Foul Balls College Football Preview - Wisconsin Badgers
With the college football season just round the corner, Foul Ballshas decided it's about time we busted out our college football previews. Each weekday we will break down a team from the Big Ten Conference and tell you all the important things you need to know about them. After we're done covering the Big Ten, we'll move on to Notre Dame and other Chicago area schools. We'll be going from worst to first, and today we look at the Wisconsin Badgers.
2006 Record - 12-1, 7-1 2nd Big Ten
2007 Projection - 10-2
Most Important Player - That would be P.J. Hill. Wisconsin has always been known for its strong running attack, and even though they've opened things up under Bret Bielema, they're still a running team. Hill led the Big Ten in rushing yards as a freshman last season with 1,569 yards and 15 touchdowns. With an unsettled quarterback position, Hill is going to have to carry the load again this season. That could be good and bad news for the Badgers, though. There's no doubt they want the ball in Hill's hands, but there's also a strong question about his durability. It's going to be answered this season.
Who to watch on offense - They never get the credit they deserve, but the offensive line in Madison is strong, as usual. Four of the five starters from last season return, but the one player missing is a big loss, Outland Trophy winner Joe Thomas. Still, with Marcus Coleman, Eric Vanden Huevel, Andy Kemp and Kraig Urbik, things should be fine up front. Now who they'll be protecting, that's another story. The Badgers haven't named their starting quarterback yet, but odds are it will be Tyler Donovan. Donovan made the start in the Badgers last two regular season games in '06 and performed well in place of John Stocco. If it isn't Donovan, Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge will be taking the snaps. Whoever plays quarterback will have a nice big target in tight end Travis Beckum. If Beckum can learn to become a better blocker, he'll be one of the nation's premier tight ends. Luke Swan is a burner at wideout, and has the best hands on the team. Also watch out for Paul Hubbard who is very big (6'4, 215) and fast.
Who to watch on defense - The defense loses four starters from last year's team, but the least affected spot would be the defensive line. The Badgers will still be strong up front with Jason Chapman at tackle. Chapman is so quick off of the snap that he usually looks like he's offside on every play. There's also Matt Shaughnessy at defensive end who appears poised to become a monster this season. The linebackers are strong and fast. Jonathan Casillas plays the weakside, and is the second fastest player on the team. He's joined byDeAndre Levy on the other side, and Elijah Hodge in the middle. Hodge is the younger brother of the former Iowa backer Abdul Hodge, and most people believe Elijah is more athletic and has better instincts than his big bro, which is good news for Badgers fans. An area of concern is that Wisconsin will be starting two inexperienced safeties. One of them is Shane Carter, the extremely younger brother of former NFL great Cris Carter. Luckily for both safeties, Jack Ikegwuonu is playing one of the corner spots and he usually doesn't need any help from his safeties.
Impact Freshmen - Much like P.J. Hill burst onto the scene as a freshman last season, there's another possible impact freshman at running back. The Badgers will go into the season with Lance Smith penciled in as Hill's backup, but I don't think it will be long before John Clay takes over that spot. Also, keep an eye out for David Gilbreath at wide receiver.
Possible Upset - 10/13 @Penn State. The Badgers first real test of the season won't come until their seventh game. The Badgers struggled last season in a 13-3 victory over PSU in Madison, now they'll have to face them in Happy Valley. There's a very real possibility that the Badgers hopes of an undefeated season will end here.
Coaching - It's going to be hard for Bret Bielema to improve on his first season as the man in charge in Madison. Along with offensive coordinator Paul Chryst, and defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz, this is one of the best staffs in the Big Ten already. With them running the show, the Badgers are going to be good for a long time.
Bowl Expectations - A BCS bowl game is not out of the question for the Badgers. Of course neither is a Big Ten title or trip to the national championship game. The good news for the Badgers is they get Michigan at Camp Randall Stadium. The bad news is they have to make trips to Happy Valley and Columbus. If the Badgers can come out of those three games 2-1, they'll be playing in a BCS bowl.
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