Wisconsin Badgers:
The celebrated hiring of coach Luke Fickell fell well short of the hype. Fickell went 7-6 in his first year at Wisconsin, and his second chance might not go any better. As with most Big Ten teams, the Badgers must deal with a scheduling grind that includes Alabama, USC, Penn State, Iowa, Oregon and Nebraska. Fickell turned around the Cincinnati program in his second year by going from 4-8 to 11-2, but his magic touch is unlikely to be realized so soon in Madison.
Offense
Injuries were a factor, but a new offensive system that was designed to feature a better passing attack simply flopped. Late in the season, the Badgers scored only 14 points in a loss at Indiana and 10 points in a stunning home loss to Northwestern. Things are not going to change much unless Miami transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke triggers something special. First, the inconsistent Van Dyke has to beat out sophomore Braedyn Locke, who started three games, for the No. 1 job and keep it. Leading rusher Braelon Allen is gone, but Chez Mellusi returns in the backfield and Tawee Walker arrives as an Oklahoma transfer. The receiver group looks good with Will Pauling and Bryson Green back after productive seasons. The Badgers will start three seniors on a typically tough line.
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Defense
Fickell plans to start eight veterans on a defense that allowed 20.2 PPG and kept the team within striking range in narrow losses to Iowa, Ohio State and LSU. Jaheim Thomas, a transfer from Arkansas and Cincinnati, will step in as a leader at a linebacker spot along with Darryl Peterson, who led the team with 4.5 sacks. The secondary features pro prospects Ricardo Hallman (seven interceptions last season) and Hunter Wohler (120 tackles, two interceptions).
Outlook
After some of last year’s disasters, it’s tough to be too optimistic about the Badgers. An improved offense is the key to the season. Aside from Western Michigan, South Dakota and Purdue, who all come to Madison, there are no opponents that present sure-fire wins. However, Wisconsin should beat Northwestern and Minnesota and, if all of that happens, would need two wins in the other seven games to get Over the win total of 6.5. It’s easier said than done, but Fickell’s track record instills just enough faith.
Pick: Over 6.5 Wins
