2013 Outlook - Wisconsin

Last year the Wisconsin Badgers were as good as anyone in the Big 10. If not for last second losses on deep prayers against Michigan State and Ohio State, this team would have finished 13-1.  This season, I think Wisconsin can be just as good as last years squad.

Russell Wilson was the do it all offensive leader for the Badgers last year at QB.  Now, he is in Seattle battling for snaps with the Seahawks.  Former Maryland signal caller, Danny O'Brien is now the new QB in Madison, and although he fits the offense very well, I just do not see him replicating the output Wilson had last year.  Having said that, QB will not be a weakness for this team that holds them back.  With super producer Montee Ball returning at RB, and big fellas Ricky Wagner and Travis Frederick leading the way up front, I expect for Wisconsin to put up a lot of yards, especially on the ground.  Jared Abbrederis returns as the top receiving threat, but Wisconsin is not typically an overly pass happy team.  He should pair with O'Brien to be productive, but not prolific.  Any way you slice it though, the Bagers will put up yards, and translate that into points.

The defense last year was a bit up and down.  They had their bright spots, but they also struggled a bit in some areas.  Having JR DE David Gilbert return to the lineup will be a big addition.  Gilbert is quick off the edge, and although he is not yet JJ Watt, he was really outstanding in the 4 games he played last season before getting hurt. The linebackers are the stregnth of this defense.  JR MLB Chris Borland and SR OLB Mike Taylor make up an awesome 1-2 combination.  Together they will cover a lot of ground, and I'd expect to see one, if not both of these guys, in on almost every defensive play.  The only question with them is, can they stay healthy.  Last season, the secondary was inconsistent, despite having two 1st Team Big Ten All-Americans in the lineup.  This year they loose them both, and that should be a little nerve racking.  If this team has one serious concern, I think it to be the secondary.

I expect for the Badgers to be a very good team in 2013, but with their secondary, probably not National Title contenders.  They will however win a lot of games, and will no doubt be in the mixt for the Rose Bowl in January.