Packers Impressed By Wisconsin Quarterback

With the impending loss of QB Matt Flynn, the Green Bay Packers will be in the market for a backup quarterback and University of Wisconsin's Russell Wilson is getting a long look from Packer brass.

Wilson threw 63 passes at his Pro Day workout on Wednesday run by former NFL quarterback Chris Weinke, who has worked with Wilson for seven weeks.

Wilson was on target with 59 of his throws and there were two drops.

Wilson threw every route he could possibly throw in the NFL, including several deep balls.

He also showed scouts good arm strength and velocity on the ball.

The NFL scouts also seemed impressed, including Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson.
"He's a very impressive fellow," Thompson said of Wilson, "articulate, knowledgeable, confident, and he projects that confidence. He's going to be a good get for somebody."

The biggest question about Wilson may be his height as he has been measured at 5'11".

"I've been this way my whole life," he said. "My height's not a factor. I played this way my whole life. I think I only got three balls batted down all (last) season. The key is finding lanes and delivering the ball on time.

College Football Bowl Play of the Day: Rose Bowl

Oregon and Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl this year.

Both teams can put up points and bunches of them, but they go about it in different ways.

Oregon is a fast break, high tempo offense that is quick and deceptive as they move down the field.  Wisconsin likes to run and they do it well.  They also mix in the pass with Russell Wilson leading the way.

Oregon is giving the Badgers 5.5 points and I think Oregon's offense wears down the Wisconsin defense in the fourth quarter to pull away at the end.

It should be a fun game to watch, but take Oregon and give the 5.5.

J.R. Martinez to be Grand Marshall of Rose Bowl Parade

Daytime television actor and war hero J.R. Martinez, the last winner of “Dancing With the Stars,” will be the grand marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Coverage starts at 11 a.m. ET Monday on ABC.

Martinez, a wounded warrior who became an actor on “All My Children,” said he was speechless about the Rose Parade honor.

“To be able to participate in this iconic American tradition is something I could only imagine,” he said in a statement, echoing the parade’s Just Imagine theme. “I believe everything happens for a reason, and

I’m grateful the events of my life have provided me with the opportunity to share my message of hope and possibility on New Year’s Day.”

Al Roker and Shaun Robinson host NBC’s coverage.

Josh Elliott of “Good Morning America” and Hannah Storm of ESPN will host ABC’s telecast of the parade. The 98th Rose Bowl Game follows at 2:10 p.m. on ESPN. The University of Oregon is playing the University of Wisconsin.

A Hail Mary Ending Again for Michigan State

It wasn't against Notre Dame this time.

Keith Nichol’s 44-yard touchdown catch on the last play of the game — after a heave by Kirk Cousins and a bounce off a Michigan State teammate — gave the Spartans a 37-31 victory over Wisconsin on Saturday night. The tiebreaking touchdown was the most memorable play at Michigan State at least since last year’s fake field goal in overtime beat Notre Dame at the same end of the field.

That corner of the end zone could be called "Amen Corner", but I guess that's already taken.

Great Lakes Gale Force Warnings

Parts of Lake Michigan and Southeastern Wisconsin is entering its second day of high winds across much of the region, and when it's done, other parts of the region may find temperatures possibly dipping below the freezing mark.

The National Weather Service has issued:
- A wind advisory for Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Kenosha, Racine and Sheboygan Counties until 1:00 p.m. Thursday
- A frost advisory for Waukesha, Dodge, Jefferson, Walworth and Washington from 1:00 a.m. through 9:00 a.m. Friday morning.

Wind gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour were found overnight, and Milwaukee Storm Team 4Caster Scott Steele said similar winds were expected Thursday morning.

"Strong winds will persist early today but gradually diminish as we bid farewell to the wet weather," said Steele, who warns that we'll be bidding hello to colder weather.

"Eventually the weakening and departing storm system will give way to approaching high pressure. That means we'll see rain diminish though the day with decreasing clouds tonight. As the skies clear, our temperatures will plummet into the low 30's. This will allow areas of frost to develop.".