Badgers' QB Donovan Roughed Up

As the Outback Bowl continues in Tampa, the Wisconsin Badgers are struggling to slow down the pass rush of Tennessee. They probably smell blood now.

Badger senior QB Tyler Donovan took a shot to the head as he dove into the end zone for Wisconsin's only touchdown so far. Head coach Bret Bielema wasn't pleased, as no penalty was called (hard to say whether a call was justified after viewing replays). Donovan was dinged up, but appeared to pass the "concussion test" - or whatever they call it - on the sideline. He didn't miss a play.

Tennessee brought some serious heat throughout much of the first quarter, hitting Donovan numerous times and forcing him to rush his throws.

In the second quarter, Donovan slid awkwardly on a scramble, then took another shot to the upper body. It looked like he injured his knee. His return looked to be up in the air at best, though he was smiling on the sideline and he had the look of a player who was going back into the game. Yet after Tennessee scored to take a 21-7 lead in the game, Donovan jumped off the bench and ran back out to take over the offense once again.

On his second play back, Donovan completed a pass to tight end Garrett Graham, and he took another late hit. This one led to a flag and a 15-yard markoff against Tennessee.

Donovan's average arm and small stature probably prohibit him from having much of an NFL future as a quarterback. However, there is no question Donovan has great leadership skills, a huge heart, and that he is an incredibly tough competitor.