Wisconsin Badgers
Overall Rank #4
#1 Big Ten
2010 Record: 11-2
2010 Bowl: Rose Bowl versus Texas Christian (L19-22)
Coach: Bret Bielema 49-16 at Wisconsin (49-16 Overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Paul Chryst
Defensive Coordinator: Chris Ash
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: James White, RB, 1086 Yards
Passing: Jon Budmary, QB, 134 Yards
Receiving: Nick Toon, WR, 469 Yards
Tackles: Mike Taylor, LB, 58
Sacks: Louis Nzegwu, DE, 3
Interceptions: Antoni Fenelus, CB, 4
Other Key Returnees: *Transfer QB Russell Wilson, 3563 Yards at NC State*, Montee Ball RB, Chris Borland LB, Peter Konz C
Key Losses: Scott Tolzien QB, David Gilerthe WR, Lance Kendricks TE, J.J. Watt DE
The Badgers lost their defensive coordinator, Dave Doeren to Northern Illinois as he filled their head coaching vacancy. The pressure is on both Head Coach Brett Bielema, and new defensive coordinator Chris Ash to make this Wisconsin defense work. The Badgers also have accepted a transfer request from Russell Wilson, who is currently penciled in as their starter, effectively eliminating any questions marks about the Wisconsin quarterback position.
Strengths:
The Badgers rushing attack has been one of the nation’s best for a long time. This year is no different. Wisconsin is led by five mammoth offensive lineman, LT Ricky Wagner, LG, Travis Frederick, C, Peter Konz , RG, Kevin Zeitler, and RT Josh Oglesby. These five men will be responsible for paving the way for the two headed rushing attack that Wisconsin has in Montee Ball and James White. Quarterback Russell Wilson is a gifted athlete and gives Wisconsin great options in both run and passing situations. Wisconsin does an excellent job of taking care of the football, as well as controlling the clock, as evidenced by their 33 minutes time of possession each game, which is good for 6th best in the nation.
Weaknesses:
The Badgers defense has a few question marks after not only losing their coordinator, but also losing their best player in J.J.Watt, who was selected 11th overall in the NFL draft by the Houston Texans. The Badgers will be looking at both defensive ends, Louis Nzegwu, and David Gilbert, to step up in a big way to replace what they lost in the departure of Watt. The anchors in the middle, DT’s Patrick Butrym and Ethan Hemer, also need to play well for this Badgers defense to be success. This unit not only needs to generate pressure as a committee, but they also need to play stout against the run. Linebackers Mike Taylor and Chris Borland are also going to need to be key contributors for this Badgers defense to be good enough to meet expectations.
Bottom Line:
The Badgers are a very talented group this year. They have playmakers on both sides of the football, which makes them dangerous at any given point in a game. Because the Badgers have one of the biggest offensive lines and best rushing attacks in the nation, every game the Badgers play will be a tightly contested game. The Badgers love to pound the ground and see who the last man is standing. They believe 99 times out of 100 they will win those games. The Badgers can compete with any team in the nation as they make their bid for a BCS National Championship birth.
2011 Projected Bowl: Rose Bowl
2010 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 246.69 (12th in nation, 2 in conference)
Passing Offense: 199.46 (75,9)
Total Offense: 445.15 (21,3)
Scoring Offense: 41.46 (5,1)
Rushing Defense: 127.85 (26,3)
Pass Defense: 193.92 (26,3)
Total Defense: 321.77 (20,2)
Scoring Defense: 20.54 (25,3)
Turnover Margin: 1.08 (6,1)
Sacks: 1.77 (T76,2)
Sacks Allowed: 1.08 (18,4)
Madness 2012 NFL Draft Rankings:
#73 Josh Oglesby
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