Jump Around!!

Jordan Taylor and Badger faithful

"Pack it up, pack it in,

Let me begin, I came to win,

Battle me that's a sin........"

Those are the opening words to House of Pain's 1992 hit song "Jump Around"; which when played in Madison, Wisconsin, sends the student section into absolute frenzy.  They literally do as they song says, "get off your seat and jump around!!" 

There was no doubt they were doing just, after Wisconsin upset #1 ranked Ohio State in basketball last weekend.  About 4½ months ago, the Badgers achieved a similar feat over #1 Ohio State in the football field.  That result catapulted Wisconsin to a Rose Bowl appearance; their first since 1999.

Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan preaches defense.  He lives defense, he breathes defense.  The Badgers might not be flashy on offense.  On the defensive side however, like a constrictor, they will suffocate and wear you down.  As of yet, no team has scored more than 70 points on them this season, and the top ranked Buckeyes would be no exception (they scored 67).


Jared Sullinger & Co. found the going tough.


At one point, it seemed like Ohio State would just run away with this thing.  After taking a 28-26 lead into the break, the Buckeyes behind Jared Sullinger, David Lighty and crew would lead by 15 with about 13 minutes left into the game.

The crowd in Kohl Center would not be silenced however.  Basketball is a game of runs, and if you can get one on at the right time, it is very possible to turn a game on its head.  Behind Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin went on a 15-0 run and then later on with the outcome still in doubt, kept enough poise to seal the win.  Wisconsin hadn't beaten a top ranked team in hoops since 1962.  Ironically, that team was Ohio State; which featured legends John Havlicek, Jerry Lucas and Bob Knight (before he was tossing chairs and choking anyone in sight).

It will be interesting to see how the remainder of the regular season unfolds.  I doubt Ohio State will lose again, but I'd love to see how this turns out for Wisconsin come tournament-seeding time.  Until then, Jump Around!!