Did You Know?

Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst has a family connection to Western Michigan's conference, the MAC.

   Some bits of trivia heading into Monday's game:

• This is the fifth meeting between Wisconsin and Western Michigan, with the Badgers holding a 3-1 series edge. The first meeting was in 1963 when Wisconsin won, 41-0. Western Michigan's win was a 24-14 contest in 1988. 
• The 2017 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic is Wisconsin's 15th consecutive post-season appearance, which leads the Big Ten and ranks sixth nationally.
• Western Michigan is 1-6 all-time in post-season games. 
• The 13-0 Broncos are the first undefeated team to play in the Cotton Bowl since 11-0 Texas in 1984.
• Western Michigan leads the nation in turnover margin at +19. 
• Wisconsin will begin and end its season at two of the most iconic venues in pro football. The Badgers opened with a 16-14 win over LSU at storied Lambeau Field, and will end it at world-famous AT&T Stadium.
• Wisconsin is only the second team from its state to play in the Cotton Bowl. The first was Marquette in the very first Cotton Bowl on Jan. 1, 1937. 
• The Badgers have a slight advantage in having played in AT&T Stadium recently. Wisconsin lost to Alabama, 35-17, in the Advocare Classic to open the 2015 season in Arlington.
• Western Michigan will be the visiting team in Monday's game. The Broncos will dress in light colors and occupy the North sideline.
• Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst's older brother, Rick, served as the Commissioner of the Mid-American Conference (which includes Western Michigan) for 10 years, 1999-2009.