"We call them the specialists," senior teammate Paul Hubbard said.

For the last four years, kicker Taylor Mehlhaff and punter Ken DeBauche have been the face of the special teams for the Wisconsin football program.

"We both have been really lucky to play here for four years and get playing time all of those years," DeBauche said. "There are not many guys that can say that they have played for all four years."

Most overlook the impact the two have had on the program. Mehlhaff, who has handled kickoff duties all four years and attempted field goals for three, has a career field goal average of 77 percent (44-57). For the past two years, he has finished second in points scored on the team, averaging 95 total points. In his senior season so far, Mehlhaff is fourth in the Big Ten in field goals per game (1.5) and field goal percentage (88.2). With his prestigious left foot, Mehlhaff is tied as number one in the Big Ten in touchbacks (19).

"The biggest thing about being a kicker is gaining confidence, and every year I have improved," Mehlhaff said. "As a kicker, it is all about consistency, and as you get older you have the chance to go out there and do your job well."

Mehlhaff's confidence has led him to be honored as a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, which is given to the best kicker in college football.

Along with Mehlhaff, Ken DeBauche has had a more than impressive career as a Badger. Starting freshman year as the punter and the holder, he averages just over 42 yards per punt, ranking him second in school history. DeBauche has been a weapon for the Wisconsin defense, pinning the opponents deep in their own end by dropping 64 kicks inside the 20-yard line during his career.

After his 2006 season, Sporting News recognized DeBauche as the No. 2 punter in the nation. Before this season, DeBauche was named to the watch list for the Ray Guy Award, given annually to the best punter in college football.

"I have always had high expectations and goals for myself," DeBauche said. "I can't tell you what they were, and I can't tell you whether or not I have met them, but looking back, I wouldn't do anything differently."

Last week against Ohio State, DeBauche startled Badger fans twice on fake punts. The first attempt resulted in a 31-yard completion to fellow senior and punter Paul Standring.

The second fake punt — one which was actually called off by the coaching staff without DeBauche’s knowledge — was a run attempt deep in the Badgers’ own territory that was unsuccessful.

"I like trick plays, and I like having the ball in my hands," DeBauche said. "Even though I am a punter now, I always consider myself somewhat of a quarterback and wide receiver due to all my years around football. I think this week, however, I will stick to punting and see how that goes."

This coming weekend’s game against No. 12 Michigan will mark DeBauche, Mehlhaff and the rest of the UW seniors’ final game on the home turf of Camp Randall Stadium.

"It really hasn't hit me yet," DeBauche said. "It's different to think that this is going to be the last time we run out of the tunnel and play in front of the sea of red of 80,000 fans here at Camp Randall."

Between celebrating Senior Day and having a chance to play spoiler with Michigan’s Big Ten Conference championship hopes, there will be a little extra motivation when the Badgers take the field.

"It will be emotional for sure," Mehlhaff said. "We aren't going to prepare any different, and that's one of the things that Coach B always references to in his speeches. There is always a little extra incentive when you are playing a team like Michigan when they are competing for the conference."

With only two regular season games left and a bowl game at stake, the senior class will look to take on the leadership role necessary to lead the Badgers forward. This particular group has the ability to become the all-time leader in wins in Wisconsin football history with a single victory.

With kicker Taylor Mehlhaff and punter Ken DeBauche leading the charge as the catalysts on offense, the maize and blue might not know what is coming for them on Saturday.