Posted 9/16/05
UW-Platteville quarterback Brent Nelson is a Fennimore native who earned all-conference honors as a sophomore. He also graced the front of "Inside Wisconsin Sports" this fall, along with a couple of other notable QBs, John Stocco and Brett Favre. Nelson and the Pioneers will be noticed Saturday night as well when they meet NCAA Division I-AA Drake at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.
Is there any difference playing a Division I team?
"You would think there is, but we go into it every week thinking it's just like another conference opponent. We game-plan the same. We know they have good athletes, but we go into it thinking the same. So our preparation is not really different."
But it is kind of fun to play them and then see your score across the ESPN ticker all night, isn't it?
"It's definitely fun to go home and watch the scroll, waiting for Platteville to come up."
What kind of things do you look for from Drake?
"We know Drake is going to be gunning for us because we beat them two years in a row. Division III teams are not supposed to beat Division I teams, so we know they'll be gunning for us, and we have to be ready."
UW-Platteville boasts a Division I-type facility. How does it feel playing on the new field?
"I still think our field is the best in DIII football. I love our stadium, and I think it will be fun to play them here."
How much was that first night game (a 26-0 win over Dubuque Sept. 3) with the big crowd you had?
"On the first night the place was packed, with great excitement. It was an awesome atmosphere to play in."
As the quarterback in this offense, you're involved in the majority of the plays, throwing 50-60 times per game. How much fun is that?
"I definitely like the pass the ball. That's one of the main reasons I came here. I don't mind handing it off, either. I like our offense and the way we can spread the ball around."
Interview by SID Paul Erickson