Wisconsin, Chizzy, Etc.

Jason Kaneshiro takes a look at Wisconsin's offensive line.

The Badgers' front, reinforced by two tight ends, has plowed a path for sophomore John Clay to run to Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors and provides protection for quarterback Scott Tolzien.

All of which creates a formidable task for Hawaii's defensive front seven as the Warriors try to extend their season to Christmas Eve and the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.

"This is the best O-line we've seen," Hawaii defensive line coach Dave Aranda said. "They're the most physical inside and their tackles are very long and very athletic. If you take the best of each O-line that we've seen and put them together, it's what these guys are."

Kaneshiro also writes about Tua Mahaley's role on the scout team and Kenny Estes sitting out Saturday's game due to a torn labrum in his shoulder.

Stephen Tsai writes that running back Chizzy Dimude may see an expanded role against Wisconsin.

"He's a class act," McMackin said of the 5-foot-9, 190-pound junior, who transferred from Laney College in July. "He's a big-time player, but he's willing to help us get ready by playing on scout team. To do that shows he's a team guy."

Dimude is expected to have an expanded role for Saturday's game against Wisconsin — in part because of his elusive running, in part because No. 2 running back Alex Green is recovering from a sprained shoulder.

In the Warriors' four-wide offense, the running back is the backfield blocker.

"Protection-wise," McMackin said of Dimude's early struggles as a blocker, "is why he didn't get more reps. He's an excellent runner. Now we're able to use him to give us a change of pace. And he's better in the pass protection."

Tsai also has news about Kenny Estes' injury, Jake Heun expected to start at middle linebacker, and Brent Rausch exploring the possibility of getting another year through an exemption.

Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel takes a look at Wisconsin's secondary.

Devin Smith looks into the eyes of the questioner and without hesitation makes an emphatic statement that initially sounds stunning.

Wisconsin's secondary, the sophomore cornerback insists, is eager to take the field Saturday night against pass-happy Hawaii.

"I don't think our confidence is shaken at all," Smith said, referring to the unit's subpar play in UW's loss to Northwestern in the Big Ten Conference finale. "I think our confidence has grown throughout the season.

"I don't think it is going to shake our confidence one bit. I think we are looking for another challenge and looking to make up for what happened."

Really?

"They are ready to rock and roll," secondary coach Kerry Cooks said. "That is what you love, especially as a defensive back. You've got to have that mentality.

"They're going to accept this challenge. We know it's a big challenge in front of us. We've got to go out and play ball."

Jim Polzin of Madison.com has some news and notes.

So does UWBadgers.com.

Polzin profiles Wisconsin receiver Isaac Anderson.

Brian Lucas of the UWBadgers.com blog has a diary of Wisconsin's plane trip to Hawaii.

And Dave Heller of the Journal Sentinel has a round-up of UH-Wisconsin score predictions.