MADISON, Wis. -- Timing is everything in sports. Good timing can lead to a game-saving tackle. It can also allow a 40-yard game-winning touchdown pass. The Wisconsin Badgers football team seems to think the timing of the team's bye week couldn't have been better.

"Just how everything fell at hand, " said running back John Clay. "We had a rough couple two weeks and then coming back, getting our collective thoughts together, and trying just to focus on our game, Wisconsin football. It was real good that this bye week came."

The Badgers started the season 5-0 only to lose on the road to Ohio State and then the following week at home to Iowa. For two weeks, the team has had to digest its 5-2 record. Players said they've used that time to focus on improving.

"Well, for me personally it was, take care of the ball and I think for an offense to make plays," quarterback Scott Tolzien said. "Find ways to move the ball down and find ways to score."

Coach Bret Beilema also reminded fans and the team that 5-2 is a pretty impressive start to the season. The Badgers season could still be deemed a success if they can get back to their winning ways.

"When we were having success in the beginning of the year guys were making plays," said Tolzien. "The last two games we weren't as a collective unit. So that was a big point of emphasis."