Then there is the academic rigor.  While it is assumed that athletes at major college sports programs have it "easy", one only has to look at the course load offered to understand the difference in U of W and Davidson.  Davdison doesn't even offer a "communications" class...let alone an entire major.  Students at Davidson, EVERY student, has to take a similar course load...there are no easy classes or places for poor students to hide.  They are required to attend class (with the average class size of around 12 students it is hard not to be noticed by the professor).  Some of the students struggle academically for sure and if they do, they get an F.  There is no "grade curving" or passing students to make the school look good (see Stanford and the Ivy leagues).  Davidson is TOUGH whether you are playing in the Sweet 16 or on your way to med-school.

I'd be willing to bet that 60% of the Wisconsin team doesn't attend class at all this week.  The Davidson team on the other hand would be written up by their professors and the coach if they did not attend.  It is a different life.