This is an underwhelming projection compared to the hype the Badgers are getting this preseason. Allow me to underwhelmed by a team whose replacing its Quarterback and Top 5 pick Left Tackle and whose 12-1 record last year included wins over Bowling Green, Western Illinois, San Diego State, Northwestern, and Buffalo and didn't include a game against Ohio State. Bret Bielema is getting a lot of buzz as preseason prognosticators are a lot like 22 year olds who don't get enough attention from their dads, they're easily seduced by successful men in their 30's.
Projected Record and Bowl Result: 10-3 Beat Alabama in Outback Bowl
Who they'll beat: Washington State (Home), UNLV (Road), The Citadel (Home), Iowa (Home), Michigan State (Home), Illinois (Road), Northern Illinois (Home), Indiana (Home), Minnesota (Home), Alabama (Tampa, FL)
Who'll beat them: Penn State (Road), Ohio State (Road), Michigan (Home)
When they Pass: The favorite to win the Quarterback job is a fifth-year senior named Tyler Donovan. I thought he played in MLS. Expect Tight End Travis Beckum (you see why I'm not high on this team, too many soccer names) will be a go-to receiver for whomever replaces John Stocco.
When they Run: P.J. Hill is the returning Big Ten leading rusher, as he goes into his sophomore year, he carries a lot of the Badgers expectations on his shoulders. Joe Thomas won't be as missed on this part of the offense as the rest of the line does return.
When their Opponents Run: Three of the four starting defensive lineman return but the Badgers will miss Defensive End Joe Monty. This line will have to come up big against Big Ten teams like Michigan and Ohio State who are back to running the ball primarily.
When their Opponents Pass: Both corners from the 2nd best passing defense in the nation return.
When they Kick: Badger fans will take comfort in having two seniors doing the kicking and punting. Taylor Mehlhaff and Ken DeBauche are the best kicking combo in the Big Ten.
When they call Timeout: Bielema may be the next Bear Bryant, last season isn't enough to crown him so however. If this projection comes true and he beats another SEC team in a bowl game, it will catch the attention of the fickle fanbases there.
1 comment:
I agree with you about Wisconsin. In fact I think you are being too kind to them. They will probably lose at least those 3 regular season games, and maybe a fourth. Then they'll lose in a bowl and be a 5 loss team.
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