 23, 2020
