Russell Wilson Impressive In Badger Debut, Wisconsin Slays UNLV

Wisconsin fans, now you know.

Now you know why NC State fans didn't want to see Russell Wilson go.

Now you know why ACC defensive coordinators didn't sleep the week the Wolfpack were on the schedule.

Wilson's debut as a Wisconsin Badger was spectacular. He was his efficient self going 10-13 passing for 255 yards and two touchdowns. Wilson even rushed for 62 yards and a touchdown as Wisconsin crushed UNLV 51-17.

Russell-mania has taken over Madison, Wisconsin.

“I have been in this profession for a while and you can see guys that naturally got a little bit of something to them, some moxie, some savvy, some God-given ability that makes him love every single minute of the day." Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema said in Wisconsin's post game press conference. "Russell is a guy that has been very impressive. You’ve heard me say it a million times but I think people will see that."

"The first start was good but you have to move on and get ready for the next week." Russell Wilson said in a post game press conference. "We have a great team coming in next week and we need to prepare offensively and execute.”

Here are the highlights with a Metallica music bed. (Thanks Wisconsin Athletics.)



More highlights and post game sound with Russell Wilson and David Gilbert.

THIS JUST IN: Wilson becomes a Badger...

Russell Wilson

Sorry, Jon...

Russell Wilson is leaving pro baseball to play football at the University of Wisconsin, not for the Auburn Tigers.

The NCAA-record holder for most pass attempts without an interception, Wilson chose the Badgers over Auburn and "several other schools." The decision was confirmed by the University in a press release a short time ago.

“Russell will come in and compete for the starting quarterback position,” Bielema said in the release. “This is an unusual situation, especially for a program that prides itself on developing players throughout their careers, as we do here at Wisconsin. However, this is a special situation and Russell is the type of player and person that fits very well with our team.”

This is a good move for Wilson and for UW. The Badgers have no depth at QB, and projected starter Curt Phillips injured his knee during spring practice.

Is Wisconsin a good fit for Wilson? Ask the guys at College Football Live...



More coming later...

DEVELOPING: Russell Wilson to make his "decision" today

Russell Wilson

Former NC State quarterback and NCAA record-holder Russell Wilson will be making his decision - baseball vs. football - today, according to Adam Rittenburg at the Four-Letter.

"I have to make a decision on what I’m going to do, and I hope to do that no later than July 1," Wilson told the Asheville Citizen-Times. "[Auburn and Wisconsin] are the two schools I’m looking at, but I was contacted by a lot of schools."

Some are asking how can Wilson transfer from NC State and play for anyone? Well, Wolfpack head coach Tom O'Brien and the University granted Wilson a release from the program, so that he could play his final year of eligibility at another school. Since he graduated last month - after only three years, I might add - NCAA rules state that he can sign on somewhere else and can play football immediately.

The downside about Wilson leaving baseball to play football - he'd have to pay back a significant portion of his $250,000 signing bonus from the Asheville Tourists. The Tourists are the Colorado Rockies' farm club that Wilson currently plays for, and is hitting .221 with 82 strikeouts in 181-at bats.

Facebook is spreading the decision news as well. NCSU's "Pack Pride" announced this morning that "QB Russell Wilson will announce his decision today on ESPN College Football Live. ESPN CFL will have his first interview to ask him all about it! 3:30 ET ESPN."

I'm sure Brother Jon will be happy if Wilson chooses the Tigers.

If you're unfamiliar with Wilson, check out these highlights:



More later...