Paul Chryst talks about his excitement levels and Giannis Antetokounmpo at Big Ten Media Days

In an odd way it felt good to have a Chryst press conference on in the background

Wisconsin Badgers head coach Paul Chryst spoke to the assembled media on Thursday morning and was his usual electric self. He did say he was “excited” to be there, which is a change of pace for him. To be honest, it seemed like a lot of the coaches were happy to be back in front of real people talking about “the opportunity” and how their team “looks really good” instead of speaking into their laptop’s camera.

Chryst didn’t really speak about anything of substance during his time in front of the cameras, giving out such bon mots as “it’s all about scoring more points than your opponent.” He also was asked about how he can carry the momentum of the Milwaukee Bucks into the college football season and he went on an extended discussion about Giannis.

Riveting stuff.

Chryst did eventually talk about starting quarterback Graham Mertz who, he noted, has homed in on areas in which he can improve. Consistency, for Mertz and the offense in general, was again a talking point for Chryst.

The most interesting thing to come out of media days, so far, was the fact that 85% of the Badgers team is vaccinated. That’s a great number and should put the team in good shape heading into the fall. This came out after Chryst was done on stage, so it was probably only the local media that was around and so he felt more comfortable.

Everything we’ve heard about freshman RB Braelon Allen makes us like him even more. This kid is going to be a monster in Madison.