Big Ten Media Day - Wisconsin Coach Bret Bielema

Bielema's comments Monday at the Big Ten football Media Day in Chicago"

"A year ago at this time we were projected to do some special things. The ball didn't bounce the right way."

"(Defensive line) We lost three defensive lineman a year ago. At spring ball I saw a group of guys determined to show their worth."

"In my tenure at Wisconsin we're 2-2 against the SEC (in bowls), and that's where it's at."

(The Big Ten seems very sensitive when the SEC is the subject.)

Told he was an Iowa guy, he said "Illinois first." Bieleman is from Prophetstown, Ill.

"I love to read what people say about us, preparing to defend us or play us on a given Saturday. Every coach talked about the difficulties about preparing for the Wisconsin offense ... A lot of schools we play don't even play a fullback. It's also what we feel we can recruit at Wisconsin. (His fullbacks) didn't want to go to school where they were the second tailback."

(Is there a toughest place to play in the Big Ten). "I'm a little biased, but I say Wisconsin. We've only lost three (home) games in five years. ... Which is a (playing) career. That really becomes evident when we try to schedule nonconference opponents. In the beginning they start to get intrigued, but ... home-and-home ... then it's not as good a deal as they thought."

"You play at Penn State you don't have hot water (if you win). I swear Joe Paterno has a switch by his desk."

On his Tiger Hawk tattoo on his calf: "I thought it was a great idea when I was 19."