Bielema guided the Badgers to a 12-1 overall record and 7-1 mark in the Big Ten (good for a second-place tie with Michigan). Wisconsin capped its record-setting 2006 season with a 17-14 win over Arkansas in the 2007 Capital One Bowl. No previous Wisconsin team had won more than 11 games in a season. In addition, Bielema became just the third rookie head coach in NCAA Division I history to pilot his team to 12 victories.Bielema’s efforts were rewarded when he was named the 2006 Dave McClain Big Ten Coach of the Year. Bielema also was named one of five finalists for the Bear Bryant National Coach of the Year Award and was a finalist for the 2006 Schutt Sports Division IA Coach of the Year Award