2011-2012 Football Previews – Big 10 Conference – Wisconsin Badgers
The Wisconsin Badgers took a big step last year, but now it is time to see if they can build on last year’s success. Wisconsin went 11-2 in 2010, and they narrowly missed winning the Rose Bowl.
Big Ten Conference 2011-2012 Football Previews: Wisconsin Badgers
Head Coach: Bret Bielema
2010 Record: 11-2
Wisconsin Gambling Odds from JustBet to win BCS: +3,000
Wisconsin Odds from JustBet to win Big Ten Leaders Division: +125
Wisconsin Odds from JustBet to win Big Ten Conference Championship: +200
Wisconsin Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>
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The team lost a few key components from last year, but they also had a huge gift fall right into their lap when Russell Wilson transferred to the school.
The Badgers have been near the top of the Big Ten in most recent years, but the current landscape gives them a chance to become a dominating team in the conference. Ohio State will certainly take steps back with all of their problems, and Michigan still has quite a ways to go in turning its program around. Wisconsin has plenty of pieces to the puzzle again this year.
Can they do something special?
Team Strengths:
The Badgers may have the best tailback tandem in the country. James White and Montee Ball both averaged more than six yards per carry last year, and they combined to run for 32 touchdowns. Both of them are patient runners who get the most out of every carry.
Don’t be surprised if both of these guys rush for 1,200 yards or more in 2011.
Russell Wilson adds an extra dimension to this team’s offense. Wilson is a big athletic quarterback who has all the tools to be a star in this system. Wilson was extremely successful with far less talent around him at North Carolina State. He will give Wisconsin the ability to open up the playbook and look to air it out deep once in a while.
I think Wilson will be a huge weapon for the Badgers this season.
The Badgers secondary should be an area of strength for the defense. Wisconsin will start three seniors in the secondary this year. Aaron Henry made great strides last season, and I expect him to be the leader of this unit.
Wisconsin has brought in some very talented cornerbacks in recent recruiting classes, so depth shouldn’t be an issue here.
Team Weaknesses:
The Badgers will need the defensive line to step up this year. J.J. Watt was a star on the line last year, but he is now in the NFL. Watt accounted for 21 of the team’s 66 tackles for loss in 2010. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
In order to live up to their full potential on defense, this team will need to get some pressure from the defensive front four.
The offense is stacked overall, but there is a lack of depth at the wide receiver spot. Nick Toon should be one of the best receivers in the conference, but Wisconsin will need someone else to step up and prove to be a reliable target.
The loss of Lance Kendricks, a terrific pass catching tight end, will hurt the offense as well.
2011-2012 Wisconsin Football Prediction: 12-1 (Winners of the Big Ten Leaders Division)
Wisconsin’s non-conference schedule is one of the easiest you’ll see. The Badgers will host Nebraska on October 1 in what should be an absolute showdown in Madison. Two straight road games at Michigan State and Ohio State in late October could decide the Badgers fate in the Big Ten.
Wisconsin always has a strong offensive line, and I think they’ll have that again this year. I think this team will have an absolutely dominating rushing attack, and Wilson will give them an ultra-talented quarterback as well.
If the defense can hold its own this year, the Badgers could definitely be in the national title picture.
I’m picking Wisconsin to win the Big Ten Leaders Division in 2011.
2011 Wisconsin Badgers Schedule
9/1/11 8:00 PM ET UNLV
9/10/11 12:00 PM ET OREST
9/17/11 12:00 PM ET NOILL
9/24/11 12:00 PM ET SDC
10/1/11 8:00 PM ET NEB
10/15/11 12:00 PM ET IND
10/22/11 8:00 PM ET @MCHST
10/29/11 8:00 PM ET @OHIST
11/5/11 12:00 PM ET PURD
11/12/11 12:00 PM ET @MINN
11/19/11 12:00 PM ET @ILL
11/26/11 12:00 PM ET PENST
