The Wisconsin Badgers are coming off a great “Rebound Season”. After a poor 2008 showing which saw the Badgers finish with a lackluster 7-6 record, they rebounded in 2009 to post a 10-3 record and be a factor in the Big Ten Race. A HUGE win over Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl have some people in the Cheese State saying “2010 Big Ten Champs”, but let’s slow down for a moment and assess the possibility for that claim to become a reality.
Head Coach Bret Bilema started his Wisconsin coaching career in 2006 (replacing the legendary Barry Alvarez). And he started with a bang, going 12-1 and finishing in the Top 5 in the final AP Poll. But after lofty expectations fell short in ’07 and ’08, many were wondering if Bilema was actually the right man for the job. After a vote of confidence in the offseason leading up to 2009 from Alvarez (now Wisconsin’s AD), Bilema seems to have righted the ship.
Wisconsin brings back one of the most overlooked players in the country in RB John Clay. A strong, burly runner much in the form of his legendary predecessors like Ron Dayne and PJ Hill, Clay has the chance to become this years version of Toby Gearhart. Last season as a sophomore, he ran for 1,517 and 18 TDs, numbers that can be respected in ANY conference.
QB Scott Tolzien also returns giving the Badgers plenty of confidence and experience under center. In his first year as the starter, Tolzien threw for 2700 yards and 16 TDs in a Big Ten conference that had some quality defenses.
WR Nick Toon (who’s father is former 1st round pick and 3 time pro-bowler Al Toon) is primed for a monster Junior year. As he developed into a lanky Sophomore frame, the Junior to be had 54 catches for 805 yards. Now with all 3 skill positions having massive experience, Toon’s numbers should sky-rocket and anything short of All-Big Ten honors might be considered a disappointment.
The defense will be the “unkown” for this years team. The secondary should be strong as they return 3 of 4 starters from ’09… but its just the opposite up front in the trenches. Only 1 starter from the defensive line returns (including the key loss of DE O’Brien Shoefield), and having a strong front 4 is key for any team in a conference that’s known for its tough line-play.
One thing that bodes well for the Badgers is their schedule. For a 2nd consecutive year, the Badgers avoid playing the Nittany Lions, which is a plus. Their non-conference schedule is one of the easiest in America, as they start off with 3 of their first 4 games being against UNLV, San Jose State, and Austin Peay. Then, the month of October, more than maybe any team in the country, will Make or Break this 2010 Wisconsin season. Road Trips to Michigan State and Iowa… and a home game against the Buckeyes that month, highlight an otherwise easy schedule.
With the ease of the schedule and a solid, experienced offense, I am picking Wisconsin to pose the biggest threat to Ohio State for the Big Ten Crown. 10-2 is a distinct possibility… and 11-1 is certainly reachable. If Wisconsin can beat Ohio State at home in mid-October, then Badger fans may be able to book their flights to Pasadena after all.
Key Returning Players:
QB Scott Tolzien
RB John Clay
WR Nick Toon
OT Gabe Carimi
SS Jay Valai
LB Culmer St. Jean
Key Games:
Sept 18 - Arizona State
Oct 2 - @ Michigan State
Oct 16 - Ohio State
Oct 23 - @ Iowa
Nov 20 - @ Michigan
Nov 27 - Northwestern
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