College Football 2011-2012 Preview: #5 Wisconsin Badgers

The college football season is just a couple months away, and it is never too soon to start taking a look at the top teams in the country. Over the next few days I’ll be previewing my top five teams in college football. I believe plenty of teams have a legitimate chance at a national title this year. Let’s start off with a preview of my #5 team, the Wisconsin Badgers.

Wisconsin Badgers 2011-2012 College Football Preview and Predictions

Coach: Bret Bielema

2010 Record: 11-2 (Lost to TCU in Rose Bowl)

Wisconsin Odds from BetOnline to Win BCS Championship (+3,200)

Wisconsin Odds from JustBet to win Big 10 Title Game (+200)

The big news surrounding the Wisconsin Badgers football program is that Russell Wilson has transferred in from North Carolina State. Wilson is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country and Wisconsin should be a terrific fit for him. The Badgers had a question mark at the quarterback spot, but now it should be an area of strength. These Badgers picked up a Big 10 Championship last year, and they’ll be looking to do the same this year.

Team Strength:

It would be difficult to find a team with a better tailback tandem than the Badgers. Montee Ball and James White are both tremendous, and they have different strengths that the offensive coordinator will definitely game plan around. What’s the best news of all? Wisconsin’s offensive line should be one of the top two or three in the nation. Expect Wisconsin to dominate the opposition on the ground this year.

Team Weakness:

The defensive line is a bit inexperienced after losing star J.J. Watt. Wisconsin struggled to pressure the quarterback even with Watt last year, and you have to think they will struggle again to get to the opposing quarterback. The secondary will be solid, but the front seven must improve in 2011.

Schedule:

The Big Ten opener for the Badgers will be at home against Nebraska, and that should be a very tough test. They’ll travel to Ohio State in late October for what should be a hotly contested game. Don’t overlook the trip to Illinois on November 19, since the Fighting Illini could certainly have the talent to knock off a top team or two this year.

2011-2012 Wisconsin Football Predictions: 11-2 (Winner of the Big Ten Leaders Division and Big Ten Title Game)

While most see the Badgers dropping back this year, I think the addition of Wilson makes this team extremely dangerous. This rushing attack will be terrific, and Wilson will give them even more balance on offense. Expect Wisconsin to be a very tough team to beat in 2011. I’m predicting a second straight Rose Bowl berth for this team, and this time I think they’ll win in their trip to Pasadena.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Kyle Hunter

is full-timesports writer and sports handicapper. You simply won’t find someone who loves sports more than Kyle. Kyle considers college football and college basketball his two favorite sports. Kyle has earned many accolades for his highly successful handicapping, and he writes full-time for many top sports websites. Keep an eye out for high quality free sports analysis from Kyle!

Latest posts by Kyle Hunter (see all)

• St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Pick - May 25, 2013
• MLB Trends for Series Starting 5/24 - May 24, 2013
• Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox Pick - May 23, 2013
• New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles Pick - May 22, 2013
• MLB Trends for Series Starting 5/20 - May 20, 2013

Related posts:

1. Wisconsin Badgers vs. Michigan Wolverines Picks: 2010 NCAA Football Betting
2. NCAA Football Betting: Northwestern Wildcats vs. Wisconsin Badgers Pick
3. NCAA Football Betting: Wisconsin Badgers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Picks
4. NCAA Football Betting: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers Picks
5. TCU Horned Frogs vs. Wisconsin Badgers Picks: 2011 Rose Bowl Pick