MADISON, Wis. -- News of Wisconsin losing starting linebacker Jack Cichy to a season-ending pectoral tear the week of a monumental game against Nebraska might seem crippling to the Badgers' chances. Most would at least agree the scenario is far from ideal.
Cichy is Wisconsin's leading tackler. Just two games ago, he recorded 15 tackles against Ohio State and earned the Big Ten's defensive player of the week honor. Replacing his production certainly won't be easy.
But if we've learned anything from watching the Badgers' plucky defense this season, it is this: A unit that has been riddled with injuries to key players all season hasn't simply survived.