By Dan Harralson
The Wisconsin Badgers finished the 2009 campaign with an impressive Champs Sports Bowl win over Miami. Bret Bielema guided the Badgers to an overall 10-3 record and going 5-3 in the Big Ten. 2009 was bounce-back season after posting a 7-6 record in a much expected 2008 season. After Ohio State, Wisconsin is the favorite to finish second in the much improved Big Ten. If the Buckeyes do play in the BCS National Championship Game, a second place Big Ten finish will land the Badgers in Pasadena. The 2009 Wisconsin team was young and there are very few replacements in 2010. The talented youth will be more mature and game tested against Ohio State, Northwestern, and Iowa (all teams who defeated Wisconsin handedly in 2009.) Last year's young team showed how to win close games against Fresno State, Northern Illinois, Michigan State, and Indiana. Other than the Buckeye-led offense under Terrelle Pryor and an under-the-radar Michigan offense; this 2010 Wisconsin offense will be the best in the Big Ten. The Badgers return every offensive starter (including co-starter TE, Lance Kendricks.) Running back John Clay is coming off an excellent 2009 campaign and will look to have another solid 2010 season. David Gilreath and Nick Toon will solidify the running game as a solid one-two receiving punch for quarterback, Scott Tolzien. On defense, the Badgers will have to replace O'Brien Schofield at defensive end with J.J. Watt. The corner play will have to tighten up if they want to contend any big pass plays. In 2009, dink and dunk pass plays hurt the Badgers and in order for a rebound it starts with leader Jay Valai. Overall, Wisconsin has too many weapons on offense to overlap any major defensive mistakes in 2010. The Wisconsin Badgers should finish with a 10-2 regular season record.
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