Two Badgers injured in defeat of Purdue get good news

The Wisconsin football team had positive news about two players who suffered knee injuries on Saturday.

Linebacker Ethan Armstrong was on crutches after the Badgers’ 38-14 win at Purdue. But he was moving much better Sunday, and coach Bret Bielema says there’s a chance Armstrong can play on Saturday at home against Minnesota.

Also, offensive tackle Ricky Wagner was moving well after Saturday’s game, in spite of his knee injury. Offensive line coach Bart Miller said yesterday that Wagner would return soon, but he’s not sure if it will be this week or next.

Ryan Groy moved from left tackle to left guard after Wagner’s injury. He could start at guard against Minnesota if Wagner can’t return.

Zach Matthias or Robert Burge could start at left tackle. Defensive coordinator Chris Ash says he’s looking at several options for replacing Armstrong if need be.

Minnesota coach suffers another seizure

Minnesota football coach Jerry Kill planned to return to work Monday, after he collapsed from a seizure after last Saturday's home loss to Northwestern.

Kill was released from a hospital Sunday, a day after he succumbed in a private locker room following his post-game news conference.

Team doctor Pat Smith said all tests from yesterday confirmed that Kill remains in excellent health, and he's excited to help the Gophers get ready to play Wisconsin this Saturday in Madison.

Kill has had issues with seizures in the past. He collapsed on the field last September near the end of a game against New Mexico State, and returned to coach the following week.

Minnesota is 0-2 in the Big Ten and 4-2 overall after losing by eight to Northwestern.

Wisconsin is 2-1 in the conference and 5-2 overall, after their 38-14 victory at Purdue. It put the Badgers back on the national radar screen – somewhat.

They're now six places away from the Top 25 in the AP media poll, and five spots away in the USA Today poll. Wisconsin failed to make the Top 25 in the first BCS Standings Sunday night.

Wisconsin has two Top 10 Division III teams

Wisconsin now has two teams in the Top 10 of the Division III poll from D3Football.com. UW-Oshkosh moved up nine spots to No. 10 after beating UW-Platteville 34-13 on Saturday.

Oshkosh is now 6-0 and will play at UW-Whitewater next Saturday. The Warhawks remain at No. 5 in the new poll after crushing UW-Stout 41-7.

Whitewater improved to 5-1. Platteville fell to 4-2, and they dropped seven spots in the new poll to No. 20.

Unbeaten Mount Union of Ohio remains atop the D3 poll, followed by Mary Hardin-Baylor, Linfield and St. Thomas of St. Paul, Minn.

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