Badgers fire O-line coach after poor start

At least one head rolled following Wisconsin's tumultuous start to its 2012 campaign.

Mike Markuson was fired as the Badgers' offensive line coach following the team’s 10-7 loss to Oregon State on Saturday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Wisconsin (1-1) narrowly escaped with a 26-21 win over FCS opponent Northern Iowa two weeks ago, but its upset loss against reeling Oregon State (3-9 last year) was enough to force the program to make changes.  

Markuson, 51, will be replaced by Bart Miller, who is in his second season as Wisconsin’s offensive quality control coordinator, the Sentinel reported.

UW rushed for 3,000 yards in each of the last two seasons. But this season, with potential Heisman Trophy candidate Montee Ball at running back, the team has averaged only 2.9 yards per carry.