Wisconsin Football Coach Encouraged by Team That Finished in the Cellar

Coach Don Morton, whose first team at the University of Wisconsin finished 3-8 and in the Big Ten cellar, says he’s encouraged by what he sees for the future of Badger football.

“I think we’re going to have a very competitive spring,” Morton said. “We’re going to have some people who improve over the winter with the weights and conditioning.

“The quarterback position is going to be very competitive. We’ve always asked each of our three quarterbacks, Tony Lowery, Otis Flowers and Mark Mangum, where they would want to play if they couldn’t play quarterback. We can’t afford to keep three quarterbacks.”

Lowery took over this season as the starter when Morton benched junior Bud Keyes, who started the first four games. Wisconsin finished 1-7 in the Big Ten and Keyes said he would transfer so he could play another season at another school.

“Tony, of course, has the advantage because of experience but there will be a lot of competition. I think we’ll have competition at running back, too,” Morton said.

But the Badgers are not in the market for a tailback after junior Marvin Artley gained 955 yards this season. Artley rushed for 68 yards last Saturday, the second highest total allowed by Michigan State this season.

The Badgers’ only victories in 1987 came over Hawaii, Ball State and Ohio State. They ended their season with a 30-9 loss Saturday to Big Ten champion Michigan State.