The conversion attempt failed, but it was clear that Minnesota head coach, Tim Brewster was none too happy about the decision by Bielema. Brewster felt it was "wrong" and sent a poor message about sportsmanship. Bielema defended his decision, saying that, in that situation, the "card" calls for the two-point conversion so he went for it, and he'd likely do it again if faced with a similar situation.
The furor has died down a bit, except for some rumblings by Minnesota Gopher players about not forgetting the move when these two teams meet again next year, that is until Barry Alvarez—former Wisconsin coaching great and current athletic director for the Badgers—said that he "wouldn't have gone for two".
According to a story published by Madison.com, Alvarez spoke to Bielema about the move immediately following the game and Bielema explained the same reasons to him that he's given to the press—that's what the card says to do:
"Bret gave his reason for going for two and I understand it," said Alvarez, who queried Bielema on the matter immediately after the game about the pass that fell incomplete. "If you're standing on that sideline, the game wasn't over as far as he was concerned.
"Us, we're up (in the stands) eating a hot dog, drinking a Coke, it's over for us. But he saw it last year against (the Gophers). We've given up big plays. In that game we gave up big plays and crazy things happen.'' (madison.com, 10/13/10)Alvarez continued on by saying, if anything, he was unhappy with the way Minnesota coach Tim Brewster reacted following the game:
"If I'm offended by anybody, it's the way Brewster acted. He stopped (the conversion) anyway. He saved himself a point. I just think that was way overreacting." (madison.com, 10/13/10)
Clearly, there will be plenty of bulletin board material to go around for next season when—Brewster or no Brewster—these teams lock horns again in Minnesota.
