BREAKING: Wisconsin renames football field to honor Barry Alvarez

The Wisconsin Badgers have renamed their football field at Camp Randall Stadium to Barry Alvarez Field, per Wisconsin reporter Jeff Potrykus. Alvarez coached the Badgers for 15 seasons is the all-time winningest football coach in school history.

He compiled a 118-73-4 record as the head man from 1990-2005. He then took over as athletic director and stepped down at the end of June, marking 32 years total with Wisconsin. As a coach, he led the Badgers to three Big Ten championships and three Rose Bowl victories. He also had one Heisman trophy winner in running back Ron Dayne (1999).

The 74-year-old is set to be honored at Wisconsin’s matchup against Michigan on Saturday. The Badgers currently sit at 1-2, but their losses come against Penn State and Notre Dame. Perhaps seeing a Wisconsin legend on the field can provide the motivation they need to upset the No. 14 Wolverines.

The Badgers have not finished with a losing record since 2001, but early indications are this team isn’t as good as its No. 12 preseason ranking. Quarterback Graham Mertz has struggled mightily in the early part of the season, and has six interceptions to just one touchdown pass.

The good news is Wisconsin faces most of its toughest opponents at the beginning of the season. The Badgers face only one currently ranked foe after Saturday game against Michigan. They will take on No. 5 Iowa on Oct. 30.

When Barry Alvarez returns to the field Saturday, Wisconsin should look to take motivation from its legendary coach. The season is still very young, and the Badgers defense hasn’t been the issue. The Badgers rank second in the country in total defense and are giving up a staggering 23 yards per game on the ground. They rank 19th in the nation in points per game, however, which has seriously hindered the potential of this team.