The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-10-30
BADGERS READY FOR THE FRAY.

Madison, Wis. Oct. 3O-The last hard prac-
tice of the Wisconsin football team preparatory
to the big game with Michigan in Chicago next
Saturday was held last night. and the 1900 en-
thuslastic cardinal partizans who saw 1t are now
confident that, barring accidents, the badger
eleven stands at least an even chance of winn Ing.
There Is, however, still some feeling in certain
quarters that wisconsin, chances are not better
than I to 10, or 4 to 5, but the Majority Of the
people seem to feel that the chances are about
The defense of the team is beyond question the
best that has been shown by Wisconsin eleven
In years. The general opinion Is that the line
Is absolutely impregnable, and that Michigan
Will be unable to break 1t down or to get around
the ends. The men have been carefully trained
to break every formation Michigan plays, and In
the practice here they have succeeded beyond the
expectations Of their most ardent supporters.
In offense the team is not SO strong. The back
field is admittedly not strong that of Mich
igan, but 1t * anything but weak. King really
has twosets of backs, both sets being we'll
trained and dependable Tor good. consistent work.
In addition. King has been quietly adopting some
of the styles of play in which Michigan excels,
one being the tackl" buck play, In which both
Haumerson and Long show up splendidly.
The coach has also perfected number Of trick
plays, which will be tried for the first time in
the big contest. If Wisconsin Is unable to
score on any Of the regular trick plays. and can
get within striking distance Of Michgan's goal.
Captain juneau will try drop kicks from the
field. OF late Juneau has been practicing these
considerably and while he does not seem to be
in his superior form Of last year. he is Kicking
we'll. He succeeds i'll most Of his trials from,
the 2J-yard line, and often scores from longer
distances.
All Of the men are in the pink of condition and
will be ready for the game of their lives Satur
day. Driver has not been In the scrmmages this
week. owing to the danger of having his bad
knee hurt again. but he Is In good condition and
ought to last through most of the game. All or
the other men who have been on the hospital list
are entirely recovered.
Before the scrilnmage work began last night
the varsity ran through signals and formations.
The interference formed rapidly and the men ran
closely together. The work was quick and
snappy.
The first half Of the thirty minute scrimmage
devoted to offensive work. and although the
Riordan and Earl Schneider, they were unable
to get the ball once on the downs. The varsity
charged hard and fast, opened up big holes for
the backs and helped the man with the ball
along in fine shape. Straight plays wer used
almost entirely. but one Of the line was
or cross buck. The varsity made two touchdowns
and Captain Juneau kicked a goal from the %
yard line during the short time the team had the
ball.
The second half was devoted almost entirely tC
defensive work by the varsity. The scrubs were
given the ball at the center Of the field and after
twenty downs had lost twenty yards. being
| showed back toward their goal in nearly every
play. The varsity stopped most Of the scrubs
plays before they were really started. Abbott
the crack end. was not in the practice last
| night. being kept away by an eHamination in one
Of his studies. Findlay took his place ant
filled it ably
The university band and a crowd numbering
| 1000 people at the practice and enlivenet
| it with many demonstrations of enthusiasm.
| The men will be given light practice to-da!
| and will leave for Chicago Friday morning. 1
is expected that about 1000 students and towns