Wisconsin Badgers
Big Ten Conference
The Badgers are a team known for having a massive offensive line and a punishing ground and pound. This year is no different, but the Badgers offense has proven they are one of the premier attacks in the nation. No longer do the Badgers essentially run every play and mix in a couple of play action passes to catch the defense napping. Now the Badgers have an explosive attack that is led on the ground by junior Montee Ball and sophomore James White. Their aerial assault is led by dual threat quarterback Russell Wilson. The Badgers have never had these two elements working for them at the same time, making this offense difficult for anyone in the nation to stop.
2011 Record: 11-2, 6-2
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Rose Bowl vs. TCU (L 19-21)
Big Wins: 10/1 Nebraska (48-17), 12/3 vs. Michigan State (42-39)
Bad Losses: 10/22 at Michigan State (31-37), 10/29 at Ohio State (29-33)
Coach: Brett Bielema (61-18 at Wisconsin 61-18 overall)
Bowl Record: 2-3 at Wisconsin, 2-3 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Paul Chryst
Defensive Coordinator: Chris Ash
Strengths:
The Badgers offense is the biggest strength of this team. Their offensive line is one of the biggest and most talented units in the nation, led by center Peter Kohnz and tackle Josh Oglesby. Their potent rushing attack is led by a very balanced runner in junior Montee Ball, who rushed for over 1,700 yards and totaled 38 touchdowns in the 2011 campaign. He has a very unique blend of speed, size, and power that makes him difficult to bring to the turf. Transfer signal caller, Russell Wilson, has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation and has totaled 2,879 yards and 31 touchdowns through the air this year. He completes a high percentage of his passes, which keeps the clock running and the chains moving, and he rarely makes mistakes. His favorite target has been Nick Toon, who reeled in 55 passes for 822 yards. Toon is a tall and physical wide out who can catch anything thrown in his general direction. This balanced attack has proven difficult to stop, as the Badgers have averaged over 44 points per game. However, it is not just the offense that has helped the Badgers dominate. Their defense has been very stingy this year, only giving up an average of 16 points per game.
Weaknesses:
The Badgers suffered back to back road losses on last second plays. Without these two plays the Badgers would still have been in the national title race. Many people are quick to blame the defense for the two losses, but when it really comes down to it, the weakness of this team is special teams. To be a great team you need to be great on special teams, and the Badgers simply are not. Although their punt return game is one of the best in the nation, their punting and field goal units have been awful. In both of their losses the Badgers had at least one blocked kick. It becomes next to impossible to win a game when you have a kick blocked, as they usually end up in touchdowns for the other team, or points off the board for your team. The Badgers had a blocked field goal against Michigan State and then a blocked punt that set up a touchdown soon after. In their loss to Ohio State the Badgers had a punt blocked that was returned for a touchdown. The Badgers need to clean up their special teams, and it will likely be a focal point of practices during their break before their bowl game.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Montee Ball, RB, 1,759 yards
Passing: Russell Wilson, QB, 2,879 yards
Receiving: Nick Toon, WR, 822 yards
Tackles: Mike Taylor, LB, 137
Sacks: Beau Allen, DT, 4.0
Interceptions: Antonio Fenelus, CB, 4; Shelton Johnson, S, 4
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 246.67 (10th in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 230.42 (63, 4)
Total Offense: 477.08 (12, 1)
Scoring Offense: 44.83 (4, 1)
Rushing Defense: 133.67 (44, 4)
Pass Defense: 144.50 (3, 1)
Total Defense: 278.17 (7, 2)
Scoring Defense: 15.17 (4, 1)
Turnover Margin: 1.17 (5, 1)
Sacks: 1.92 (56, 5)
Sacks Allowed: 1.67 (49, 5)
