College Football Preseason Top 25: #7 Wisconsin

Al Dannity | Updated Oct 04, 2017

The last time Al Dannity wrote about the Badgers, it caused a storm amongst Wisconsin fans. This around around they should be a little happier, Al’s picking Wisconsin to win the Big Ten.

The schedule Three of Wisconsin’s first four games will be at home, with the Badgers hosting UNLV, Oregon State, and South Dakota. It’s not the meatiest slate but Wisconsin shouldn’t be criticized too much, the Beavers looked much stronger when this game was initially arranged. The lone early game outside of Madison will see the Badgers face Northern Illinois in a neutral-site game at Soldier Field.

The business end of the season begins with a bang. Can you imagine a better introduction to Big Ten Football for Nebraska then playing against the Badgers in Camp Randall? This promises to be a huge occasion with massive implications for both teams down the stretch. Back to back road games at Michigan State and Ohio State looked much harder before the Buckeyes felt the NCAA’s wrath. That game with the Spartans now stands out as the far more daunting of those two trips.

The players Wisconsin returns just 11 starters from 2010 the lowest of any Top 10 team we’ve profiled so far, but the depth in this squad gives cause for confidence. The bulk of the Badgers’ famed offensive line returns for 2011, giving James White the opportunity for a big year at running back. Wide receiver Nick Toon also has plenty to smile about. Entering the off-season the Badgers’ were lamenting the loss of Scott Tolzien at quarterback but in transfer Russell Wilson they have actually managed to upgrade that position. The arrival of Wilson moves the Badgers up from the status of contenders to favorites in the Big Ten. College Football betting fans can expect a balanced and dominant offense from the Badgers.

The forecast The Badgers’ are the first team on this list where I like their chances to run the table. Of all the teams that fit such criteria however I believe they have the toughest road to perfection. The non-conference slate should be kind to Wisconsin but there are just enough tough games on the Big Ten slate to get nervous about. Michigan State on the road and Nebraska at home stand out but even if they split these games, they should be good enough to make the Big Ten title game. Victory there would guarantee at least a return to the Rose Bowl and with Wilson under center I like their chances.

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