So far, the Crystal Ball Run Top 10 has looked at a handful of the teams we expect to do big things this season. We’ve looked at South Carolina, Oklahoma State, Arkansas and Boise State.
And today, Michael Felder of InTheBleachers.net is back and ready to break down Wisconsin.
We can’t tell you if they’re “Leaders,” or “Legends,” but what we can tell you is, they’re the odds on favorite in the new “B1G.”
Crystal Ball Run Preseason Top 10
No. 6 – Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin In One Word: Opportunity
Russell Wilson is in the house for the Badgers. They lose big time studs Gabe Carimi and JJ Watt, but by and large the Badgers roster is intact with Nick Toon on the edge and their stable of running backs set to run behind that massive offensive line. Wilson is going to be the guy to watch this year; without him, this is the same old Badgers, a team set to overpower teams and benefit from a tough physical brand of football for another year. With him, they add a dimension of playmaking that they have not had at the position in recent history.
The opportunity is there. In the first year in the Big Ten with 12 teams, for the Badgers the question is will they answer the bell?
Why Wisconsin Will Live Up To Their Billing:
There is no doubt that this Wisconsin club is engineered for sustained success. Even in losing draft picks on each line, the Badgers are set up to make a run for back-to-back Big Ten titles. With Bret Bielema landing former ACC Player of the Year Russell Wilson, he has created an issue that previous opponents have not had to counteract: the uncertain. Wilson is not a spread option quarterback that throws some. He’s a drop back passer with some wiggle, a guy who is capable of prolonging plays with his legs to hit open receivers. If things break down, he can pick up that morale-killing first down on a tired defense.
Guys like Aaron Henry, Antonio Fenelus, Louis Nzegwu and Kevin Claxton will anchor a defense that plays tough football. The secondary is experienced, and as the Badgers figure out who will be their pass-rushing specialist, the back end is well prepared to cover up holes and let the defensive line get to the quarterback.
Why Wisconsin Could Disappoint:
There’s a reason JJ Watt got drafted 11th overall by the Texans – he is damn good. The guy can play the run and pass adeptly. He’s a big loss. If the defense is not capable of making up for his loss, that secondary is going to have to give the line a chance to work out the kinks. If those first four games are not enough time, then the Badgers’ stretch where they play Nebraska, Michigan State and Ohio State in the middle of the season could create a stumbling block that can keep them from the championship game
Even if the defense does come together, the other issue of Russell Wilson absorbing the offense still remains. Wilson not only missed spring ball for the Badgers, but he also took well into the summer to make his decision on where his football future would play out. That is a lot of book time, rep time and camaraderie-building opportunities missed by the player. If he falters, the issues will be apparent on the field as teammates begin to second guess his addition and the fans and media wonder why they wasted time taking the transfer instead of sticking to their successful system.
Key Game: Nebraska (Oct. 1)
Nebraska in the first week of October is going to be an early indicator of how successful Russell Wilson can be in the Big Ten. After opening up with the easy slate of UNLV, Oregon State, Northern Illinois and South Dakota, the Huskers come to town in what will be the league’s first marquee game. If the Badgers can welcome the Cornhuskers into the league by putting them in their place, the Badgers should enter the bye week at 5-0 with plenty of confidence. Drop this game, and the questions will begin as they take on two of the other league favorites, Sparty and Ohio State, in the coming weeks.
On The Spot: Bret Bielema
Some would look to Russell Wilson here as his immediate success entering Big Ten play against Nebraska is a clear point of note. However, Bret Bielema is going to be the guy truly on the spot. Russell Wilson has to work, because prior to his addition, the Badgers were already aiming at repeating as champions. Bielema decided to cast his lot in with a talented transfer. Win, and he becomes a genius of sorts who might be able to get the Badgers over the hump. Lose, and looks a bit like Houston Nutt disrupting his system when he grabbed Jeremiah Masoli for a year.
Final Verdict:
Wisconsin is a good football team with or without Russell Wilson. Many speculate as to how his style is going to transfer into the Big Ten’s physical play, and after watching him play, those concerns are legitimate. Wilson is not a big kid, and the thought of a big, physical defense getting some shots on him should give folks pause. But he’s managed to avoid these situations in the past and he is not signing up to run the spread option in Madison.
Expect the added dimension of Wilson to see some growing pains, but Nick Toon getting loose down the field for a big gainer or Wilson scampering down the sidelines for a first down should quell people’s questions. There is plenty of room for opportunity in Madison. Expect this Badgers unit to look much like the teams we’ve grown used to, only with the added element of what made Wilson great in the ACC.
Best Case Scenario: 12-0, Big Ten champion, BCS title
Worst Case Scenario: 9-3, Capital One Bowl
Be sure to follow Michael on Twitter @InTheBleachers.
And be sure to follow Crystal Ball Run @CrystalBallRun.
