The Midwest

THE DOPE: The Wheatshockers have been hard hit by graduation but expect to be an improved team. That may not be too difficult a goal to achieve considering last season's ignominious record of nine defeats, including four shutouts. Coach Woody Woodard has lettermen back at every position but will lean heavily on a group of 38 sophomores and junior college transfers. "Our losses were heaviest in the line," says Woody, "but I can't help but think that with all of the big newcomers we have our line will be bigger, faster and stronger than last season." The big thing going for Woodard is 6-foot-2, 208-pound Halfback Ted Dean who led the varsity in every statistical department last year but passing. The 'Shockers might use him occasionally as a fullback. With the possible switch of Dean to full, Tom Wright and Dwight Dinsmore loom as halfback starters. Quarterback poses a problem, with Dick Young, Dick Johnson and transfer Passer Norm Cobb all taking a crack. Woodard's best linemen are Center Bob Cooper and Tackle Jack Deeter, back after a knee operation.

WISCONSIN
Madison, Wis.

COLORS: Cardinal and white
BASIC OFFENSE: T
1957 RECORD: Won 6, lost 3
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 26 of 34
WATCH FOR: The passing, breakaway running of Dale Hackbart

THE DOPE: The Big Ten championship could be decided Oct. 25 when the Badgers invade Columbus to challenge Ohio State. The same sophomore team that gave the Buckeyes their toughest conference battle will be back in force (26 lettermen), and if anybody's going to unseat the Ohioans, it will be Wisconsin. Coach Milt Bruhn's rushing attack, which ranked third in the conference and eighth in the nation, will be good despite the loss of Halfback Danny Lewis, and the defensive backfield will rank with the best. The Badgers also pose a serious aerial threat with such passers as Sid Williams and the man who took his quarterback job from him midway through the season, Dale Hackbart. Both are dangerous sprinters, too. Ed Hart, Ron Steiner or Billy Hobbs will work opposite Williams, and Jon Hobbs will share fullback duties with Bob Zeman. End Dave Kocourek and Tackle Dan Lanphear are mainstays of a fast, rugged line. Kocourek and Earl Hill are excellent pass receivers. Bruhn lacks depth in the center of the line, but the over-all picture is very bright.